Covid-19 vaccination for 45 years and above: Key things to know

All above 45 years of age are now eligible to take the Covid-19 vaccine amid a surge in Covid-19 cases

A medical worker inoculates a woman with a dose of a Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine at a government hospital in Hyderabad. Credit: AFP Photo

Everyone above the age of 45 can now get Covid-19 vaccines. This phase will cover the population highest at risk as over 90 per cent of Covid-19 related deaths in India have been in the category of those above the age of 45.

Eligible beneficiaries can get the vaccines either through registration on the Co-WIN platform or walking into a vaccination centre for a spot registration and the shot. But those who would prefer to walk in, have to go after 3 pm, as per the central government policy.

So far 91 lakh individuals — mostly healthcare and front line workers — have received two doses of the vaccine whereas more than 6 crore got at least one dose.

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The Centre on Wednesday asked states and union territories to identify low vaccine-coverage pockets, particularly in districts reporting a surge in new infections, and take corrective action.

“All districts with high caseload and fast growth of cases must ensure 100 per cent saturation vaccination of the priority age group of 45 years and above, in the coming two weeks," the Centre told states.

States were told to maintain vaccine wastage at less than 1 per cent, compared to the present average of 6 per cent across the nation.