It has been more than two months since the vaccination for the 18-44 age group. So far, three Crore people of that age group has got at least one dose of the vaccine until Monday. Both the Telugu states are one of the worst-performing states in the country on that front.
Only 8,35,006 (2.76% of total vaccinated in India) were vaccinated in Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh, the numbers are much lesser. Only 72,438 (0.23% of India) got their jab. 18-44 age group people were the most mobile age-group and also carry the higher risk to get infected or be superspreaders of the virus.
But still their vaccination is being ignored. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation announced free vaccination to everyone above eighteen years of age starting from June 21st. This has been a flipflop from the Center’s earlier strategy of giving vaccines for free only for the 45+ age group.
It has to be seen if the center’s decision to takeover vaccines procurement will speed up the vaccination drive in the coming days.
