SURAT: Out of 230 vaccination centers in the city, 130 were closed by Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Saturday due to shortage of vaccine. The vaccination drive continued at the 100 centers with limited stock.
Earlier this week, SMC had vaccinated over 1 lakh people in three days. With ample stock at its disposal the SMC had even started walk-in vaccination drive in which large number of those falling in the 18-44 years age category were vaccinated.
But the supply of the vaccine was hit on Saturday resulting in closing of 130 centres. Of the 100 vaccination centres, 95 are open for all age group while two are administering only covaxin doses and two other centers are reserved for students who want to go abroad for studies. One center is reserved for divyang people.
“Vaccination was done at a higher rate as we had enough stock. At present we have limited supply so a decision was taken to close 130 vaccination centres. If we get more vaccine doses we can speed up the drive further,” said a health official .
“Currently, the number of people coming for vaccination is high since many are coming for the second dose. While the number of individuals coming for the first dose is already high,” the officer added.
Meanwhile, 14 fresh cases of Covid-19 were reported on Saturday taking the city’s total to 1,11,131. One death was recorded due to Covid-19 and the city’s death toll stands at 1,628. Total 105 persons were declared discharged and the city has so far recorded 1,08,918 recovered cases. Total 4,410 persons are currently under home quarantine while 57 patients are taking treatment at hospitals.
Earlier this week, SMC had vaccinated over 1 lakh people in three days. With ample stock at its disposal the SMC had even started walk-in vaccination drive in which large number of those falling in the 18-44 years age category were vaccinated.
But the supply of the vaccine was hit on Saturday resulting in closing of 130 centres. Of the 100 vaccination centres, 95 are open for all age group while two are administering only covaxin doses and two other centers are reserved for students who want to go abroad for studies. One center is reserved for divyang people.
“Vaccination was done at a higher rate as we had enough stock. At present we have limited supply so a decision was taken to close 130 vaccination centres. If we get more vaccine doses we can speed up the drive further,” said a health official .
“Currently, the number of people coming for vaccination is high since many are coming for the second dose. While the number of individuals coming for the first dose is already high,” the officer added.
Meanwhile, 14 fresh cases of Covid-19 were reported on Saturday taking the city’s total to 1,11,131. One death was recorded due to Covid-19 and the city’s death toll stands at 1,628. Total 105 persons were declared discharged and the city has so far recorded 1,08,918 recovered cases. Total 4,410 persons are currently under home quarantine while 57 patients are taking treatment at hospitals.
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