Big Boost to world’s largest vaccination drive!

The Government of India announces a liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination from May 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Government has been working hard for over a year to ensure that maximum numbers of Indians are able to get the vaccine in the shortest possible time.”

Several important decisions have been taken in a meeting chaired by the PM. It includes pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines which is being made flexible in phase 3 of the world’s largest vaccination drive.

All stakeholders will be given the flexibility to customise to local needs, everyone above the age of 18 will be made eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Also, vaccine manufacturers will be incentivised to further scale up their production, as well as attract new national and international players.

Vaccine manufacturers are empowered to release up to 50% of their supply to State Govts. and in the open market at a pre-declared price. Along with this, States will be empowered to procure additional vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers, as well as open up vaccination to any category of people above the age of 18 for the same. Also, the Gol vaccination drive will be continued as before, providing free vaccination for essential and priority populations such as HCWs, FLWs and population above 45 years.