Almost half of 60+ given first dose: Govt

Nearly half or 49% of the 60 and above population has been vaccinated with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. The percentage is 42% for those between 45 to 59 and 15% for those between 18-44 years. Total vaccine doses administered so far crossed the 33 crore mark on Tuesday.

The vaccine coverage estimation by age groups is based on Census projections of mid-year population for 2020-21. The total estimated population of 18 and above is 94.4 crore. Of this, those in the 18-44 years age bracket account for 59.7 crore individuals, 20.9 crore are in the 45-59 years age group and 13.8 crore are 60+.

During a press briefing, joint secretary secretary in the health ministry Lav Agarwal said the pace of vaccination has been gaining momentum. He shared the average daily doses delivered from June 21 to 28 is 57.6 lakh.

A break-up of the total doses shows that out of the over 33 crore doses administered, 27.2 crore accounted for the first dose and 5.84 crore the second.