Vaccination is an effective strategy to control the rampant spread of COVID.
The health department analyzed 362 COVID related deaths which had occurred from 14th April to 30th April
in the State. Out of these deaths, 67 people who had died had taken first dose of vaccine and there were only 2 individuals in whom death had occurred after two doses of vaccine. In one of
these cases, death had occurred four days after vaccination and in another case death had occurred 16 days after vaccination. It implies that both these individual were infected with
COVID before the development of effective immunity after vaccination and proves that the vaccination directly helps in reducing the mortality due to COVID.
The Government spokesperson said that Himachal has administered 1st dose of vaccine to 91.9% of it’s HCW where as the National average is 88.7%. Himachal has administered 2nd dose of vaccine to 90.3% of it’s HCW where as the National average is 79.1%. The percentage of
population of 45 plus who have been vaccinated with first dose in the state is 78% where as the national average is 30%. The spokesperson said that constant efforts are being done to ensure
enhancement in the coverage of vaccination amongst the eligible population.
He further added that those people who have got their first dose of vaccine 4-6 weeks earlier should come forward and get themselves inoculated with 2nd dose of vaccine so that effective immunity can
be developed.
The spokespersons further informed that there are sufficient doses available for vaccination of prioritized groups i.e. people more than 45 years of age, HCWs and FLWs. The State is receiving
50,000 more doses of COVISHIELD vaccine from the Government of India channel today.
Regarding the vaccination of 18-45 years of age, the spokesperson informed that the State Government has made a payment of Rs. 3.39 Crore to the Serum Institute of India for procurement of allocated 107620 doses of COVISHIELD vaccine for this age group and the
supply is expected shortly. The vaccination drive shall be initiated for 18-45 years of age after the receipt of vaccine.
It was further informed by the spokesperson that keeping in view the vaccine eagerness in the
population and potential for overcrowding, instructions have been given to all the districts to
operationalise multiple Government COVID vaccination centres in urban cluster and for the convenience of general public, the Health Department shall publish the list of vaccination sites
where vaccination shall be undertaken for priority groups (i.e. more than 45 years of age, HCWs and FLWs) in urban towns of Shimla, Mandi and Dharamshala. This list can be seen at website www.nrhmhp.gov.in.
