E-Paper
Rise in demand for precaution doses as Covid cases surge in Pune
At least 14,497 beneficiaries received the precaution doses between May 7 and May 13. The number has seen an increase in the last week of May to 24,874. From June 4 to June 6 alone, 10,468 beneficiaries have taken the booster dose
As Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra has reported a spike in the last few days, the number of beneficiaries taking the precaution doses has also increased. From 85,502 beneficiaries taking the precaution doses between May 7 and May 13, the last week of May reported the number reaching 147,323. Between June 4 and June 6, 56,503 beneficiaries took the booster dose in Maharashtra.
Since January, Maharashtra has administered 29,29,573 booster doses.
A similar trend is also seen in Pune district. At least 14,497 beneficiaries received the precaution doses between May 7 and May 13. The number has seen an increase in the last week of May to 24,874. From June 4 to June 6 alone, 10,468 beneficiaries have taken the booster dose.
On Monday, 71 new Covid-19 infections were reported in Pune district, according to the state health department. The active cases also increased to 534 in the district with no new deaths.
Dr Sachin Desai, state immunisation officer, said that the response to precaution doses has seen a rise in the past few weeks.
“More beneficiaries who are eligible for precaution doses are taking it. If the response to vaccination increases, we have sufficient supply at present. There are enough doses for all beneficiaries,” said Dr Desai.
Many doctors and frontline workers earlier noted that due to technical glitches, they were not able to get the precautionary dose. However, now many are eligible for the same and are taking jabs.
Dr Sanjay Patil, chairman, Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Hospital Board of India, Pune chapter, said that there are over 45 per cent of healthcare professionals have not taken the booster dose.
“Now that Covid-19 cases are increasing, these beneficiaries should take the booster dose to ensure that they are safe. After vaccination, some may test positive but the symptoms will be mild and complications less. For healthcare professionals and frontline workers, it is a must to ensure that they take vaccination to safeguard themselves and their families from the infection,” said Patil.
He further added that there are still many beneficiaries who have not taken first and second doses as well.
“With rising cases, they should also take the jabs as soon as possible,” added Dr Patil.
Ayush Prasad, chief executive officer (CEO), Zilla Parishad, said that we have started vaccination centres across the district.
“We have at least 150 doses of each centre and most centres are functional now to encourage more and more beneficiaries to take the jab,” said Prasad.
In Pune district so far, 1,47,77,195 beneficiaries from the age group of 18 to 44 years have taken the jabs. At least 35,01,523 beneficiaries from the age group of 45 to 60 years and 25,16,265 beneficiaries have received vaccination in the age group of 60 years and above.
