Non-starter again: No vax for 18-44 age group, says K’taka

Non-starter again: No vax for 18-44 age group, says K’taka

Only Priority Groups To Be Notified

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:23.05.2021

Karnataka’s flip-flop on the vaccination drive continued, with the health department on Saturday categorically saying vaccine for the 18-44 age group is currently unavailable. Frontline workers and priority groups in the the age bracket, however, would be notified soon.

As vaccination for the18-44 age bracket was kickstarted again on Saturday — after the drive was suspended on May 14 after three days due to shortage of vaccine — 22,788 people were administered shots.

However, the National Health Mission-Karnataka, which oversees immunisation, issued a statement to “provide clarity” on the vaccination plan, citing prevailing confusion among citizens.

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Karnataka on Saturday tightened border control and made a Covid -ve certificate must for all inter-state travellers. “We’ve barricaded not only major roads but also minor ones as we did last time,” home minister Bommai said. TNN

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1 lakh got jab on Sat

U nder for 18 the -44 head years “vaccination age group”, the statement signed by mission director Arundhati Chandrasekhar said, “currently not available”. It went on to add that frontline workers/vulnerable group and priority groups, however, “will be informed of date and time of vaccination by the designated nodal officers”.

This is the third time in recent weeks that the government has changed its stand on vaccinating those under 44 years of age. On Thursday, health minister K Sudhakar said vaccination for the age group will begin on May 22 and frontline workers along with priority groups will be vaccinated first. The government admitted that Covaxin was not available to be administered as first dose for those above 45. “We are currently not in a position to give it to senior citizens who prefer it,” a health department official said.

For those above 45 years and seeking the second dose of Covaxin, the department said an SMS will be sent to the beneficiary and the latter should visit the designated vaccination centre mentioned in it. But the move lacks clarity as several people had registered themselves from others’ mobiles. As for Covishield shots to those aged 45 and above, the first dose is available through online appointments in urban areas and onsite registration in rural areas. Walk-ins are allowed for second dose. In all, just over 1 lakh people were vaccinated in Karnataka on Saturday.

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