How State Will Give Second Dose? Karnataka High Court Rings Alarm Bells Over COVID Vaccine Shortage

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Aravind Kumar said "We direct the state government to place on record a road map showing how it is going to provide vaccine to beneficiaries, who have taken first dose and second dose is overdue? How is the state government going to provide a second dose to those who have taken first dose? How the state government is going to achieve the target of vaccinating those above the age of 45 years? How is it going to cover weaker sections of the society by getting them vaccinated? The State government must come out with a road map by day after tomorrow."

The court in its order noted "We must record that it is a well accepted fact that vaccination is a major step which is required to be taken to prevent the spread of covid-19. However, facts and figures brought on record show that the situation of availability of vaccines in the state of Karnataka is disturbing." It added "If the present scenario continues the vaccination drive will be completely ineffective in the state."

During the hearing the court orally said "Vaccination is the only solution to prevent from third wave or any other wave. It is the obligation of the state to provide a vaccine. Nobody can purchase it from any shop."

The state government in its affidavit submitted that of the l.7l crore eligible beneficiaries aged above 45 years, it has covered 7225064 beneficiaries with first dose and 1171008 beneficiaries with second dose as on date. Further, 992629 beneficiaries have completed 6 weeks, 530540 beneficiaries completed 7 weeks, 160279 beneficiaries completed 8 weeks after receiving the first dose of Covishield and are due for the second dose.

Similarly, 397894 beneficiaries have completed 4 weeks, 310022 beneficiaries have completed 5 weeks, 217 543 beneficiaries have completed 6 weeks after receiving the first dose of COVAXIN and are due for second dose and have exceeded the permissible window' period for COVID-19 vaccination. As a result of which they remain incompletely protected.

As per guidelines, the time interval between two doses of the Covishield vaccine has been extended from four-six weeks to four-eight weeks. The second dose of Covaxin can be taken four to six weeks after the first.

On perusing the figures the court said "Broadly it can be stated that 26 lakh beneficiaries in the state, to whom first dose of Covishield have been given have not received second dose which is overdue as per prevailing policy. As against this total stock of vaccines in the state as of today is 9, 37,780. We may hasten to add that the figures don't include those who have not completed four weeks after taking vaccination."

It added "Hence, It is obvious that if the present scenario continues, the first dose of vaccination cannot be given to frontline workers and health workers and people belonging to the category of 45 years and above. As demand for those who have taken the first dose cannot be fulfilled in the near future. Thus, it can be concluded that if the present scenario continues the vaccination drive will be completely ineffective in the state."

Extending the time till May 13, for the Central government to comply with the direction issued by it in its order dated May 6. The court said "We hope and trust that both governments will take a serious note of the desperate situation about availability of vaccines. If steps are not taken to procure an adequate number of vaccines, the very object of the vaccine will be affected and it will have a cascading effect on spread of covid-19."