COVID-19: Those above 18 can register for vaccine from April-28
In a recent development, it has been reported that all Indian citizens aged above 18 years can register for the coronavirus vaccine from April 28. All adults will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting May 1, the government recently announced, as India battles the world's worst surge in cases. Here are more details on this.
States, private entities can now buy vaccines directly
As per the new vaccine rules, states and private entities can now buy vaccines directly for inoculations while the Centre will continue to vaccinate frontline workers, health workers, and those aged above 45. Yesterday, the Serum Institute of India, which produces Covishield, said that its vaccine would be sold at Rs. 400 to states and Rs. 600 to private hospitals.
Two vaccines in use in India, third coming soon
India began its COVID-19 vaccination program in January and has thus far administered over 13 crore doses. Two vaccines are currently in use in India - Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN and Covishield, developed by the Oxford University and AstraZeneca and manufactured by the Serum Institute. Russia's Sputnik V vaccine will also be used soon, the government has said.
Here's how you can register through the Co-WIN portal
Those eligible can register through the Co-WIN portal. To do so: Visit the Co-WIN website, and click on Register/Sign in Yourself. Enter your mobile number and click on Get OTP. Type the OTP received on your mobile, and click Verify. Enter all the details, including photo ID proof, name, gender, and year of birth. Click on Register. You can then schedule your vaccination appointment.
What is the ideal gap between two doses of vaccine?
All eligible citizens have to take two doses of the vaccine. According to the government, the second dose of COVAXIN should be taken 28-42 days after the first shot. In case of Covishield, the second dose should be taken 28-56 days after the first dose.
India battling dreadful second wave of COVID-19
India is currently battling a dreadful second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting lakhs of cases daily. In the last 24-hour period, the country logged over three lakh fresh cases - the highest single-day surge for any country. 2,104 more deaths took the death toll to 1,84,657. India has witnessed 1.59 crore total infections since the pandemic began.
