Covid 19 vaccination for 18 to 44 years: As India's Covid 19 cases had been increasing, the government had allowed vaccination for those above 18 years from May 1. However, the drive had run into trouble soon after its launch as states started complaining of shortage of vaccine. While many states had not started the inoculation campaign citing vaccine shortage, several states have suspended the vaccination for 18 plus allegedly owing to the same reason.  

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Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka are among states that halted vaccination for those above 18 years and to meet quote of vaccines for 45 years and above.  

Recently, Karnataka government temporarily suspended the COVID vaccination for the age group of 18 to 44 years from May 14. "Today the state government has decided that the vaccine procured directly by the state for vaccination of persons between 18 to 44 years will be utilised for vaccination of beneficiaries who are due for the second dose," said ANI. 

On Wednesday, Maharashtra decided to suspend its third phase of vaccination drive, while Delhi also halted the vaccination campaign for this age group, saying it has run out of stock. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Bharat Biotech has informed the state government that it cannot provide "additional" Covaxin doses to the national capital. 

Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has promised Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to deliver 1.5 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield to Maharashtra after May 20, said the state health minister on Wednesday. 

Tamil Nadu government announced global tenders for procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, followed by reports of the Rajasthan government mulling over similar steps.   

Meanwhile, states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have already opted for global tenders to meet their needs. Uttarakhand officials said the state will import 20 lakh doses of Sputnik vaccine over the next two months. 

With Aencies inputs