COVID-19 vaccine to be given to all above 18 years

Considering the increasing coronavirus cases in the country, the Indian government announced vaccination for all above 18 years from May 1, 2021. This phase 3 vaccination will start from May 1. In this phase, all adults, i.e., all those aged above 18 years, can get the vaccine.

At the same, the government’s vaccination drive will continue as before. That means free vaccination will be given to all people above 45 years.

Before announcing this decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the existing COVID-19 situation with top doctors and pharma companies.  Centre issues guidelines for phase 3 vaccination drive in the country.

Here are the key things about the Phase 3 vaccination drive:

• Now, vaccine manufacturers can supply 50 per cent of doses to state governments and private hospitals after supplying 50 per cent of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) released doses to the government of India. But, they have to make an advance declaration of the price. It applies to all vaccines manufactured in the country.
• Since the price is declared transparently, private hospitals, industrial establishments etc., can procure vaccine stocks directly from the vaccine manufacturers. Based on the price, private vaccination providers have to declare their self-set vaccination price.
• The government will also permit imported vaccines that are completely ready to use in the country.
• All vaccination program, whether it is done through the government channel or not, shall follow the specified protocol like linked to AEFI reporting etc.
• As most of the frontline workers and population above 45 years have been received their first dose of vaccine, they will be given priority for their second dose.
• The Centre would allocate vaccines to states and UTs based on certain criteria and inform them about their quota. These include the number of active COVID-19 cases, speed of vaccine administration, wastage of vaccine etc.
• All vaccination centres shall have to report available vaccine stocks and price per vaccination. This reporting shall be in real-time.

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