North-eastern states may delay vaccine rollout for 18-44 years

North-eastern states are likely to delay the rollout of the Covid inoculation drive, which was supposed to start from May 1, for those in the 18-44 age group. Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told media persons that online registration has started. “We are yet to get the vaccine. I am expecting some information by today (Friday).”

“ We have already placed orders for one crore doses each with the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. We are on it. The central government is talking to vaccine manufacturers and accordingly, states will be provided with vaccines and we will purchase the same,” he added.

Sarma tweeted, “Assam gets 5 lakh + #COVID19Vaccine by GOI (371480 Covishield; 128830 Covaxin) for 18+ people. We’re procuring it immediately through funds of Assam Arogya Nidhi”.“Assam is vaccinating close to one lakh person every day,” he said. The Arunachal Pradesh government is also likely to defer the May 1 vaccination drive.


A senior state government official, who did not want to be named told ET, “There are technical issues and we will not start the drive from May 1.” The Meghalaya government has stated that it will announce the exact date of the inoculation drive. It has placed orders with the Serum Institute of India.

A senior state government official said, “Registration process will continue. We will notify the fresh date.” Tripura is likely to defer as supply from manufacturers is not assured yet. Officials in Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur added, “There is no clarity on the fresh inculcation drive. We will sort it out soon. However, the drive is not likely to start from May 1."