New Delhi (NVI): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today said that the government will start administering COVID-19 vaccines to the citizens who are above 50 years of age in March during the next phase of India’s vaccination drive.
Addressing a media briefing, Harsh Vardhan applauded the health sector’s effort in the fight against the pandemic saying that despite a nationwide lockdown and unprecedented circumstances, India was able to work on two vaccines.
“We will be in a situation to administer vaccines to those above 50 years of age in March in next phase of vaccination drive” Vardhan added.
The minister also emphasised upon the importance of maintaining social distancing and COVID appropriate behaviours amid the pandemic. “It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I had called social vaccine, along with real vaccines,” he added.
Vardhan also informed that no new coronavirus infections were reported in 188 districts in the country during the last seven days.
He said that 80 to 85 per cent of frontline workers have been administered the COVID-19 vaccines so far and over 20-25 countries to be availed with vaccines, adding that, “At least 18 to 20 vaccines are in preclinical, clinical & advanced stages and are expected in the coming months.”
Vardhan further said that, “I believe, if the dream of ‘Health for All’ is ever to be fulfilled in world, its model will be developed in India.
“Our holistic approach, ancient medical wisdom, other health facilities and systems collectively will make a model emulatable for the world,” he added.
-RJV
