Maharashtra State Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said the State has received 9 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses, which will be used for the 45 years and above age group.

He admitted that for the 45 years and above age group, there have been barely 25,000-30,000 vaccine doses left throughout the state. “We had to shut various sessions for vaccination. However, now we have got 9 lakh doses and these will be utilized for this age group. The doses will be accordingly distributed to each district,” he stated.

The Minister further stated the state authorities will look forward to Adar Poonawalla, chief of Serum Institute of India (SSI), to return from London, after which talk about how extra Covishield doses might be procured for the state.

“We will try to ensure that the state can procure maximum number of doses once he returns,” Tope stated at a press convention. “The state has made purchase orders of 18.50 lakh vaccine doses (13.81 lakh Covishield and 4.79 lakh Covaxin doses) towards vaccination of the 18-44 age group. The state is also involved in the procurement of Sputnik V vaccine, once the rates are finalised. Dr Reddy’s is the co-partner and we are engaged in discussions with them,” he stated.

As per reports, thus far, 1.65 cr beneficiaries within the 45 and above age group have been administered the vaccine whereas, within the final 4 days, a complete of 1 lakh beneficiaries within the 18-44 age group have been given the vaccine shot.

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