98.3% of adults fully vaxxed in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: The Covid situation has nearly stabilized in the state with daily cases restricted to between 10 and 25 for the past one month. Vaccination cover and herd immunity after the third wave have played a significant role in reigning in cases, according to experts.

With a major vaccination drive held on Sunday – which saw 5 lakh shots administered – 98.3% people in the state above 18 years of age are fully vaccinated.

Likewise, out of 4.93 crore citizens eligible for vaccine, 4.91 crore or 99.7% have received at least one dose. Gujarat is among the major states with highest vaccination coverage, said state health department officials.
Dr Nayan Jani, state immunization officer, said that they are doing everything to ensure that all eligible persons get the jabs.

“For the past three days, the daily vaccination figure is above 1 lakh. Apart from the senior citizens who are eligible for booster doses, we are also approaching those due for their second doses through messages and calls,” he said. “Among the sub-adult population, a special drive would be carried out once the schools reopen next month.”

About 88% of the population in the 15-17 age group and 72% in the 12-14 age group are fully vaccinated, said officials. About 30.6 lakh senior citizens have got booster doses, which is 60% of the total eligible population. There’s still reluctance for the paid booster dose, admitted officials, adding that though the rates were slashed, a majority of the vaccinations still take place in government set-ups.
“Special drives were organized and awareness campaigns carried out in rural areas where vaccine hesitancy was reported. The hard work has paid off,” said an official.