From the 1st of April, people above 45 years old are eligible to get the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 vaccination. Previously, above 60 years old people and above 45 years old with comorbidities were allowed to register on Cowin portal to get vaccination.
However, from the 1st of April, the nationwide vaccination drive is for everyone above 45 years old. The major reason behind the same is the rise in COVID-19 cases. In the past three weeks, India reported a massive number of cases. From 10,000 per day, India started recording 60,000 single day cases. In order to curb the spread of the virus and control the situation, the Government of India announced vaccination to be administered to people of 45 years and above.
With this, the vaccination drive across India would increase with the daily doses and would enhance arrangements. The Central Government also asked all the states and union territories governments to keep a track of wastage of vaccines. The Centre asked to maintain vaccine wastage at less than 1% and ensure timely utilization of available vaccine stocks to avoid expiry.
Rajesh Bhushan, the Union Health Secretary said, “From April 1 all people above 45 yrs of age will be eligible for vaccination. Advance appointments can be booked through http://cowin.gov.in. If you don’t want to do this, you can go to your nearest vaccination centre after 3:00 P.M., and go for on-site registration.”
People who do not want to register could do on spot registration. They need to visit their nearest vaccination centre after 3:00 P.M., with Id proof like Voter ID Card, bank passbook, Passport, Aadhaar Card or Ration Card.
In addition, people who were administered the first dose need to take the second dose of the same vaccine in an interval of 28 days.
Few major facts about COVID-19 vaccine process:
- One can take vaccination at the centre which does not fall under your Aadhaar Card address.
- There is no mandatory requirement to take a second dose at the same centre, where the first dose of the vaccination was taken. However, the person should take the same vaccine either COVAXIN or Covisheild.
- One can reschedule or cancel the appointment if any emergency is there.
- Vaccination is being provided free of cost at government hospitals and at Rs. 250 at private hospitals.
- One could take vaccination doses (second shot) in different states/cities, based on the availability.
The nationwide vaccination drive which started on the 16th of January, aims to vaccinate 133 crore citizens of India. The vaccination drive is being continued in a phased manner starting from healthcare workers, sanitation staff, police personnel, senior citizens and others. However, pregnant women, people above 80 years and children would not be given the doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Stay tuned for further updates.
