Many states had adequate doses to vaccinate people awaiting their 2nd dose, the ministry said

With India close to the 1 billion (100 crore) Covid-19 vaccine doses landmark, the Union Health Ministry has advised states and Union Territories (UTs) to focus on administering the second jab to all those who are eligible.

The issue was discussed when Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the progress of Covid-19 vaccination with Health Secretaries and NHM MDs of States and UTs, through video conference (VC) on Monday.

Congratulating the States/UTs on their effort to vaccinate all citizens, Bhushan highlighted that a sizeable number of beneficiaries who are eligible have not received their 2nd dose.

During the meeting, it was pointed out that many states had adequate doses to vaccinate people 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. They were also exhorted to improve the momentum and accelerate the vaccination drive," said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday.

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.