New Delhi: Everyone above 45 years of age will be able to get Covid-19 vaccine from April 1, the government said on Tuesday.
Announcing the decision of the Cabinet, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that there will be no need for medical certificates supporting co-morbidity conditions, as the government had stipulated earlier for the second phase of vaccination.
He also appealed to all eligible people to get themselves registered in the vaccination drive.
“We have enough vaccine. We appeal that all above 45 should take the vaccine as early as possible that will provide them shield against Corona,” Mr Javadekar said while addressing a press conference.
The decision has been taken based on scientific advice, he said, adding more cases are expected.
“We are in constant touch with the states which are witnessing more cases,” he said.
As part of the vaccine drive, India has approved Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Serum Institute of India (SII).
On safety, Covishield and Covaxin are the safest of the vaccines, said Dr VK Paul, member of Niti Aayog.
The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive began on 16 January with healthcare workers and frontline workers in the first phase.
As per the official data, as many as 4,84,94,594 corona vaccine doses have been administered through 7,84,612 sessions till Tuesday. (UNI)