Above 18 to get Covid shots from 1st May: Centre

The Covid-19 vaccination drive will proceed from 1st May for all those who are above the age of 18. The decision was made on Monday during a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On January 16, the Centre initiated a national vaccination campaign for healthcare and frontline staff, which was later extended to those over the age of 45 on 1st April.

In Monday's meeting, PM Modi said that the government had already been working diligently for over a year to ensure that most Indians get vaccines in the shortest time frame. He went on to say that India is vaccinating people at an all-time high and that this trend will continue.

All those over the age of 18 will be liable for Covid-19 vaccine jabs as part of the 'liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination.'

GOVT TO PASS VACCINE SALE IN OPEN MARKET

State governments will be eligible to purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers during this process. Vaccine manufacturers will also be able to sell the vials on the open market.

"Vaccine manufacturers will supply 50 % of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory released doses to the Government of India under Phase 3 of the Covid vaccination strategy, and will be free to supply the remaining 50 % doses to state governments and on the open market," the Centre said in an official statement.

"The Government of India will distribute vaccines from its share to states/UTs based on parameters such as the degree of infection (number of active Covid cases) and results (speed of administration). Wastage of vaccine will also be included in this criterion, which will have a negative impact on the criterion" the statement said.

The division of vaccine supply, i.e., 50% to the Center and 50% to state government or private buyers, is only required for vaccines produced in India. The selling of all imported vaccines would be permitted in the open market, according to the Centre.

CONTINUED FREE VACCINE FOR CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE GROUPS

According to the government order, vaccination will continue as before in Government of India vaccination centres and will be given free of charge to the previously identified qualified population, which includes health care staff, front-line workers, and all people over the age of 45.