Registration for Covid-19 vaccination for 18 to 44 years age group began - Direct Link: selfregistration.cowin.gov.in

Maharashtra has temporarily halted Covid vaccination for those in the age-group of 18-44 years amid a shortage in vaccines. The state government has decided to divert its current stock to those whose second dose is pending at present.

The state government currently has 7 lakh doses of Covishield and 3 lakh doses of Covaxin.

Serum Institute of India has promised to provide the state with 1.5 crore Covishield doses after May 20.

No vaccine for 18-44 in karnataka from 14th may until further order
Just missed😂 my slot is tomorrow 😅

India’s total COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 17.70 cr doses

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has gone past 17.70 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. It said 4,17,321 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and cumulatively 34,66,895 across 30 states and union territories since the start of the third phase of the vaccination drive. “The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 17,70,85,371 as per the 8 pm provisional report,” the ministry said

Karnataka Govt – Vaccination for 18 to 44 age group (including those who have already booked appointments) will be temporarily suspended from May 14 till further orders. This order will be applicable for COVID vaccination at all Government COVID vaccination centers.

Vaccination drive for 18+ held in all Rajasthan districts

The vaccination drive for the 18+ category gained further momentum on Tuesday when for the first time, it was administered to 79,868 beneficiaries in all the 33 districts. Health authorities said they were expecting more vaccines for this category and with arrival of nearly 8 lakh vials.

On Monday, 1,00,865 people in the 18+ category had received their first jab, the highest single-day vaccination of this category since the process started on May 1. Also, in the18+category since May 1, a total of 5,26,970 beneficiaries got their first dose. “We have nearly 3.50 crore beneficiaries in this category and we need seven crore doses. We are trying our level best to increase our stock and daily vaccinations for this category,” said Dr Raghuraj Singh, nodal officer, vaccination.

Singh added that for the first time, beneficiaries from every district in the state got their first jab. “In the rural interiors as well, we are getting good response as the fear of getting vaccinated and other myths have now faded away from everywhere,” he added.

In Jaipur, 9,416 people got their first jab at various centres. However, getting the slots remained still a problem at many areas across the state. In Jaipur too, people were complaining that slot booking was a major hurdle for them after registration.

Meanwhile, 2,54,393 people got vaccinated in the state in the various categories on Monday. “Since the inception of vaccination in the state on January 16, we have vaccinated 1,45,22,231 people,” said an officer with the health department.

In what underlines the absence of a transparent formula for allocation and raises critical questions of vaccine equity, seven states account for almost a staggering 85% of all vaccine doses administered to those in the 18-44 group since that opened on May 1.

Consider this: Karnataka, with the country’s highest active caseload (5.87 lakh), administered just 74,015 doses; Kerala, with the third-highest active caseload (4.24 lakh), administered merely 771 doses.




Full Read:

Vaccine inequity deepens in young: 85% of those jabbed are in just seven states.

Only Covishield, no Covaxin doses today; 23 centres to open after 12 pm

Mumbaikars, these Vaccination centres are administering Covishield today for 45 plus, no walk-ins allowed

In view of the shortage of vaccines and nearly 20 lakh people due to their second dose, the state government has temporarily halted the vaccination drive for 18 to 44 age group people which was started on May 1.

Maharashtra: BMC issues global bid to acquire 1 cr COVID vaccine doses

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a global bid on Wednesday to procure one crore COVID vaccine doses to vaccinate citizens in Mumbai at the earliest.“BMC has issued a global bid today to acquire one crore COVID-19 vaccines to vaccinate citizens in Mumbai at the earliest on a massive scale in its decisive fight against coronavirus,” said Municipal Commissioner IS Chahal.

https://shrts.i...V4
Finally there’s something to cheer about. @desiman

Those testing Covid+ should defer vaccination for 6 months: Govt panel

A government panel has recommended that those testing positive for Covid-19 should defer vaccination for six months after recovery, according to news agency PTI

Haryana govt to float global tenders to procure Covid vaccines

This morning, Haryana became the latest state to say it would float global tenders for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.

