Centre to states: expedite 2nd vaccine jab to healthcare workers

The Centre on Thursday advised the states and Union territories to prepare effective plans for expediting the second dose coverage among healthcare and frontline workers. A statement from the Union Health Ministry said that during a high level meeting to review the progress of vaccination, it was highlighted that while the national average for the first dose administration among the healthcare workers (HCWs) is 82 per cent, for the second dose, it is only 56 per cent.

The Union health secretary, Rajesh Bhushan reiterated that universal coverage and full protection amongst this group is crucial to protect the healthcare response to the pandemic. He also stressed that a timely completion of the vaccination schedule is important for conferring full protection to the beneficiaries.