Maharashtra Government has temporarily suspended the vaccination drive for 18-44 age group due to shortage of vaccines. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai this evening, Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the state cabinet has decided that all the doses purchased for this age group will now be diverted for the 45 category. <br />''<br />''Stating that administering a second dose of the vaccine is more important, Mr.Tope said a decision on restarting the drive can be taken after 20th of May when the state is likely to receive a huge tranche of Covishield vaccine. Mr. Tope informed that about 16 lakh people are awaiting their second dose of Covishiled while four lakh are awaiting Covaxin. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Health Minister further informed that Mr. Uddhav Thackeray will soon write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi explaining the overall vaccination issues being faced by the state and seek help in relaxing customs rules so that Maharashtra can float a global tender for vaccine.</span><br />