Zero Covishield doses in stock, Maharashtra government seeks 10 lakh shots from Centre

Mumbai: Anticipating growth in demand for COVID booster shots amid an ongoing wave in China, the state government has demanded 10lakh Covishield shots from the Centre. However, the state hasn't received any indication of how soon the doses might arrive. In fact, there are concerns that it could be a while before the doses arrive since the Centre has not hinted towards procurement recently.

While the public health department has 17lakh doses of Covaxin, it has zero Covishield doses in stock. The demand for Covishield is maximum as the majority have got immunised with this vaccine, which people also prefer for the third shot despite mixing and matching being allowed by the Centre. Many private hospitals have also placed demand for small batches of Covishield after being flooded with calls enquiring about the availability of booster shots in the past week.

Sanjay Khandare, principal secretary (health) told TOI that an initial request for 5lakh doses was made last week. However, following a state-level meeting, public health minister Tanaji Sawant sought 10lakh doses from the Centre. In Maharashtra, one of the worst affected states in the pandemic, coverage of booster doses has been abysmal.

State officials said the focus, as and when booster shots arrive, will be on senior citizens. "Our data shows only 30% of senior citizens in the state have taken the precautionary shot," said Khandare. He said soon as the Covishield doses arrive, the state will launch a major awareness campaign to get the seniors vaccinated.

In Mumbai, a few private hospitals have procured Covishield in minor quantities from the Serum Institute of India. Prince Surana, CEO of Surana Group of Hospitals, said they have procured 2,000-5,000 doses.

The current buying prices have dropped to Rs 225. Meanwhile, the detection of new COVID cases remained low on Sunday as state reported 32 infections, and Mumbai saw less than 10 additions. There were no deaths in the state.