April 1 onwards, COVID-19 vaccine to be made available for all above 45 years

New Delhi : More relaxations have been announced for the COVID-19 vaccination, all people above 45 years of age will be allowed to get vaccinated in the nation from April 1 onwards, said MHA on Tuesday.

Addressing the press, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said, “It has been decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age. We request that all eligible should immediately register and get vaccinated.”

Meanwhile, the Centre has also issued a fresh set of guidelines that will come to effect from April 1 to control the fast spreading coronavirus in the nation.

Currently, people above 60 years of age and those who are above 45 years with other illnesses are allowed to get the vaccination. The decision to increase the reach has been taken after a meeting with PM Narendra Modi.

"This decision has been taken by cabinet on the basis of the advice of the coronavirus Task Force and experts," said Mr Javadekar.

He also mentioned that there are no shortages of vaccines in the nation. And more vaccines are on the way. According to the minister, 4.85 crore people have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine and 80 lakh have received the second dose.

On the centre's letter to states yesterday to increase the gap between two doses of Serum Institute of India's Covishield - developed by Oxford-Astrazeneca - Mr Javadekar said doctors would prescribe the right time for the second dose.

"The second dose has to be between four to eight weeks. Doctors will decide when it is best to take the second shot," the Union Minister said.