The government has taken a big decision as the second wave of Corona pandemic in the country is hitting badly. From May 1, all people above 18 years of age will now be able to takethe corona vaccine.
The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So far, the corona vaccine is being given to people above 45 years. Many other important decisions were also taken in the meeting. In the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said that the government has been working for more than a year to ensure that maximum Vaccination coverage in lesser time.
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The vaccination drive was started on January 16. At first, the vaccine was given to healthcare workers and frontline workers. In the next phase, people above 60 years and those above 45 years with co-morbidities became eligible for inoculation. On March 1, the government allowed all people above the age of 45 to take the corona vaccine.
Strategy for this new phase:
Frontline workers, healthcare workersand people above 45will be given the free vaccine as before in government hospitals.
Besides, rules for the procurementof the vaccines have been relaxed in the third phase. States will now have the right to take additional supplements directly from vaccine-making companies. The state can now decide whether to open vaccination for all people over the age of 18 or by creating a category among them.
Moreover, the government will encourage vaccine manufacturers to increase production. Vaccine manufacturers will now be able to send up to 50 per cent of their total supply capacity to the state governments and open the market at a pre-declared price.
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Here are some FAQs regarding new rules
My age is 18+, am I eligible for the vaccine now?
Yes, if you are 18 years old then you can get vaccinated. The government has said that the Corona vaccine will be given to all people above the age of 18 years.
From when people above 18 will be eligible?
The government has clearly said that from May 1, people above 18 years of age will also be vaccinated.
Are there any other conditions to become eligible?
No, the only condition is that you are 18 years or above. There is no condition except age. If you are 18 years old, it does not matter whether you are female or male, in which state you are living and what you do.
What to do for vaccination?
The government had already given detailed information before the first phase of the vaccination campaign started on 16 January. To get the vaccine, registration is done on the Co-WIN or Arogya Setu App.
How can I register myself?
If you are eligible for vaccination, you can register yourself by downloading the Co-WIN app. One can also register on the Co-WIN portal at cowin.gov.in. There is also an option of phone registration for senior citizens. For this, you have to dial 1507.
How can I register myself offline?
If you have trouble registering online, then you have the option to register at the vaccination centre itself. The facility of online registration has been given to reduce the congestion at the vaccination centres. You can register by going to the hospital, vaccination centre.
Which documents are required for registration?
Valid ID cards like Aadhar card, Voter ID card, Passport will be required for registration. The government has declared a total of 12 types of documents valid for vaccination.