New Delhi: Everyone above the age of 18 years has been made eligible to take Covid-19 Vaccine. The new phase of inoculation drive will begin from May 1, the centre announced on Monday.


The important decision of allowing vaccination to everyone above the age of 18 from May 1 was taken in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 


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In the meeting, PM Modi said that the Government has been working hard for over a year to ensure that maximum numbers of Indians are able to get the vaccine in the shortest possible time.


He added that India is vaccinating people at a world record pace and that the nation will continue this drive with even greater momentum.


Vaccination Drive Made More Flexible


Several other important decisions have been taken in this meeting. These include: 



  • Pricing, Procurement, Eligibility and Administration of vaccines being made flexible in Phase 3.

  • All stakeholders given flexibility to customise to local needs.

  • Vaccine manufacturers incentivized to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players.

  • Vaccine manufacturers empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to Stategovernments and in the open market at a pre-declared price.

  • States empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, as well as open up vaccination to any category of people above the age of 18 for the same.


Besides this, the nationwide vaccination drive will continue as before, providing free vaccination for essential and priority populations as defined earlier i.e HCWs, FLWs, and population above 45 years.


PM Modi's Meeting With Doctors


PM Modi interacted with doctors across the country through video conferencing on the Covid-19 issue and vaccination progress. He appreciated the doctors, medical and para-medical staff for their invaluable service.


"Last year, during the same time, it was due to our doctors' hard work and the nation's strategy that we were able to control the coronavirus wave. Now that the country is facing the second wave of coronavirus, all the doctors, our frontline workers are confronting the pandemic with full force, and are saving the lives of millions of people," he said.


PM Modi said that vaccination is the biggest weapon in the fight against coronavirus. He urged the doctors to encourage more and more patients to get vaccinated. He also asked the doctors to educate people against several rumours on Covid treatment and prevention.


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Phase-I of the National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy was launched on January 16 this year, prioritising protection for Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Front Line Workers (FLWs).


As systems and processes stabilized, Phase-II was initiated from March 1, focusing on protecting our most vulnerable i.e. all people above 45 years of age, accounting for more than 80% of Covid mortality in the country. The private sector was also roped in to boost capacity. 


As previously stated, this policy would come into effect from May 1 and will be reviewed from time to time as informed by the central government.