In huge relief for many Indians, everyone over the age of 18 years in the country will be eligible for the Covid vaccinations beginning May 1, the government announced on Monday, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings.
The decision comes as part of the govt's liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination. So far, the government had allowed vaccinations only for frontline workers and those above 45 years.
Under Phase 3 of Covid vaccination strategy, vaccine manufacturers will supply 50% of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory released doses to the govt, and would be free to supply the remaining 50% doses to state govts and in the open market. The pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration has been made flexible as well.
Vaccine manufacturers have been incentivised to to further scale up production, as well as attract new domestic and international players. States have been empowered to directly procure additional vaccines from manufacturers as well as open up vaccination to all those above 18.