Vax Supply Huge Challenge As Drive Heads For Expansion From May 1

COVID-19 vaccination for all. despite this announcement by the government on a liberaliaed and decentraliaed vaccination policy, this may not get off to a smooth start from May 1, as India stares at a major availability crisis of the crucial supply.

- Sumi Sukanya Dutta

Starting next month, all above 18 qualify for a shot. The Centre will pay for those above 45 at select facilities. Persons in the 18-44 age group will have to depend on the policy of their states for free doses at government hospitals. They can pay and get it in private set-ups.

This expansion drive comes at a time when stocks of the two currently available vaccines are limited, forcing the first prioritised groups to wait long for their turn despite their willingness to take the jabs. There may not be any foreign supplies available for weeks.

So far, over 14.5 crore shots have been administered in India, but the rate is not such that nearly 35 crore people, 45 and above, can be covered by July-August as planned earlier.