Explained: What the opening up of vaccines for those above 18 years means

As Covid-19 cases continue to surge in India, the Centre announced Monday that everyone above the age of 18 will be eligible for the jab starting May 1

The central government announced on Monday that everyone above the age of 18 will be eligible to take the vaccine starting May 1, in a bid to check the record surge in coronavirus cases. So far, the jab has been accessible to frontline workers and people over the age of 45. The announcement, which marks phase 3 of India’s Covid-19 vaccination strategy, was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the new order. 

What does the new announcement say?

The Phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination drive comes into effect from May 1, and for this strategy the country’s entire adult population, i.e, all citizens above the age of 18 years are eligible to receive the vaccine.

What was happening until now?

In India, the first phase Covid-19 immunisation programme was launched on January 16, this year. Under this, all health and frontline workers were eligible to get the jab. Then, the second stage of the vaccination drive was introduced in two parts -- one on March 1 and the other on April 1. In this phase, people above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities -- accounting for more than 80% Covid-19 mortality in the country -- became eligible.

A press release by the government maintained that India has been following a dynamic mapping model based on availability of vaccines and coverage of vulnerable groups to take decisions of when to open up vaccinations to other age-groups. “A good amount of coverage of vulnerable groups is expected by 30th April,” it said.

How will the vaccines be distributed?

According to the release, the aim of this is “liberalised vaccine pricing and scaling up of vaccine coverage.” So, now, from May 1, vaccine manufacturers would supply 50 percent of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL)-released doses to the government, and would be free to supply the remaining 50 percent to state governments and in the open market. 

This means that states have been given the choice to procure additional vaccine doses directly from manufactures. Until now, the Centre procured all supplies and distributed doses to states to vaccinate priority groups. Private hospitals will have to obtain supplies of vaccines exclusively from the other 50 percent basket, and at prices determined by the manufacturers.

What do we know about the pricing?

Manufacturers will have to make an advance announcement of the price for the 50 percent of the supply which would be available to state governments and in open market, before May 1. Private vaccination providers would also have to declare their self-set vaccination price. 

What does this mean for those who are due for the second dose?

The second dose of all existing priority groups – healthcare workers, frontline workers and population above 45 years, wherever it has become due, will be given priority. A specific and focused strategy will be communicated to all stakeholders, according to the announcement.

What were the other key highlights?

- The 50-50 division of supplies between the government and “other than Government of India” channels will be applicable equally for all vaccines manufactured in the country.

- The government will “allow the imported fully ready-to-use vaccines to be entirely utilized in the other than Govt. of India channel.” This means that as and when the foreign vaccines come in, they can directly sell to state governments and in the open market. 

- In the next phase, the Centre will assign its share of 50 percent to states based on the extent of infection (number of active Covid cases) and vaccination performance (speed of administration). The statement said wastage of vaccine will also be considered in this criteria and will affect the decision regarding state-wise quota.

(With inputs from ANI)

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