State Health Minister Anil Vij tweeted: “Haryana will float Global tenders to purchase Corona Vaccine for people of Haryana so that free vaccination could be provided to every 18+ citizens of the State at the earliest.”

Earlier, Mumbai’s civic body, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu, too, said they would issue a global Expression of Interest.

Govt panel suggests increasing gap between two Covishield doses

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended increasing the gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks, sources told PTI. Currently, the interval between two doses of Covishield is four to eight weeks.

No change in dosage interval for Covaxin has been suggested by the panel.

It has also suggested that pregnant women may be offered the choice to take any COVID-19 vaccine and that lactating women can be inoculated any time after delivery.

The NTAGI has also stated that those having laboratory test proven SARS-CoV-2 illness should defer COVID-19 vaccination for six months after recovery, the sources said.

Finally today got the first dose 🥳

Uttarakhand To Import 20 Lakh Doses Of Sputnik V Covid Vaccine

Uttarakhand will import 20 lakh doses of Sputnik vaccine over the next two months, officials said. The state government has also requested the country’s leading vaccine manufacturing companies to supply doses of the vaccine to Uttarakhand, he said.

He said the state government is constantly in talks with the Centre also as vaccine doses received so far are not adequate. “We will get 8 lakh doses this month and 9 lakh doses next on the condition that the second dose is administered to people who have already got the first dose,” he said.

Second batch of Sputnik V COVID19 vaccines to arrive in India tomorrow, May 14

Sale of Sputnik vaccine to start next week in India, production will begin in July this year

Sputnik vaccine has arrived in India. I’m happy to say that we’re hopeful that it’ll be available in the market next week. We’re hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia), will begin next week – Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

Further supply of Sputnik vaccine will also follow. Its production will begin in July and it is estimated that 15.6 crore doses will be manufactured in that period.

Any vaccine that is approved by FDA, WHO can come to India. Import license will be granted within 1-2 days. No import license is pending: Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog

Bharat Biotech agrees to give COVAXIN formula to other manufacturers: Centre

With several states urging the Centre to share the formula of Covid-19 vaccines with other manufacturers to increase production, NITI Aayog member Dr. VK Paul today informed that ‘Bharat Biotech has welcomed this’, new agency ANI reported.

Dr. VK Paul said, as reported by ANI, “People say that Covaxin be given to other companies for manufacturing. I am happy to say that Covaxin manufacturing company (Bharat Biotech) has welcomed this when we discussed it with them. Under this vaccine live virus is inactivated & this is done only in BSL3 labs.”

“Not every company has this. We give an open invitation to companies who want to do this. Companies that want to manufacture Covaxin, should do it together. Govt will assist so that capacity is increased,” he said as quoted by ANI.

The announcement came days after several states have been complaining about shortage of vaccines for eligible candidates

Karnataka to float global tender to procure 2 crore COVID-19 vaccines

“The state has placed a purchase order for three crore doses of vaccines, two crore doses of Covishield and one crore doses of Covaxin. We are floating global tenders for an additional two crores,” Yediyurappa told reporters.

Sputnik V imported doses priced at Rs 995.40 per dose: Dr. Reddy’s

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has said that the imported doses Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine have been priced at Rs 948 + 5 percent GST (Rs 995.40) per dose.

The pharmaceutical company also said a soft launch of the vaccine began in Hyderabad, with the first dose administered today, on May 14.

“The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at an MRP of Rs 948 + 5 percent GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins. The Company is working closely with its six manufacturing partners in India to fulfill regulatory requirements to ensure smooth and timely supply,” Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories said in a BSE filing.

The first consignment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine landed in India on May 1, and was cleared for emergency use in India on April 13.

The vaccine was granted Emergency Use Authorisation in India (EUA) in April, but the roll-out had not yet begun.

Data from Phase 3 clinical trials has shown that Sputnik V has an efficacy of 91.6 percent. The jab was developed by Russia’s Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology.

