COVID-19: States/UTs urged to focus on second dose due to adequate availability of vaccine : Rashtra News
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The Union government has also sought suggestions from the States in formulating new guidelines for international travel.
A sizeable number of COVID-19 vaccination beneficiaries who are eligible have not received their second dose, said Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan while directing the States and Union Territories (UTs) to focus on the second dose.
He had reviewed the progress of vaccination with senior health officials of States and UTs earlier this week.
The country launched its COVID-19 vaccination programme on January 16 this year.
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Highlighting that the nation was close to administering a billion doses, the Secretary added that many States had adequate doses to vaccinate those awaiting the second dose.
“Central Government is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses to the States/UTs so that they can complete the second dose vaccination. We also need to improve the momentum of the vaccination drive,’’ he said.
The Central Government has also advised that States and UTs identify and prioritise districts having low coverage for focused action and explore requirements for mobilisation efforts, addressing local challenges, need for additional COVID-19 Vaccination Centres and improving access in rural areas.
They were also requested to share their strategies to enhance second dose coverage, noted the Health Ministry.
The Ministry added that it was now in the process of reviewing international travel guidelines in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs.
States and UTs were also requested to share their suggestions or feedback.
( News Source :Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Rashtra News staff and is published from a www.thehindu.com feed.)