Vaccination opened up services, look at it as a macro-economic indicator

NEW DELHI: Vaccination against Covid-19 should be treated as a macro-economic indicator as it is not merely a health response but is also a buffer against economic disruptions caused by different waves of the pandemic and critical for opening up the economy, the Economic Survey 2021-22 suggested.

"Vaccination is not merely a health response but is critical for opening up the economy, particularly contact-intensive services. Therefore, it should be treated for now as a macro-economic indicator," the Survey, tabled in Parliament on Monday, said.

Except for about 4-5% of total doses administered in the country, rest have been administered at government Covid-19 Vaccination Centres, the Survey highlighted.

It also shows that out of total administered doses of Covid-19 vaccines, 49% have been administered to females and more than 70% of the jabs have been given at CVCs located in rural areas.

Underlining how vaccines emerged as best shield against the Covid-19 infection to save lives and sustain livelihood, the Survey said: "With the vaccination drive having covered the bulk of the population, economic momentum building back and the likely long-term benefits of supply-side reforms in the pipeline, the Indian economy is in a good position to witness GDP growth of 8.0-8.5% in 2022-23."

The Survey pointed out several milestones crossed by the country in around a year since the massive drive was rolled out on January 16, 2021.

A total of over 166 crore doses have been administered in the country till Monday, this includes 4.7 crore doses given to youngsters of 15-17 years age apart from adults who have been the primary focus of the national Covid immunisation drive so far. Over 75% of adults in the country are now fully vaccinated, whereas more than 95% have been covered with at least the first dose. Besides, over 1.2 crore 'precaution dose' (boosters) have also been given to frontline workers along with elderly above 60 years age since January 10.