NEW DELHI: The third phase of vaccination against Covid-19, for citizens over 50 and those younger but with severe comorbidities, is likely to begin in March, possibly in the middle of the month. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said at the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Vardhan was answering a bunch of questions about vaccination during question hour that lasted just 15 minutes, with members of the opposition protesting the controversial farm bills.
The government had recently indicated that the age group over 50 would receive vaccinations soon and that there might be an initial preference for people over 60.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said 22 countries have so far asked India to provide the vaccine. “Of these, the government has provided the vaccine to 15 countries, either as aid or through an agreement. As of February 1, 56 lakh doses of aid and 105 lakh doses of aid have been sent to these nations by contract.” said.
So far, more than five million beneficiaries have been vaccinated. The government plans to inoculate around three crore of health and front-line workers by April, followed by the “priority” population group of those over 50 and the youngest but with severe comorbidities. With an adequate supply of vaccines, several priority groups may be covered simultaneously.
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