The increase in the rate of vaccination is mainly due to improved supplies, while the Center has also been pressuring states to increase inoculation coverage, especially that of the second dose, mainly in the run-up to the coming holidays.
While supplies are expected to improve even further, the government estimates a dose of 20 to 22 million euros in September and another 25-30 million in October. The last two months of the year are expected to receive 35 doses of crora each, a senior official said.
“Overall, it is estimated that around 185 doses of crora will be provided in December,” he said.
As of Tuesday morning, more than 64.36 doses of crora vaccine had been supplied, of which about 5.42 doses of crora were balanced and unused doses available in the states and UTs. In addition, there were almost 15 lakh in dose.
In August, about 18 doses of crore were administered, compared with 13.45 doses in July and 11.97 crores in June.
Overall, more than 65.26 million doses were given as of Tuesday at 10 p.m., of which 77% are first doses. Currently, almost 39% of the country’s total population has received at least one dose, while 23% are fully immunized against Covid-19 with both shots.
Although the government has prioritized the adult population of 94 million euros, considered more vulnerable in terms of mortality from infection, for vaccination in December this year, about 53% of those over 18 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
With the increase in the rate of vaccination supported by improved supplies, the government expects the majority of eligible adult population across the country to be vaccinated with at least one dose in October.