Ahead of the next phase of vaccination, the Maharashtra cabinet has taken a crucial decision to provide free vaccines to all the citizens between age group 18-44.
The next phase of vaccination for citizens above 18 years of age will begin from May 1 across India, including Maharashtra. There are over 5 crore 71 lakh subordinate citizens in this age group in the state. For this, the state will need 12 crore vaccines. The cost will be borne by the state government which will be about Rs 6,500 crore for this phase of vaccination.
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Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after the high-level meet today said, "we have been fighting the battle of Covid for the last one and a half years. Vaccination started in the state since January in collaboration with the Center. To date, more than 1.5 crore people under the age of 45 have been vaccinated. This is a record in the country."
The Chief Minister further said that despite the current financial crisis in the state, the health of the citizens is the top priority and that is why the decision to provide free vaccines to all the people between the ages of 18 and 44 was taken at the state cabinet meeting.
The state has taken a very important decision in the vaccination campaign but now the administration has a challenge to coordinate the vaccination campaign by determining the proper supply of vaccines. The Chief Minister has instructed the administration to ensure that there is no hindrance in planning the immunisation program.
Vaccines from Serum and Bharat Biotech are currently available, and in consultation with them, more and more vaccines will be made available, the CM said.
Registration is mandatory
The third phase of inoculation will begin on May 1 across the country. Everyone over the age of 18 will be vaccinated from the upcoming weekend. Earlier, all citizens above the age of 45 were allowed to be vaccinated. Starting today, people between the ages of 18 and 44 will be required to register online for the Covid vaccine.
Earlier the government mentioned that walk-in will not be allowed for this vaccination drive. One can use the Co-WIN Portal to register. Online registration for vaccination is mandatory.