In a recent development regarding vaccination drive, Maharashtra state has received nearly 27 lakh doses of coronavirus vaccine as the Covid-19 vaccination for all people aged 45 years commences from Thursday. Dr. Dilip Patil, a State immunization officer said that while there will be no specific time slots people will have to register online or do walk-in registration at vaccination centers.
“The only change is that they don’t have to carry any comorbidity certificate. They can simply come with any age and identity proof document,†he told while talking to the media. The number of sessions in Maharashtra could be raised from 2,800 to 3,200 in the coming weeks, he added. Mumbai will also receive fresh stocks of 2.25 lakh doses in addition to the already 1.5 lakh stockpile.
Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 39,544 of which Mumbai reported 5,399 new COVID-19 cases, which pushed its total to 4,14,773. It also reported 15 deaths, due to which its fatality count grew to 11,690.
Despite BMC commissioner IS Chahal stating that the daily target should be 1 lakh vaccinations, Mumbai’s average turnout saw a drop from 45,000 to 28,000-30,000 last week. Addressing the issue, Additional municipal commissioner, Suresh Kakani said they are in talks of preparing more vaccine centers in hopes of reaching more people. Nurses have also been hired to work double shifts. He also expressed concerns over people from slum pockets who are not able to get vaccinated as against those from upper and middle strata who have taken the shots.