Since the news of a Covid-19 vaccine coming to India appeared, many questions have arisen as to how it will be administered to everyone in the country and who will get it first. Now, according to several news reports, the central government is preparing to administer the vaccine to around 19.5% of the population. Who are 19.5% of the population?
According to the health ministry, 19.5% consists of the group of people above 50 years of age, chronic critical illness patients, frontline workers and healthcare workers who will be the first recipients of the Covid-19.
This means that states with a huge number of people above 50 years will be getting larger doses of the Covid-19. According to several reports, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are likely to receive more doses of Covid-19 vaccine than other states, as a huge number of people above the age of 50 years are residing in these states. However, Kerala is also likely to get more vaccine doses as the state has the highest percentage of people with diabetes and hypertension, according to data from the National Family Health Survey of 2019-20.
Meanwhile, on Monday afternoon, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar reiterated PM Modi’s statement that the Covid-19 vaccine will be soon available in the country and has asked the public not to lower their guard. Speaking at the International Coronavirus Short Film Festival, Javadekar said: “The Covid-19 vaccines will come soon to India. Currently, four vaccines are under preparations, and hopefully, within a few months, it will come.” He added: “Please keep in mind, taking the vaccine doesn’t mean that you are free to go anywhere and do anything. After the first dose is given, it may take at least two months before the anti-bodies are created, and a second vaccine dose is given. Please do not lower your guard and take care of your health.”
Meanwhile, according to reports, Serum Institute of India’s Covishield and Bharat Biotech International Ltd’s Covaxin is India’s current frontrunner in the Vaccine race. Recently, the Union Health Ministry has issued operational guidelines to states and Union Territories for the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine when scientists give the final clearance for vaccine usage.