The US is facing a growing challenge of vaccine hesitancy. Millions of Americans are not getting the second doses of their Covid-19 vaccines, and their ranks are growing, a report carried by the New York Times said.

The report said that according to most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than five million people — nearly 8 per cent of those who got a first shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines — have missed their second doses. “That is more than double the rate among people who got inoculated in the first several weeks of the nationwide vaccine campaign,” the NYTimes report said.

The report said that many people who have been interviewed feared side effects while a large number of people felt they were “they were sufficiently protected with a single shot.” A dearth of supply is also causing problems.

However, the CDC on Tuesday announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated – with both shots – will be allowed to attend small gatherings without wearing masks.

“If you're fully vaccinated and want to attend a small outdoor gathering with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated, or dine at an outdoor restaurant with friends from multiple households, the science shows – if you're vaccinated – you can do so safely unmasked,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.

India's focus on vaccination drive

Meanwhile, 147 million people in India have been vaccinated so far. The country, which is in the grip of a several second wave, has opened vaccination drive for all adults—above the age of 18—from May 1. Experts said that in India, people are now more open to vaccination. "Even two months ago, there was hesitation but now people are keen to get themselves vaccinated, thanks to the right messaging," a health expert said.

The Centre has already given its approval for emergency use of Russia made Sputnik V. It is expected to fast-track approvals for other foreign-produced Covid-19 vaccines as well that have been granted emergency authorisation in other countries.