Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 29: Many hospitals have been reporting non-receipt of both Covishield and Covaxin vaccines and sending the people who have registered for the vaccination, back. People have been asked to go back since the last some days. Vaccines are in short supply both in private and government hospitals.

Those who got first dose of Covaxin were asked to get the second dose between 28 and 42 days. When people came to hospitals, the officials said they do not have stock. People aged above 45 are frustrated as they have to repeatedly visit the hospitals and go back. Some also are giving vent to their anger at the hospitals.

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After the people who had gathered at the district hospital at Udupi got angry at the non-availability of the vaccine, the police arrived at the spot. In Udupi district however, it is said that Covaxin first dose and Covishield second dose are available. However in Mangaluru, hospitals said they are not getting enough Covishield doses and that there is a backlog as a result.

Udupi district RCH officer, Dr Rajesh B V, who is in charge of vaccination, said that there is shortage of Covaxin since the last two days and the stock may be replenished next week after which people can get their second dose. He said that a few days delay does not matter. He said that they have Covishield stock for two days.

Udupi district deputy commissioner, G Jagadeesha, said that 12,000 Covaxin shots were received and the stock has been distributed to all the hospitals. He said now there is no stock, and soon the vaccine will reach the hospitals. He said that the vaccination centre in the district hospital will be shifted to St Cecily School.