Vaccination drive delayed, as vaccines yet to arrive in TN
The third phase of the free inoculation drive for those aged between 18 and 44 would be delayed in Tamilnadu as the supply of vaccines is being delayed even after placing order, said senior officials.
Meanwhile, at least one private hospital in city has announced the commencement of the drive on Saturday.
“We are not vaccinating people aged 18-44 from May 1,” said Dr TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
Earlier in the day, Health secretary J Radhakrishnan said though the State had placed an order for 1.5 crore doses, supply was not possible by Saturday, delaying the drive that was expected to start on 1 May.
“We will not receive the requested number of doses by 1 May and thus, it is not possible to start the vaccination for 18-44 age group,” he said.
Of the order placed, only a number of doses has been accepted for initial supply, Radhakrishnan said. “This is not for Tamilnadu alone, but even for other States,” he said, adding that vaccination for those aged above 45 would continue.