Third phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive will be commencing in March, will cover people over 50 years: Harsh Vardhan

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Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Friday revealed that the third phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive will be commencing in the month of March, which will be targeting the people with the age of 50 years and above.

While answering supplementaries during the Lok Sabha session, Harsh Vardhan iterated that Rs 35,000 crore has been alloted for the Covid-19 vaccination from the Union Budget 2021-22, which can be increased as per the requirement, mentioned Nirmala Sitharaman.

Vardhan said that the Covid-19 vaccination drive had commenced on January 16 with the intent of vaccination of the healthcare workers in the first phase, which has been going on smoothly.

He stated, “The second phase started in different parts of the country from February 2 in which vaccine is being administered to the frontline workers whose numbers are estimated to be around two crores. After the completion of phase-1 and phase 2, it is possible that in the next month, the third phase will start in which citizens over 50 (years) will be vaccinated across the country.”

“It is difficult to announce any fixed date (for the third phase) right now but it is expected that the third phase of the vaccination drive will start in the second, third or fourth week of March,” Vardhan further added.

When inquired about the decision of the government regarding providing subsidy to the vaccines which are accessible in the market, the minister iterated that the National Expert Group on Vaccine has been formulated and it will take the required decisions.