No stock of Covishield: BBMP chief

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A serious and ongoing vaccine shortage may hinder the city’s efforts to inoculate its residents against the possible surge in Covid cases. Concerns were raised after the city’s civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), admitted on Friday that they have a shortage of Covishield vaccine for administering booster doses to residents.

“However, we have stock of Covaxin, but not Covishield,” BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath on Friday said. “During our previous vaccination drive, 90 per cent of the people in Bengaluru received Covishield while only 10 percent received Covaxin. We will approach those who are eligible to take a booster dose and request them to take it. If there is any excess, it will be sent back,” Girinath added.

The BBMP chief also said that there hasn’t been an increase in the positivity rate in Bengaluru. He assured the that since they have experience in tackling the previous waves, they will be ready this time. “The public need not worry. We have stocks of beds and ventilators and we will take necessary steps based on the protocol by the government,” said the BBMP chief.