In a new development, the Centre has approved the vaccination of all citizens over the age of 45 against the coronavirus COVID-19, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.
The vaccination drive for those aged above 45 will begin April 1 onwards.
“It has been decided that from April 1, the (COVID-19) vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age. We request that all those eligible should immediately register and get vaccinated,” Javadekar said.
Currently, only senior citizens aged above 60 and those aged above 45 with comorbidities can receive the vaccine shots. This change in policy is as per the advice of scientists.
Javadekar said, “As per the advice by scientists and world scientist bodies, second dose can be administered between fourth and eighth week, particularly for Covishield”.
The assessment was made by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC), the Centre said.
As per data that is available, 4.85 crore doses have been administered. More than 4 crore people have received a single dose, while about 80 lakh people have received their second doses.
“In February, the daily average (for vaccinations) was 3,77,000. This rose to 15,54,000 in March, a rise of more than four times. Last week this rose to more than 20 lakh and now it has moved beyond 32 lakhs daily,” Javadekar added.
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