Booster uptake slow in state, 40-42% vital workers covered

Almost 10 days since the country’s immunisation programme rolled out booster shots against Covid-19 for essential workers and people above 60, the response has been less than enthusiastic in the state. Maharashtra has administered 4.63 lakh doses out of more than 60 lakh delivered in the country.

- Sumitra.DebRoy

The turnout has been particularly slow among healthcare workers, who were the first to get vaccinated against Covid in the country. Since January 10, out of over 4 lakh eligible healthcare workers (HCW), barely 40% (1.6 lakh) have taken it. The numbers are marginally better for frontline workers (FLW), where just 42% or 1.3 lakh out of nearly 3 lakh eligible have taken their precautionary jabs. More senior citizens (1.4 lakh) have taken the precautionary shot compared to the FLWs.