E-Paper
Booster dose: Pune district’s beneficiary count stands third in Maha
Pune is the state’s third most inoculated district for precaution dose after the free booster dose was launched by the Centre on July 15
Pune is the state’s third most inoculated district for precaution dose after the free booster dose was launched by the Centre on July 15. Over 125,463 beneficiaries have received the third jab till July 24. Mumbai and Thane are the top two districts with maximum booster dose beneficiaries since the start of Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi, the 75-day free vaccination drive underway at government immunisation centres.
According to the state health department, there are 5,901,934 beneficiaries due in Pune district for the precaution dose in the 18-45 years age group. The total third dose taker count due in Maharashtra is 51,419,614.
Dr Sachin Desai, state immunisation officer, said that there is no shortage of vaccines at government centres.
“The inoculation of beneficiaries for precaution dose under the free vaccination drive has seen a considerable increase. We have vaccinated 1,383,307 beneficiaries in Maharashtra from July 16 till July 24. Many have taken their second dose also. There are 17,507,528 beneficiaries due for the second dose in the state,” said Dr Desai.
Though third jab was available for 18-45 age group at private vaccination centres as a paid dose, the free vaccination drive by the Centre has increased the turnout, health officials said.
Dr Desai said, “There are around 15 lakh vaccines available with the state health department. Vaccines nearing the expiration date are being used first.”
Under the Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi, a 75-day free vaccination campaign was launched from July 15 for citizens above the age of 18 years. For vaccination between July 15 and July 24, there were 147,976 beneficiaries in Maharashtra who have been given the first jab of Covid vaccine. Around 307,444 beneficiaries have revived the second dose during the same time in Maharashtra.
Third jab
Districts with highest booster dose coverage in Maharashtra under the 75-day free vaccination drive launched on July 15.
Mumbai/Total beneficiaries/Dose takers
7,249,517/139,813
Thane/4.439,167/130,680
Pune/5,901,934/125,463
Maharashtra/51,419,614/1,383,307
Source: State health department
