Gangtok: Vaccination of the 18 to 44 age group cannot be started from May 1 in Sikkim due to shortage of vaccine doses, the state health department has said.
The Director General cum Secretary of Health Department, Pempa Tshering Bhutia announced today that inoculation of 18 to 44 years from May 1 is not possible as enough doses are not available to extend the vaccination net.
“Online registration may be possible but vaccination of 18 to 44 years from May 1 is not possible as the procurement process for the required doses is still on,” said Dr Bhutia.
However, the Health Department has placed an order for 6.60 lakh doses of Covishield with Serum Institute of India, Pune-based maker of coronavirus vaccine Covishield.
“We expect to receive 1.50 lakh doses in May. The vaccination drive for 18 to 44 will start on receipt of the fresh doses,” informed Dr Bhutia.
