Even though the decision to give the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine was announced to be given in 45 days instead of 28 on Monday, March 22, several beneficiaries had rushed to the vaccination centres on Tuesday, March 23, to receive the same which forced several citizens to return home.
Citing scientific reports, the Union Health Department announced a decisive change between the doses of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield. Moreover, the decision was based on a recommendation by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) and subsequently the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).
Meanwhile, as many as 4,27,589 people above the age of 45 years have been vaccinated in Maharashtra for the coronavirus whereas 19,60,977 senior citizens above the age of 60 have been vaccinated.
On the other hand, India began its vaccination drive for the coronavirus on January 16, aiming to vaccinate 3 crore health care workers. According to reports, its second phase of vaccination kicked off on March 1, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking the first shot. The second phase is dedicated to those above 60 years of age and those above 45 years with co-morbidities - registered on the CO-WIN website and walk-ins at some hospitals.
Moreover, while pricing for a vaccine dose has been capped at INR 250 at private hospitals, doses are available free of cost at government centres with the Centre bearing the cost of the inoculation. Recently, several states like Delhi, Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka have sought the Centre's nod to rope in private hospitals and to begin vaccinating adults above 18.
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