At 91.6 per cent, Sputnik V has a higher efficacy as compared to the two Covid vaccines that are currently being administered in India: Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

Sputnik V is one of only three vaccines in the world with such a high efficacy rate, after Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The two-dose vaccine also has most authorisations granted globally. Priced at less than $10 per dose in international markers, the vaccine has already been administered to more than 20 lakh people worldwide.

The Sputnik vaccine is available in both liquid and powder form. The liquid form needs to be stored in minus 18 degrees. For the powder form – which can be kept in between 2 and 8 degrees, stability tests are on.

Made-In-India May Be Cheaper

Doses of Sputnik V which are made in India, however, are likely to be cheaper.

Is it just me who thinks that arogya setu app hangs a lot.
I am not able to register myself, sometimes the OTP doesnt come and sometimes there’s some error otherwise.

Got pretty scared when I caught a little cold a few days after taking Covaxin and many friends also started scaring me by spreading misinformation like vaccine causes corona so I got tested yesterday. Touchwood nothing came wrong in the reports. Today is the 11th day after taking the vaccine no adverse effects are there

Please don’t believe in fake rumours and get vaccinated with whatever available.

Another rumour :- “Higher efficacy = better vaccine”

This video will clear that :-

Stay safe

Sputnik V is a Russian-Indian vaccine. A big part of its production will be in India. We expect to produce more than 850 million doses of Sputnik V in India this year. We hope for the introduction of Sputnik V Lite in India soon.

- Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev

As per Centre’s direction, 2nd dose of Covishield will be given only to those who completed 84 days after 1st dose. 2nd dose of Covaxin should be taken 4-6 weeks after 1st dose. Registration for 18-44 age group will start from tomorrow, May 15 & vaccination to start from Monday, May 17.
- Kerala CM

Sputnik V to be available for customers by mid-June, says Dr Reddy’s Labs

Soft launched Sputnik V in Hyderabad today to start testing of cold chain logistics with 2-dose regime. Next consignments are expected in coming weeks. It will be available for customers in India by mid-June after stock ramp-up: Dr Reddy’s Labs (ANI)

COWIN App OTP Upgrade: Register Yourself For Vaccination Using 4-Digit Code -

Check Stepwise Guide

In a bid to make the vaccine registration process easier and more secure, the CoWIN website has now added a new four-digit security code feature

Government launched the third phase of the Covid-19 mega vaccination drive from May 1. In tune with the same, the people who are 18 years of age and above can register themselves for the vaccine on the COWin platform cowin.gov.in, the Aarogya Setu app and Umang App.

However, there were some reports of initial glitches earlier with the CoWIN app not accepting registrations from those below 45 years of age with many complaining about the app not accepting registrations from those below 45 years of age as they said that no OTP was received on their cell phones when they attempt to register for the vaccination.

In a bid to make the vaccine registration process easier and more secure, the CoWIN website has now added a new four-digit security code feature, which the experts say will not only reduce mistakenly generated vaccination certificates but will also prevent scammers from misguiding the people.

Once you register on the CoWIN website and pick a slot for vaccination, you will get a four-digit security code, which you need to produce for verification at the inoculation centre to get the jab on the vaccination day.

Below is the process to register on CoWIN portal and use the four-digit security code:

Step 1: Visit CoWIN official website https://selfregistration.cowin....in

Step 2: Click on the register button; fill up your contact details and register your mobile number

Step 3: You will receive an OTP on your mobile through SMS. Enter the OTP to get into CoWIN portal. Just sign in if you have already registered

Step 4: Enter your location, district and state. You can even enter the PIN code of the vaccination centre in your area.

Step 5: You will be able to see all nearby vaccination centres and slots. Click on the green slot of preference, select a time slot and confirm the booking

Step 6: You will then receive a four-digit security code as a text message on your registered mobile number. The four-digit code will be required to authenticate your booking on the vaccination day

Step 7: You can log in to CoWIN portal after getting vaccinated to download your vaccine certificate.

Vaccination paused for two days

The government has suspended the drive for vaccination of second dose to people above 45 years on Saturday and Sunday in view of changes made by the Centre in CoWIN portal to factor in increased period of interval between first and second dose of Covishield. The interval has been increased from the present six to eight weeks to twelve to sixteen weeks in respect of Covishield only.

