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Focus on administering second dose of coronavirus vaccine, Centre urges states, UTs

The Centre on Tuesday urged states and Union Territories to focus on administering the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine as many eligible beneficiaries have not received them yet.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the progress of India’s vaccination drive with officials of the states and Union Territories.

“It was pointed out that many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their second dose,” a Union health ministry statement said. “Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses to the States/UTs so that they can complete the aforesaid task.”

The Centre also asked the states to improve the momentum of the vaccination drive, the statement said.

The health ministry told the states and Union Territories to identify and prioritise vaccination in districts that have low immunisation coverage. The government asked them to explore if there was any need for additional inoculation centres and to address challenges in rural areas.

“They were also requested to share their strategies to enhance second dose coverage,” the statement said.

The health ministry said it was reviewing guidelines on international travel guidelines in consultation with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bureau of Immigration, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs. It...

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