It is unlikely that vaccination of those above 18 years of age will begin from May 1. It has been reported that for the third phase of vaccinations, the Union Territory doesn’t have enough vaccines.
“We have placed orders for vaccines but it will take, at least, 20 days. The vaccination drive for 18-45 years of age will start after we get these doses,” an official in the health department told.
“I contacted at least three private centres apart from the government centre but was told that vaccines were not available. The officials asked me to contact them again the next day as they were expecting fresh doses,” told Idress Ahmad. He was booking slot for his parents.
Given the irregular supply of doses in Jammu Kashmir, the ongoing vaccination drive, too, is facing challenges. On Wednesday, it was reported that many vaccination centers had run out of the vaccines. A large number of people had to return from these vaccination centers empty handed, and were told that they’ll have to wait for new the new stock.
Officials have claimed that the shortage will be met in the coming days and that it is due to the spike in demand that the stock is over.
The official figures state that the administration has vaccinated around 22 lakh people, which is the fifty percent of their target for the age group of people above 45.
In the next phase of vaccination, of people between the age group 18-45, the centre plans to vaccinate, atleast, 65 lakh people.
It has been planned that 3,000-4,000 vaccination centers will be established for the purpose. Although, the success of the campaign will depend on the availability of the vaccines.
Jammu Kashmir has witnessed a rapid surge in the number of Corona positive cases. In the month of April itself, 199 deaths have been reported in the region and there were 22,283 active cases, as of Tuesday.
In the wake of the circumstances, the administration, on Wednesday, announced a Covid lockdown from Thursday evening extending to Monday.