To begin on Monday

The vaccination campaign will resume on Monday (May 17) as per details of beneficiaries and modality to be intimated shortly, according to a press release.

Vaccination Timeline For 18 To 44-Year-Olds

India has administered almost 18 crore vaccine doses as on May 13.

Most of these — 17.52 crore doses — have been procured by the centre for those above 45 years, healthcare and frontline workers. States have procured and administered 39.14 lakh doses to those between 18 and 44 years, even as vaccine supply has ebbed.

When it comes to India’s vaccine supply there’s only question that most of us want answered — when will our turn come?

The answer to that depends on three things — your age, profession and vaccine supply.

If you are above 45 years or a healthcare or frontline worker, BloombergQuint estimates that by mid-August or so, 22.13 crore people from among 30 crore of you will have received at least one jab.

If You Are 18-44 Years-

The wait for this cohort is tougher to estimate. First, the data available as on May 13.

An estimated 60 crore people in India are between 18 and 44 years. That’s 120 crore vaccine doses required. So far, 39.14 lakh doses have been administered to this cohort, across 32 states.

Why is it moving so slowly?

• It’s only on May 1 that those above 18 years became eligible for vaccination
  .
• States were told on April 19 that starting May it was their job to vaccinate those between 18 and 44 years. (Centre vaccinates 45+ cohort)

• Besides the short notice, the central government has imposed tough controls on state procurement of domestically produced vaccines — Covishield and Covaxin.

• States and private hospitals are free to import vaccines approved by India’s drug authorities. But global supply is also short.

Also, the lack of central supplies has prompted some states to divert their own vaccine purchases for 18-44-year age group towards second doses of the older cohort. As a result, vaccination of the younger group is either on pause in some states or moving at snail’s pace in others.

As per May 13 vaccination data, 11 states had vaccinated over one lakh people between 18 and 44 years.

• Maharashtra: 6,33,008
• Rajasthan: 5,89,078
• Delhi: 5,22,791
• Gujarat: 4,18,995
• Bihar: 4,02,327
• Haryana: 3,83,159
• Uttar Pradesh: 3,15,286
• Assam: 1,47,108
• Madhya Pradesh: 1,36,182
• Odisha: 1,07,905
• Karnataka: 1,03,033

Current Supply

It’s for this younger cohort that domestic capacity expansions and imported supplies become more critical. The central government had a headstart, placing its first order in January. States have only now started seeking supplies — domestic and imported.

The current total capacity of the two main local producers — Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech — is estimated at 8.5 crore doses, rising to 16.7 crore in July with the addition of Sputnik V supply, as per the centre’s affidavit filed in the Supreme Court.

Production Capacity: May & June

• Serum Institute: 6.5 crore doses a month
• Bharat Biotech: 2 crore doses a month

Production Capacity: July

• Serum Institute: 10 crore doses a month
• Bharat Biotech: 5.5 crore doses a month
• Sputnik V: 1.2 crore

That’s an estimated total domestic production of 33.7 crore doses in May, June and July.
Of which the centre has ordered 17.68 crore doses, leaving states with 16 crore doses over these three months.
Of which 2 crore will come in May, as per the affidavit.

Imported vaccines will add to the supply, if and when available and approved. Several states and even Mumbai’s municipal corporation are in the process of issuing global tenders to procure vaccines. So far, only one imported vaccine, Sputnik V, has Emergency Use Authorisation in India.

To be clear, besides local production of Russia’s Sputnik V by five Indian firms, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has an agreement to import a total 25 crore doses of the vaccine. The first batch arrived on May 1 and the soft launch of the vaccine has commenced in a limited pilot, the company said today in a filing with stock exchanges.

Details on specific supply quantities from Dr. Reddy’s over the next few months are not yet available.

So here’s how it stacks up till July for 18-44 year age group, based on local production.

Given the extended gap between doses now recommended by the government (12-16 weeks), it’s likely that all 16 crore doses, if delivered on time, will be utilised as first jabs.

