Karnataka suspends COVID-19 vaccination for 18-44 age groups

Bengaluru : Karnataka government on Wednesday temporarily suspended vaccination against coronavirus for people in 18-44 age groups, claiming shortage of vaccines with the state. The suspension is applicable on those who have already booked a slot, the state's health department said.

"Vaccination for 18 to 44 age group (including those who have already booked appointments) will be temporarily suspended from May 14 till further orders. This order will be applicable for Covid-19 vaccination at all government COVID vaccination centers," the Karnataka government said in the official order.

The government has decided to utilize the remaining stock of vaccines on people who are due for their second dose of vaccine.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the state had revealed plans of importing the vaccine to fulfill the demand. Karnataka Chief Secretary P Ravi Kumar on Wednesday said that the state government will have to purchase vaccines for people between 18-44 years of age group.

"We have already paid money to the two vaccine manufacturers in the country for three crore doses. Out of three crore doses, we have received seven lakh," the state's chief secretary told media on Wednesday.

He said that the vaccination will begin as soon as they will get the stock.

Karnataka's Covid-19 caseload has touched 20,53,191 after the state reported 39,998 cases on Wednesday.