In lieu to contain the potential threat of the virus, the Government of India on Monday has decided to initiate the third phase of the Covid-19 vaccine for all above the age of 18 from May 1.
The decision came in a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
All persons over the age of 18 will be inoculated the vaccine as part of the "liberalized and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination."
During the meeting, PM added that his government had been striving hard for more than a year now so that the maximum number of Indians can be administered the vaccine in less time.
The first phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive kicked off in India in January in which two vaccines are being used i.e. Covidshield and Covaxin. So far, the Centre had allowed the vaccinations only for frontline workers and for those above 45.
From May 1, pricing, procurement, eligibility, and administering of vaccines will run with ease across the nation, the government affirmed. Also, the vaccine manufacturers have been directed to accelerate the production and release up to 50 percent of their supply to the states in a transparent manner and at a market-declared price.
Notably, the states have now been allowed to get the vaccine directly from the suppliers.
What's in store in the liberalized vaccination drive?
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1. Manufacturers of the vaccines will supply 50 % of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory to the Centre govt and the remaining 50% doses can supply directly to the states.
2. For the supply of vaccines in an open market, manufacturers will fix the prices before giving them to the state governments.
3. On the capped prices state governments, private hospitals, industrial establishments can purchase the doses
4. At the Centre healthcare facilities, health care workers, frontline workers, and those above 45 will be vaccinated free of cost
5. Depending on the number of cases, the GOI will distribute the vaccines from its lot however, vaccine wastage could affect the state's quota of doses.