Karnataka government has set a target to vaccinate all those eligible in the state by November end, against coronavirus.
Speaking to newsmen here, Minister for Health and Medical Education K Sudhakar said “Our major objective is to vaccinate each and everyone eligible by October end or November. All our efforts are in the direction of vaccinating every citizen by the end of the year,”
He said the accomplishment of vaccination drive by the year end will include first and second doses to all. Besides, the emphasis is on Covaxin produced by Bharat Biotech, which is setting up its manufacturing unit in Malur in Kolar District which will have a manufacturing capacity of four to five crore vaccines by August end. Sputnik vaccine production may take place in Karnataka, he added.
“The production of two vaccines in the state has instilled hope in us of achieving the goal of vaccinating all before any other state in the country,” he said.
On the order for Covishield doses, Sudhakar said, “We have placed an order for two crore Covishield vaccines to the Pune based Serum Institute of India. Today, we have received two lakh doses.”
Stating the doses will be administered to those who are above 45 years and are due for second dose, the Minister said the state has received 1.11 crore doses from the central government. The state has received 10.94 lakh doses as part of direct procurement from manufacturers comprising 9,50,000 Covishield and 1,44,000 Covaxin.