Punjab is one of the worst-performing states in the country when it comes to vaccinating the population in the 60-plus age group.

As per government data till August 18, just 22 per cent population belonging to the above-60 year group is fully vaccinated in Punjab. However, the national average is 30 per cent. Punjab is on the 28th position among all states and union territories in the country. Neighbouring Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are way ahead. Himachal Pradesh has fully vaccinated 63 per cent of its population, Jammu and Kashmir (43 per cent) and Haryana (38 per cent) of this age group.

Similarly, 47 per cent population in Punjab from the same group has received the first dose of the vaccine against the national average of 60 per cent. The coverage in Himachal Pradesh is 95 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir (93 per cent) and Haryana (73 per cent). Significantly, the state is continuously facing shortage of vaccines.