PUNE: The private hospitals offering the Covid vaccines in the district are shifting their focus to second-dose beneficiaries.
Hospital representatives TOI spoke to said scores of citizens, including those in the 18-44 and 45-plus groups, are becoming eligible for the second jab. And due to shortages at government-run sites, these beneficiaries are finding it easier to get a paid shot at private hospitals.
Dhananjay Kelkar, medical director of the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, said, "The number of first-dose beneficiaries has dropped significantly over the last few days. In June and July, we were vaccinating nearly 3,000 to 4,000 beneficiaries daily with the first dose, which has reduced to just 300 to 400. Our focus will now be on second-dose beneficiaries. We have a stock of around 25,000 doses of Covishield and we will replenish that soon."
Jitendra Oswal, the deputy director of the Bharati Hospital, said that the number of second dose beneficiaries was set to increase significantly.
"Turnouts are low for the first dose. We will evaluate the second dose-response in the coming days," he said, adding that they have at least 25,000 doses of Covishield with them.
Snehal Porwal, founder of the Healing Hands Clinic said units are preparing for the surge in second-dosers during August.
On Wednesday, due to fresh Covid vaccine supply the day before, coverage improved in the district with a total of 48,675 vaccinations.
For Thursday, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has readied as many as 60 vaccination centres for Covishield and eight for Covaxin.
Those turning up for a second jab will be given preference.
