Centre urges States, UTs to focus on second dose of Covid vaccination

New Delhi : The Centre has urged the states and union territories to focus on second dose immunisation of eligible population as the vaccines doses are adequately available in the country.

Reviewing the progress of COVID-19 vaccination with health secretaries and MDs of National Health Mission of states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan highlighted that a sizeable number of beneficiaries who are eligible have not received their 2nd dose, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday.

Bhushan urged the top officials present in the meeting to focus on these second vaccination dose, according to a release shared by the ministry.

“Many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their 2nd dose. Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses to the States/UTs so that they can complete the aforesaid task,” the ministry said.

“States and UTs were advised to identify and prioritize districts having low coverage for focused action and explore requirement for mobilization efforts, addressing local challenges, need for additional Covid Vaccination Centres and improving access in rural areas. They were also requested to share their strategies to enhance second dose coverage,” it added.

Pointing that the nation is close to administering a billion doses, Bhushan also congratulated the states/UTs on their effort to vaccinate all citizens, the ministry said further.

The Union Health Ministry also asked the states and UTs for suggestions over forming new guidelines for international travel.

“The Health Ministry has issued various SOPs over the last one year for International Travel. It is in the process of reviewing the guidelines in consultation with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs. States/UTs were also requested to share their suggestion or feedback,” it said.

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