Ramping Up Vaccine supply

What is the issue?

It is less than a month after the Centre revised its vaccination policy and took over the responsibility of vaccine procurement from the States.
But, old worries of vaccine supply constraint appear to have resurfaced.

What is the current vaccination pace?

The Centre’s CoWIN database shows that the weekly pace of vaccination has declined to nearly 60% of what was seen in the week after June 21.
This has caused several States, particularly in South India, to complain of a shortage.
On June 21, 2021 the first day of the new policy, 91 lakh doses were administered.
Until June 27, it was about 4 crore.
The peak of June 21-27 saw 60 lakh vaccines a day becoming the norm.
However, the last time India crossed that daily figure was July 3.
So, the period July 5-11 saw only 2.3 crore vaccine doses dispensed.

What is the vaccination coverage so far?

India still has managed to inoculate only 33% of its adult population with at least one dose.
And just about 8% have been fully vaccinated (two doses).
At this rate, it is impossible for the Centre to deliver on its stated goal of inoculating all Indian adults by the end of 2021.
Also, there are clear signs of increasing number of cases.
The nature of rise in cases and deaths in countries such as the U.S. and U.K suggests that India is not totally out of danger.

What does this call for?

The concerns over a third wave have been voiced.
But meaningful preparedness entails having enough vaccines.
At least 86 lakh doses have to be administered every day.
This target has to be met if all Indian adults are to be fully vaccinated by the end of 2021.
Centre continues to put the onus on States for planning but does not address the concern of inadequate Covaxin supplies.
It has ordered at least 8 crore doses since January 2021 but only 4.7 crore have been administered.
While daily vaccination rates will see spikes and dips, aggressive publicity measures and campaigns are necessary to boost vaccination.
The Centre and States must work together towards this.

Source: The Hindu