By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : June 23, 2021 6:58 am
The health infrastructure is well spread out to ensure that the vaccination drive reaches each and every corner of the country
There won't be any issues regarding availability of corona vaccines and the country will have around 20 - 22 crore doses next month, says Dr. N. K. Arora, Chairperson, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI).
He also assured that the health infrastructure is well spread out to ensure that the vaccination drive reaches each and every corner of the country including hilly, tribal and very sparsely populated areas.
Responding to a query on dosage interval of COVISHIELD vaccines, Dr. N. K. Arora said, “We are collecting data under the National Vaccine Tracking System and doing real-time evaluation regarding effectiveness of vaccines, dose interval, region-wise impact, variants; at present, no need is felt for changing dose interval of COVISHIELD. The basic principle is that our people should get the maximum benefit from every dose of the vaccine. We find that the current dosages are proving to be beneficial.”
Dr. N. K. Arora said, “What we did today is a big achievement. Our aim is to vaccinate at least one crore people every day. Our capacity is such that we will easily be able to administer 1.25 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine every day.”
Dr. Arora said that this target is especially achievable in the wake of good support from the private sector and this was proved on the very first day when revised guidelines came into force.
Speaking how India has been successful in the past as well, Dr. Arora said, “This is not unprecedented. In one week, we give polio vaccines to around 17 crore children so when India decides to do something, we are able to achieve it.”
India's COVID-19 vaccination drive is becoming a prime example of how public and private sectors can join together to better address and solve problems faced by the nation, added Dr. Arora.
Dr. Arora also mentioned that preparations have been made for spreading awareness about vaccination and Asha workers and frontline workers have already started working from grass root levels to fight vaccine hesitancy.