Govt fast-tracks Covid-19 fight, to start vaccination for 18+ from May 1

 

In a much-awaited move, India has allowed Covid vaccination for all above 18 years of age, starting May 1. The decision, taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, is expected to change the course of the pandemic currently raging through the country. India Inc and political parties have for long demanded the opening up of vaccination for all adults.

In a departure from the current policy, the government has also allowed states to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers. Vaccine supply to open market and industries has been permitted as well with conditions. In fact, the government will allow the imported ready-to-use vaccines to be entirely utilised in the open market. While the pricing arrangements have not been revealed, the latest announcement clubbed with the recent proposal to fast-track clearances could attract a host of foreign vaccine-makers, according to officials.

Vaccination would continue free of cost in government centres for healthcare and frontline workers and also those above 45 years of age, the government has said, indicating that jabs for the proposed 18 plus category would be priced and be accessible in private hospitals and open market. Read More