Only 24 per cent of 12-15 age group vaccinated in Thane: Civic data

It has been three months since vaccination against Covid-19 started for the 12 years to 15 years age group, but so far only about 24 per cent of these children have taken the first jab in Thane city. In the 15 years to 18 years age group, nearly 36 per cent have not yet been vaccinated in Thane city.

The vaccination of those in the age group 12 years to 15 years started on March 19. As per estimate there are about 99,000 children in this age group. According to Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) officials, since then 23,077 kids have taken the first jab, and 11,145 have taken both jabs.

New campaign for jabs

"We have started the second phase of Har Ghar Dastak campaign for COVID vaccination. We have created 235 teams whose members visit every household and identify those who have not taken the vaccine, or missed the second dose, or the booster dose. Those who have not been vaccinated are being vaccinated on the spot. The campaign has been running since June 2," said Dr Prasad Patil, medical officer of TMC.

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A student is vaccinated at Wadia Hospital, Thane West, on June 10. Pic/Sameer Markande

According to the data, 86,416 youngsters in the 15 years to 18 years age group (about 64 per cent) took the first jab and 67,333 completed both jabs. As per estimate there are 1.35 lakh persons in this age group. Vaccination for this age group started on December 31, but 49,000 persons in this age group have not yet taken any doses.

Besides the youngsters, at least 58,000 people between 45 years to 60 years have so far not taken the second jab. There are 3.47 lakh people in this age group who took the first jab and 2.89 lakh who took both jabs. In the 18 years to 44 years group 9.16 lakh have completed the first jab and 8.32 lakh completed both jabs.

Thane city witnessed a more than 250 per cent rise in COVID-19 patients last week. "The city had recorded 98 patients on June 6 and on June 12, 249 new patients were recorded in the city. More than 60 per cent of patients are from the working class and residents of buildings," said a TMC official.

Focus on contact tracing

"We have increased the number of tests from around 400 to about 1400 daily. At least 50 per cent of these tests are RT PCR. We have enough stock of medicines with medical oxygen. At least 3,000 to 3,500 beds are ready. We are focusing on contact tracing also," said Dr Patil.

"Currently, there are 1,248 active patients in Thane. Out of them, 43 patients have moderate symptoms and 27 patients are admitted to COVID Care Centre, but have mild symptoms. Only 4 patients are on oxygen. Most of the patients are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms," the official said.

99,000
No. of children in the age group 12 years to 15 years in Thane city