NEW DELHI: Covid vaccination rate, that had temporarily slowed down during the four weeks in September-October, has started picking up again, primarily driven by the increasing coverage of the second dose of the jabs.
During the past two wee-ks (October 16-22 and October 23-29), the vaccination rate has improved with an average of 53 lakh and 58.5 lakh doses pushed daily, respectively.
The daily average had dropped to 45.5 lakh doses during October 9-15. However, the vaccination rate still remains far less than what was achieved in first few weeks of September when the government pushed states to maximise coverage of first dose before the festival season kicked in. It peaked during the September 11-17 week when an average 95.5 lakh doses were given dailywhile a total 6.7 crore doses were administered during the week, of which 61% were first doses.

As majority of the eligible population got covered with the first dose in most states, the rate of growth of people taking the first dose has started declining. During the October 9-15 week, a total 3.2 crore doses were administered, down 52% from the number of doses given almost a month ago. The trend has changed again during the past two weeks as the second dose coverage has now started picking up. Officials, however, maintain that the pace of vaccination going forward is likely to be slower as compared to August-September as recipients will have to follow the dosage gap between two shots of the jab. The coverage is expected to rise as per the speed observed 12-16 weeks ago as maximum people have received Covishield which is given in two doses with a similar gap.
Overall, 78% of the eligible adult population across the country has received at least the first dose, whereas around 35% are fully vaccinated.
The Centre has been pushing states with low coverage to accelerate pace and coverage of vaccination. The health ministry is also planning to start a door-to-door campaign in states with low coverage.
In September 11-17 week an average 95.5 lakh doses were given daily while 6.7 crore doses were administered during the week, of which 61% were first doses.