That suggests, by mid to end August, accounting for time taken for last mile delivery, of the total 60 crore people in this cohort it’s possible 16 crore people will have had one jab. Imported Sputnik V supply will boost those numbers as will any other imports that become available.

If you are in this cohort, you have an at least one-in-four chance of receiving your first jab by mid-August.

Future Supply Estimates

It’s expected that after July domestic vaccine production could increase significantly.

In a presentation on May 13, the Health Ministry claimed that over 200 crore doses may become available between August and December 2021 on account of expanded or new local capacities.

This is based on:

• Further expansion of capacities at Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to 15 crore and 11 crore doses per month, respectively.

• The start of production at BioE.

• Availability of larger quantities domestic production of Sputnik V.

• Approval and production of Zydus Cadila’s vaccine that is currently under trials.

• Approval of Novovax vaccine, which Serum Institute has the license to manufacture and may have stockpiled some quantity of.

If these additional supplies kick in, it’s only in the last quarter of the calendar year that a meaningful acceleration in vaccination of 18-44 year age group may occur. Or in 2022.

Vaccination Timeline For Those Above 45 Years

By the time you read this India will have administered 18 crore vaccine doses — 17,91,77,029 crore was the provisional figure released at 9.23 p.m. on May 13.

Most of these (17.52 crore doses) have been procured by the centre for those above 45 years, health care and frontline workers. States were allowed to procure and vaccinate those between 18-44 years starting May 1. So far 39.14 lakh doses have been administered to the younger cohort, even as the vaccine supply has ebbed.

When it comes to India’s vaccine supply there’s only question that most of us want answered — when will our turn come?

If you are in the 18 to 44 years group then BloombergQuint estimates you have an at least one in four chance to receive one jab by mid-August or so.

If You Are 45+, A Health Care Or Frontline Worker –

The centre has limited its responsibility to vaccinating those above 45 years and all healthcare and frontline workers across India. That eligible population is estimated to be approximately 30 crore people. To vaccinate them 60 crore doses are required (two doses a person). The centre, which has been driving the vaccine policy since the start of this pandemic in 2020, has so far ordered 35.6 crore doses. Orders for the remaining 24.4 crore doses have yet to be placed.

Vaccine Supply So Far…

• Doses Needed: 60 crore
• Doses Ordered: 35.6 crore
• Doses Received: 17.92 crore
  - Doses Utilised: 17.52 crore
• Doses Pending Receipt: 17.68 crore
  - To Be Received In May: 1.68 crore
  - To Be Received By July end: 16 crore
  The government’s vaccination data makes clear that 4.05 crore people in this cohort have received both doses. That leaves 25.94 crore people yet to receive doses, some the second one and some both. BloombergQuint’s calculation suggests another 9.42 crore people have received there first dose whereas 16.52 crore have received neither.

Vaccinations So Far…

• Eligible Population: Approximately 30 crore people
• Both Doses Received: 4.05 crore people
• Remaining To Be Vaccinated: 25.94 crore people
  - Those Who Have Received One Dose: 9.42 crore people
  - No Doses Received Yet: 16.52 crore people

The centre needs 42.48 crore more doses to complete full vaccination of this target group. Some 40 lakh doses are pending utilisation from the orders delivered. Another 17.68 crore doses are ordered and to be delivered by July-end. That’s a total of 18.08 crore doses. Assuming the centre’s policy to prioritise 2nd doses continues, that supply is enough to administer second doses to those 9.42 crore people who have only received their first jab, and partly innoculate (one dose) another 8.66 crore people. That will leave 7.87 crore people in this category that would not receive a single dose at the end of this order cycle.

While the doses are expected to be delivered by July-end, administering of vaccines will take further time. The average daily vaccination rate in April was 28 lakh per day and has dropped to 20 lakh per day in the past 10 days. Depending on the frequency and predictability of vaccine supply, it comes in batches, it could take up to late August to utilise the doses currently ordered.

That means, by late August — there will still be 7.87 crore people in this cohort of 30 crore that may not have received a single dose.

Of course, if the central government steps up ordering and the vaccine supply is available, the pendency will reduce.

This is the best case guestimate based on where things stand today.