The government had started vaccinating those aged above 60 years from March 1 and people aged between 45 and 59 years from April 1. While free vaccination for 18- to 44-year-olds started from May 1, the government stopped it till June 21. A large number of working youngsters then went to private hospitals for their shots.

This shows in the numbers, too. Out of the total 15,13,560 vaccines administered in this group, 81 per cent (12,26,209) were given by private centres. With free vaccinations having resumed, the trend is reversing with civic and government centres administering 2,31,963 doses and private centres giving 2,17,805 doses since June 21. 

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There are around 50 lakh people aged between 18 and 44 years, 20 lakh people aged between 45 and 59 years and 25 lakh people aged above 60 years. Apart from their population being double that of other age groups, there are other reasons behind the increased vaccinations. “Most of the people in the group are in the working class and going outside every day and need a shield against the virus. They are ready to pay for the vaccination. Most of them don’t have comorbidities and hence the level of hesitation to take the vaccine is lower, which is not the case for seniors,” said a civic official.

The number of vaccinated youngsters went beyond 15 lakh within two months. This excludes healthcare and frontline workers, students and lactating mothers. So far, 4,964 doses have been administered to students and 3,224 were given to lactating mothers. Out of 15.14 lakh doses, 14.80 lakh were given as a first dose and 33,411 were given as a second dose. 

81%
Proportion of 18-44 age group vaxxed at private centres