People over 18 years can get COVID-19 vaccine from May 1

The central government on Monday (April 19) announced that people over 18 years wil be able get COVID-19 vaccine from May 1.

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New Delhi: The central government on Monday (April 19) announced that people over 18 years will be able get COVID-19 vaccine from May 1.

The third phase of the vaccination plan aims to accelerate the inoculation drive across the country. The Centre has said that it will allow the vaccine manufacturers to supply half of their production to the government of India, while they would be free to share the remaining half with the states and in open market as well.

"Under Phase 3 of COVID vaccination strategy, vaccine manufacturers would supply 50% of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory released doses to Govt of India & would be free to supply the remaining 50% doses to State Govts and in the open market," ANI reported citing a government statement.

Govt of India, from its share, will allocate vaccines to States/UTs based on criteria of extent of infection (number of active COVID cases) & performance (speed of administration). Wastage of vaccine will also be considered in this criteria & will affect criteria negatively: Govt pic.twitter.com/jVmzG5nKuf — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2021

"Govt of India, from its share, will allocate vaccines to States/UTs based on criteria of extent of infection (number of active COVID cases) and performance (speed of administration). Wastage of vaccine will also be considered in this criteria and will affect criteria negatively," the statement added.

The Centre further said that the vaccine would be provided free of cost to the eligible population such as the healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 45 years of age at government of India vaccination centres.

Earlier, the government had allowed only those above 45 years of age to get vaccine. The order has been in effect from April 1.