Close to 5,000 Covid vaccine doses wasted in 5 states so far: report

According to data from 5 states, close to 5,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been wasted since the inoculation drive began on January 16, a report by The Hindustan Times said.

The government has factored a 10% wastage across the nation with the drive; and states and UTs have been given detailed guidelines on how to minimise wastage.

Authorities have allowed officials administering the doses to call in people unscheduled in order to avoid loss. But the loss persists due to the two approved vaccines coming in vials of 10 or 20 doses.

Wastage of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is higher due to its larger vial size. Once opened, both Covaxin and Covishield need to be used within 4 hours.

Though wastage is under the 10% limit in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Bihar, Tripura has so far reported 1,623 vaccine doses or 11% wastage.