The vaccination drive in East Singhbhum district for the 18-44 year age group is likely to suffer a setback as Covishield stocks were exhausted on Friday.

The drive can continue only if 5,000 vials reach the steel city from the state capital in Ranchi by Friday night, chances of which are slim.

The vaccination drive for the 45 years and above age category will continue as the stocks of both Covishield and Covaxin are adequate for the beneficiaries.

There are seven vaccine centres across the East Singhbhum district -- six at steel city and one at Baharagora block of the district, where on an average 5,200 beneficiaries are getting vaccinated every day.

East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Suraj Kumar confirmed the shortfall of Covishield vaccines meant for the 18-44 years age-group.

"Very negligible number of vaccines is left for 18-44 years age group. We are trying to procure 5,000 vials so as to tide over the crisis. If the consignment of vaccines does not reach today, then we have to suspend the vaccination drive for the above-mentioned group for two days, "said Kumar to The Telegraph Online.

He, however, claimed that the vaccination drive is being carried out without any chaos.

The deputy commissioner said that there is no word about the Sputnik vaccines from the state government, but the Tata Main Hospital management has taken an initiative in procuring the Russian-made vaccine.

"The Tata Main Hospital management has placed an order for the Sputnik vaccines and the process of procurement of the vaccine is on," said Kumar.

According to the health department sources, 2,71,562 people have been administered their first dose and 62,581 people have got the second dose in the district.