Assam Vaccinated Only 15% Residents, Young Struggle To Book Slots

Till Monday, the state vaccinated more than 21 lakh people above the age of 60 years and around 7 lakh people from the other group. Overall, that amounts to only 15.33 per cent of the eligible population.

Babul Dhar is a pharmacist in Guwahati's Adabari locality, who cannot stay indoors despite Assam's ongoing Covid-linked curfew. The 37-year-old is a pharmacist and has to continue working. Pharmacies are essential services, but pharmacists like Mr Dhar are not considered frontline workers. Ever since vaccination has been allowed for 18-44-year-olds in the state on May 7, he has been trying to book a slot. But he has had no success yet. Though the Assam government claims they are keeping more than one lakh vaccines always for the 18-44-year-olds, people like Mr Dhar who desperately need it, are yet to get a shot. "I have been trying every day to book a slot. Even when I am at work, family members keep trying. It is not clear what we should do. How will we get vaccinated?" he said.