Vax For Public Could Take 6 Months To A Yr: Officials

The time taken to collate data of frontline workers — largely policemen and staff of departments involved in Covid-19 management — will be key to completion of Phase 2 of the vaccination drive. It will also determine when the third phase, meant for senior citizens and those with co-morbidities, can be rolled out.

- Nisha Nambiar & Swatee Kher 

Pune:

As the country gears up for the rollout of the vaccine this Saturday, senior state health department officials said it could take 6-7 months to a year for the three phases to be completed and the vaccine be available for the general public.

Officials said supply of vaccines from the manufacturers is also critical, although they are optimistic that more vaccines will be given emergency authorisation in the coming months.

State principal health secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas told TOI that the timeline should not be the focus as the government has clearly indicated that the priority group vaccination drive for healthcare workers, frontline workers, people above 50 and those with co-morbid conditions will take 7-8 months or even a year.