Rapid vaccination is the way to getting economy back on track: Centre

New Delhi : Rapid vaccination is the only way to get economy back on track and returning to normal, the government said on Tuesday. The statement comes a day after Centre-controlled vaccination on Day 1 registered more than 86 lakh people taking the jab.

The Centre has rejected claims of shortage of the vaccine in the nation and said  it anticipated supply of 20-22 crore doses in July, and planned to vaccinate "at least one crore every day".

"We need to do our daily work, maintain our social life, open schools, businesses, take care of our economy; we will be able to do all this only when we are able to vaccinate at a fast pace," Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, said in a statement issued this morning.

Dr Paul mentioned that the second wave has weakened in the nation and this is the best time to take the vaccine.

He also urged people to stick to COVID-related behaviour and keep using masks even after taking the vaccine.

"Why will there be a third wave if we follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated? There are many countries where even the second wave has not arrived; if we follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, this period will pass," he said.

On Monday, data on COWIN website showed that more than 86 lakh people were vaccinated on Day 1 of Central government controlled vaccination drive.