New Delhi: In a major breakthrough for the people amid second wave of Coronavirus cases, the central government on Tuesday announced that anyone above the age of 45 can now get vaccinated for COVID-19 from April 1.
Union Minister P Javadekar in a press conference today said, "It has been decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age. We request that all eligible should immediately register and get vaccinated".
"As per the advice by scientists and world scientist bodies, the second dose can be administered between 4th and 8th week, particularly for COVISHIELD. We appeal that all above 45 should take the vaccine as early as possible that will provide them shield against Coronavirus," the union minister added.
With this decision, people in this age group who do not suffer from any comorbidities can get vaccinated as opposed to the earlier directive wherein individuals above 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions could get inoculated.
The countrywide Coronavirus vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting vaccinated and followed by frontline workers from February 2.
Meanwhile, the Single-day rise of 40,715 new COVID-19 infections and 199 fatalities have pushed India's tally to 1,16,86,796 cases with the death toll being 1,60,166.
In terms of the incoulation drive, over 4.8 crore (4,84,94,594) vaccine doses have been administered through 7,84,612 sessions in India. The first dose administration has crossed 4 crore mark today (4,06,31,153), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed.