Authorities stated that they were in touch with companies such as the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech for delivery of vaccines for the 18+ category and with the Centre for other categories. In Thursday evening, 3.60 lakh vaccines arrived in Jaipur.
Majority of the vaccination sites were closed by afternoon in Jaipur and other parts of the state on Thursday due to lack of vaccines. For the 18+ category, there were no slots available throughout the day in many districts.
Expressing concern over the scarcity of vaccines, Raghu Sharma told TOI, “In order to continue vaccination for the 18+ category and as well as others, the state needs at least 20 lakh vials. Due to lack of vaccines and its random supply, only 1.45 crore people in Rajasthan have received the first and second dose.”
Due to supply shortage, vaccination for all categories has been affected for the past one week. “We have 2.90 crore beneficiaries in the category of 45-59 age group. In the 60 and above category, 80% have received their first dose while only 27.4% have got their second one. As the Centre is responsible in vaccinating health workers, frontline workers, 45-59 and also 60 and above categories, they should regularly send vaccine. For the 18+ category, the state government is in touch with SII and Bharat Biotech. We are also trying to export the vaccines from Russia and other countries as well.”
