New Delhi: From April 01, all people above 45 years of age are entitled to get COVID-19 vaccine, Union minster Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.
Briefing reporters on the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, he said even people without comorbidity and above the age of 45 years, can get vaccinated.
He requested people entitled to get themselves registered to take the COVID-19 shot.
The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting inoculated and vaccination of the frontline workers started from February 02.
The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 01 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.
Meanwhile, healthcare and biopharma players have welcomed the government’s decision to allow all people above 45 years of age to get COVID-19 vaccine from April 1, and said it will enhance the pace of vaccination.
FICCI immediate past president and Apollo Hospitals Group Joint MD Sangita Reddy welcomed the government’s decision to lower the age criteria for COVID-19 vaccination.
In a tweet, Reddy said, “This is a welcome step and will enhance the pace of vaccination. I request the government to further reduce the age eligibility criteria to 20 years.”
Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also called it a welcome decision.
In a tweet, she said, “From April 1, vaccine for all those who’re 45 or older – a welcome decision that is gradually progressing towards the rest of the general population. By August 15 we will truly celebrate independence from COVID-19.”
