On March 23, the Union Cabinet announced that all above 45 years will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination starting April 1. Until now, all above 60 years and those above 45 years with co-morbidities were eligible for jabs. After this development, there will be no need to produce co-morbidities certificate for those over 45.
Additionally, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that basis scientific advice, the gap between two doses of Covishield has also been extended up to eight weeks, from its earlier four weeks, as medical practitioners are of the opinion that this is more effective in building immunity.
“Would urge everyone above 45 years to get themselves registered and inoculated,” the minister said, reiterating that India has adequate doses of the vaccine. “We are proud that India's both vaccines are successful. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself took Covaxin. So you can take any vaccine. And take a doctor's advice regarding the gap between the two doses,” Javadekar added.
“Vaccination is going on well and at a fast pace. Around 4.85 crore people have already got vaccinated. Many of them have got their second doses too. 32.5 lakh doses were administered yesterday in 24 hours. In February, our daily average was 3.77 lakh, it surpassed 15 lakh in March,” the minister informed.
“We will have to continue using masks for another one year and a half. Similarly, we will have to wash hands, maintain social distancing. Only vaccination is the shield.”
*All pictures for representational purposes only.