MUMBAI: About 90% of the eligible population (12 years+) in the state have received at least one shot of Covid-19 vaccine while 71% have got both doses, shows the state’s latest figures.
The numbers come in the backdrop of CM Uddhav saying the state will write to the Centre to make vaccination mandatory to shore up the numbers. After a relatively impressive performance with adult vaccination, the state has failed to maintain the momentum for paediatric vaccination and booster coverage. Across most young groups, state coverage is lagging national numbers (see box).
State officials blamed bigger districts such as Mumbai for the poor uptake among young teenagers. More than a month since the drive for the 12-14 age group started, the city has given a single dose to barely 22% of the cohort. In comparison, districts like Sangli and Nashik have covered 82% and 80%.
Dr Mangala Gomare, BMC’s executive health officer, said they are hoping the numbers will pick up since exams are over for most classes. But civic officials pointed out that, unlike in other districts, many parents in Mumbai are unwilling to get their children inoculated. “It has been discussed in many parent teacher meetings and shot down. So, schools are not willing to take the responsibility,” said one. TOI has reported how Sangli managed the highest coverage in the state by holding camps across schools.
The state’s booster dose coverage is being scrutinised by the task force too. Only 35% elderly have taken it against the Indian average of 42%. “Masking and vaccination are the two most effective solutions to curtail transmission and bring down hospitalisation,” said Dr Vasant Nagvekar, a member of the state task force.
A state official defended the booster numbers pointing at eligibility. One has to complete nine months to be eligible for the third dose. “By that measure, 62% out of the 21 lakh eligible seniors have taken the booster shots,” he said.
However, there is a huge variation between the districts. The booster coverage for senior citizens was highest in Palghar at 101% and lowest in Washim at 16%. State officials said districts have enough doses to intensify awareness campaigns and cover more.
An official from Hingoli struck a rude note, saying a big chunk hasn’t taken the second dose, leave alone the booster. Overall in Maharashtra, almost 1.7 crore people haven’t taken their second shots. “Making it mandatory may help,” the district official added.
