Covaxin wastage highest in Nandurbar

Pune: The Covaxin wastage was the highest in Nandurbar district and Nashik was leading the state in Covishield wastage, a report from the state health services stated. The wastage of Covaxin was almost 5.22% against the administered dosages in Nadurbar district, it stated. In the case of Covishiled, it is 2.7% in Nashik. The report stated that Mumbai had the least wastage of Covaxin (0.08%) and Covishield (-5.39%) across the state, while Pune ranked third in the overall wastage of Covaxin (3.46%) and Covishield (2.15%). The state average for the vaccine wastage for Covaxin stands at 1.64%, while for Covishield it is in the minus (-0.31%).The data revealed at least 23 districts across the state were wasting doses more than the state average. The wastage was less than the state average in 12 districts. An official from the public health services department said Covaxin had the higher wastage because it was being administered across specialised groups such as 15-18 or to adults selectively opting for it. “Once a vial is opened, it needs to be used within the four hours. If there are no beneficiaries around, the chances are that the doses will be wasted. Since Covishield has the highest beneficiaries, it has comparatively low wastage,” he said.Sachin Desai, the state immunisation officer said, “Every vial contains at least one or two doses more than the actual number. If the vaccination sites are using these additional doses as well, then it is safe to say there is no wastage.”