Vaccine coverage crosses 90L mark
TNN Bureau. Updated: 9/11/2021 10:37:37 AM
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Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir has vaccinated almost 91 lakh of its citizens with at least single dose in about eight months.
On Friday about 1,43,678 doses were administered in entire Jammu and Kashmir, while maximum 18,931 doses were inoculated in the Budgam district, 18,137 in Anantnag, followed by 17,493 doses in Baramulla district.
Out of total 90,89,183 doses, 67, 35,304 first and 23,53,879 second doses have administered to J&K residents so far. 51,25,584 doses shots have been given to men, while 39,61,854 jab were administered to women folk so far.
Official data reveals that over 51lakh Covid jabs have been administered in the age group of 45 years and above, including healthcare and frontline workers, while over 39 lakh doses have been administered in the age group of 18-44 years.
The vaccination drive among the 45+ group started on January 16 while the jabs for below 45 age group commenced from June 1. All the 20 districts in the union territory (UT) have achieved the target of 100 per cent vaccination in the 45+ group. Notably, the UT has missed two deadlines to vaccinate all above 45 years of age. After the second wave of Covid-19 hit the UT in April and May this year, people flocked to vaccination centres in large numbers to get their jabs.
According to the 2011 census, J&K’s population is 12.5 million. When the vaccination drive started in Kashmir, rumours and hesitancy among the people were the main obstacles. From roping in influencers, prominent doctors and religious leaders, authorities used all possible ways to remove vaccine hesitancy. Instead of waiting for people to vaccine centres, healthcare workers started a door-to-door vaccination drive which helped achieve desired results.
The UT has witnessed 4,412 deaths since the pandemic began last March. From the peak of more than 50,000 active cases in mid-May, cases have come down to 1,293 as of September 10.
So far, 3,20,498 patients have recovered in J&K so far. Though the Covid-19 count in J&K is down, health experts have warned that if people continue to violate the safety protocols, cases may surge again in the coming weeks.