Covid vaccine tracker to be launched soon by week update of doses: ICMR

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the pace of vaccination and coverage was rapidly increasing. He said the average per-day dose administered has increased from 20 lakhs in May to 78 lakhs in September. This number is expected to climb even higher, Bhushan added.

“We have administered more vaccines in first 7 days of Sept than in 30 days of May. 86 lakh doses administered in last 24 hours. We should increase pace of vaccination before festivals. States and Centre should work to vaccinate vulnerable population,” the Health Secretary said.

Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, urged people to take vaccine as it is effective against Covid. “It’s clear that two doses show complete protection, 58% above 18 years given single dose, it should be 100%. No one should be left behind…About 72 crore vaccine doses given, those left should get administered to develop herd immunity,” he said.

Responding to a question, Paul also said that vaccinating children is not a condition for reopening schools. “This criterion is not acceptable anywhere in the world, no scientific body, epidemiological evidence suggests it as a condition…However, vaccination of staff is desirable,” he added.