Covid-19 Vaccine for All Above 18 Years Starting May 1

As per an announcement made by the Government of India, Covid-19 vaccination will be available for all aged above 18 years from May 1, 2021. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings over the country’s response to the record daily rise in Covid-19 cases.

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It must be noted that India reported 2.73 Lakh new cases in the highest spike since the beginning of the pandemic over a year ago. According to the statement by the central government, all adults can get coronavirus shots and states can buy vaccine doses directly from vaccine-makers in the "liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination".

Manufacturers will be allowed to release up to 50% of their supply for vaccination purposes at a "pre-declared price". Moreover, states will not be allowed to get additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers. As of now, only people 45 years along with those categorised as healthcare frontline workers, are eligible for coronavirus vaccination.

According to the Health Ministry, a good amount of coverage of vulnerable groups is expected by April 30. As per a statement after the Prime Minister’s meeting, the country has been following a dynamic mapping model that is based on availability of novel coronavirus vaccines & coverage of vulnerable priority groups so as to make the decision of allowing vaccination to other age groups.

It must be noted that India began inoculating people starting January 16, using two novel coronavirus vaccines, namely Serum Institute of India's Covishield developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech's made-in-India Covaxin. Until now, the government had allowed vaccinations only for health workers, frontline workers as well as people above 45 years of age in a centrally-controlled process.