Despite highest vaccine coverage, 100% target in 3 days a tough task for Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: With 84% of eligible population getting at least the first dose Covid-19 vaccine, Madhya Pradesh has now become the state with highest vaccination coverage, but meeting its own target of vaccinating each and every eligible individual with at least first dose till September 27, seems a Herculean task.

There are more than 85 lakh people aged above 18 years who have to be vaccinated with the first dose in next three days if every eligible individual has to be vaccinated by September 27.

As per official figures, the estimated eligible population for vaccination in Madhya Pradesh is around 5.49 crore. Of these, 4.63 crore have been vaccinated with the first dose, which is 84% of the total eligible population and this highest in the entire country. However, even now, 85.9 lakh people are left unvaccinated in the state.

So far in 42 districts of the state, more than 80% of the eligible population has been vaccinated with at least the first dose. Sidhi with 74% coverage and Bhind with 72% are among the lowest coverage districts in terms of first dose vaccination.

Sources said, to achieve the target of vaccinating each and everyone, district level officials—district collector and chief medical and health officers— have been instructed to ensure that list of such people who are aged above 18 and are yet to be vaccinated should be prepared.

And on September 27, door-to-door visits should be done and each and every eligible individual should be vaccinated, it is only after ensuring that every eligible individual is vaccinated that districts should send information to state head quarters, added sources.