65% citizens had someone in their close network who could not find a dose when they went for vaccination in the last 30 days

July 15, 2021, New Delhi: With the 3rd wave of COVID-19 likely to hit India between August-September per experts, the focus is now shifting to vaccinating as many citizens to minimize its impact. The Government of India plans to vaccinate the entire adult population of the country by the year-end. So far, it has administered close to 39 crore vaccines doses. However, concern arises over the pace of vaccination, with experts suggesting that the country falls considerably behind in inoculating 60% of its population, with both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, to achieve herd immunity. India must administer vaccines to 8 -9 million people every day; however, the average per day vaccination rate was 3.9 million over the past seven days. Out of the 11 crore citizens vaccinated in the 18-44 age group, only 38 lakh have received their second dose as per the Ministry of Health and Welfare data. Per Government data, more than 39.59 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs, and more than 1.51 crore vaccine doses are still available with them, including private hospitals as of July 14th, 2021.

In the last 2 weeks, states including West Bengal, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have raised the alert on vaccine shortages. However, the Centre is confident that with all the orders placed, the availability of vaccines will only increase in the coming months.

After many citizens expressed that they or someone in their family, friends could not get a vaccine dose when they went for vaccination, LocalCircles conducted a survey to understand the magnitude of the issue in the last 30 days. The survey received 8,931 responses from citizens residing in 278 districts of India participated in the survey. 66% of the participants were men while 34% were women. 42% respondents were from tier 1 districts, 31% from tier 2 and 27% respondents were from tier 3, 4 and rural districts.

65% citizens said they or someone in their close social network could not find a vaccination dose when they went for vaccination in the last 30 days

The question in the survey asked citizens, “Did you and/or anyone in the social network (extended family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, etc.) face a scenario in the last 30 days where they went to get vaccinated and the center was out of vaccine stock?” In response, 20% said “happened with 4 or more individuals in my social network,” 26% said “happened with 2-3 individuals in my social network” and 19% said “happened with 1 individual in my social network.” Only 21% said it “did not happen with anyone” while 14% couldn’t say. On an aggregate basis, 65% of citizens had someone in their social network who could not find a vaccine dose when they went for vaccination in the last 30 days. This question in the survey received 8,931 responses.

When LocalCircles had conducted this same survey at the end of May, 70% citizens had indicated that they or someone in their social network could not find a vaccine dose when they went for vaccination in the month of May. The number stood at 18% in early April but then dramatically rose to 51% by the end of April as with rising COVID cases, people rushed to get vaccinated.

In summary, 65% of citizens had someone in their social network who could not find a vaccine dose when they went for vaccination in the last 30 days. While the July number shows minor improvement from end of May, 65% citizens knowing someone who could not find a vaccine in the last 30 days is still quite concerning. The need of the hour is for center to increase vaccine availability immediately but also for states and districts to have a logistics plan such that excess availability and shortages are effectively balanced so fulfilment rate goes up.

Survey Demographics

The survey received 8,931 responses from citizens residing in 278 districts of India participated in the survey. 66% of the participants were men while 34% were women. 42% respondents were from tier 1 districts, 31% from tier 2 and 27% respondents were from tier 3, 4 and rural districts. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.