Celebrations start as India crosses 100 crore Covid-19 vaccination mark
India crossed the 100 crore Covid-19 vaccination mark on Thursday, nine months after the launch of the world's biggest immunization drive on January 16, 2021.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 21 Oct 2021 4:27 AM GMT
Hyderabad: India crossed the 100 crore Covid-19 vaccination mark on Thursday, nine months after the launch of the world's biggest immunization drive on January 16, 2021.
Around 70,77,18,703 (75 percent) of all adults have been administered the first dose and around 29,16,97,011 (31 percent) have received both doses.
India launched the vaccination drive on January 16, first for frontline and healthcare workers. On March 1, the vaccination drive was opened for vulnerable groups — all above 60 years and those above 45 years with comorbidities. On April 1, vaccination for people above 45 years was launched. On May 1, India expanded its vaccination coverage to 18 plus group.
According to official data, eight states have crossed the 6-crore mark (cumulative vaccinations). These include Uttar Pradesh (12.08 crore), Maharashtra (9.23 crore), West Bengal (6.82 crore), Gujarat (6.73 crore), Madhya Pradesh (6.67 crore), Bihar (6.30 crore), Karnataka (6.13 crore), and Rajasthan (6.07 crore).
Centre has planned a series of events to mark the 1 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. While Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya will release a song on the occasion, the country's largest Khadi flag will be displayed at the historic Red Fort.
The Railways has decided to make public announcements on trains and at stations when the 100-crore vaccination milestone will be reached. "The 100 crore vaccination landmark is likely to be reached in the morning of October 21, 2021, between 10 am and 12.30 pm," a zonal railways message said.
