COVID-19 Vaccination Drive For 18+ From May 1 To Be Delayed In Madhya Pradesh

<p>Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that the third phase of Coronavirus vaccination drive, which was scheduled to commence on May 1 for 18-plus population, would not start on time in Madhya Pradesh. CM Chouhan said there's a shortage of vaccine in the state as the manufacturers could not deliver enough vaccine doses in time. However, the ongoing vaccination of people in the above-45 category will continue, he added.</p> <p>Earlier this month, the Union government had opened up registration process for the entire adult population for third phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive with 1.33 crore people applying on the Co-WIN portal on day 1.</p> <p>"On contacting the manufacturers of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines we learnt that they are unable to give us doses for those above 18 years of age on May 1.</p> <p>"So the drive covering the young people won't start on May 1," Chouhan said in a video message at night.</p> <p>"Hopefully we will be getting vaccinedoses around May 3. After that we will give the final shape to the drive for the young people," he added.</p> <p>"Keep patience and there is no need to panic," the chief minister added.</p> <p>The state government has already placed orders with Covishield maker Serum Institute of India and Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech, he said.</p>

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