Odisha targets to complete COVID vaccination by December

Bhubaneswar: Amid strategic preparedness to deal with imminent third wave of Covid pandemic, Odisha Government is targeting to complete vaccination drive by December this year.

The vaccination against COVID-19 will end by December in Odisha. If, vaccines were in stock, the administration of two doses would be completed in next four months, informed State Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi today.

The Covid vaccination is currently underway across the State since January 16, 2021. So far, 2.20 crore doses of vaccines have been administered to beneficiaries. While 1.66 crore beneficiaries have received the first dose, 53 lakh people have been fully vaccinated in the State.

Speaking to reporters, the top health official said that both Covaxin and Covishield vaccines are in stock. Currently, there are 28.54 lakh Covishield doses and 4.54 lakh Covaxin doses available in the State.

The district authorities have been asked to administer second dose of vaccine on priority basis. The data has been sought from the districts on exact number of teachers for their vaccination at special centres. The vaccination of teachers is set to end by September 5, Panigrahi stated.

On speculation of a new Covid variant, the Family Welfare Director said that there is no clear data available on C 1.2 Covid mutant.

“The latest variant of COVID-19 is yet to be identified in India. The experts are in assumption that the new variant will infect the fully vaccinated people (breakthrough infection) damaging the antibody,” he said.

In view impending Covid third wave, the State Government is fully-prepared to tackle the possible crisis.

“As many as 3,000 beds are ready in different hospitals in the State. Total 4,500 doctors and nurses have undergone training for treatment of Covid infectees during third wave,” informed Health Additional Chief Secretary Pradipta Mohapatra.