India will provide Covid-19 vaccines to people over the age of 18 in May

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“In a meeting chaired by [Prime Minister] Narendra Modi, an important decision has been made to allow the vaccination of all those over the age of 18 from May 1, “the statement said.” He added that India is vaccinating people at a world record pace and we will continue to do so with even greater momentum. “

However, it is unclear whether the world’s second most populous country, with nearly 1.4 billion people, currently has enough vaccines to meet widespread demand. Currently, only people who are health workers, front-line workers or those aged 45 and over are eligible for vaccination in India, and the supply of vaccines has already dried up in some places, with at least five states reporting severe shortages. .
Meanwhile, a new wave of coronavirus pandemics is sweeping the country. To date, India has recorded a total of 15,061,919 Covid-19 cases and 178,769 deaths, according to the health ministry. Recently, the country added one million new cases in less than a week, surpassing 14 million cases on Thursday.

With this latest announcement, India’s vaccination campaign will be divided into two components. Government centers will continue to provide free vaccines to health care workers, front-line workers and those aged 45 and over. But starting May 1, private vaccination providers will be able to collect and provide vaccines to anyone 18 years of age or older.

The Indian government does not intend not to use the imported vaccines it authorizes, but private providers can do so. The government has taken steps to expand the availability of the vaccine; last week, it quickly followed the emergency use authorization for Covid-19 vaccines approved in other countries.

Under the “Phase 3 Liberalized and Accelerated Strategy for the Covid-19 National Vaccination Program”, Indian vaccine manufacturers would provide the central government with 50% of their monthly doses; then they would be free to provide the remaining 50% of doses to state governments and the open market.

India produces more than 60% of all vaccines sold globally and hosts the Serum Institute of India (SII), the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world. The country has worked with COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing initiative that offers low-dose or free doses to lower-income countries.

However, in the face of this crisis, the Indian government and SII have focused on prioritizing their own citizens.

India has administered more than 123 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine since Monday, according to the health ministry’s website.

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