Given the amount of Oxford-AstraZeneca corona vaccine in stock in the country, the second dose cannot be given to 100% of those who took the first dose.
Health Directorate spokesman Prof. Nazmul Islam disclosed this information at a virtual briefing on Sunday (May 16) at noon.
According to the Directorate of Health, there are currently 7 lakh 60 thousand 5 doses of vaccine in the country. And there are more than 1.4 million people left to take the second dose of vaccine, who have already taken the first dose.
According to the Directorate of Health, 37 lakh 83 people have taken the second dose of vaccine since the start of vaccination activities in the country till today (May 16). Among them 23 lakh 8 thousand 85 were men and 13 lakh 21 thousand 408 women.
On the other hand, 58 lakh 19 thousand 912 people have received the first dose of vaccine in the country till now. Among them 36 lakh eight thousand 989 were male and 22 lakh 10 thousand 933 females.
A total of 95 lakh 19 thousand 995 people have been vaccinated in two doses. As such, the country currently has a stock of six lakh 80 thousand 5 doses of vaccine.
Directorate of Health spokesman Prof. Nazmul Islam said, we are being given the second dose of vaccine. We will not be able to give the second dose to those who are supposed to get it. Communication is going on in other channels including various diplomatic channels. We hope to be able to collect AstraZeneca vaccines from different sources. We decided to vaccinate at 6-week intervals, which in some countries has been extended to 18 weeks. So in that case we are getting some time.
Regarding the closure of vaccination activities, he said that the quantity of stocks in the hospitals will depend on when they can be stopped. The idea is that the amount we have in stock can last a maximum of one week. However, it can be a day or two less depending on the institution. Once the stock is depleted, the Covishield vaccine will be discontinued until we can collect new ones. Those who have taken the first dose of Oxford AstraZeneca do not have the opportunity to take the second dose with another company's vaccine.