Set to begin world’s largest vaccination drive, says PM Modi

　　Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the scientists and technicians for the two ‘Made in India’ Covid-19 vaccines approved by the government a day earlier.

　　“The new year has brought with it a new achievement. Indian scientists have not developed just one, but two Covid vaccines,” the PM said, addressing the National Metrology Conclave. “We are on the threshold of starting the largest vaccination programme in the world. The entire country is indebted to all scientists and technicians.”

　　The government has said that high-risk groups would be vaccinated on priority. This would include healthcare and frontline workers. People over 50 years of age and people with comorbidities will also be part of priority groups.

　　Vaccine will not be accessible to the masses now. Once it is open to the public, beneficiaries will have to register and submit ID proof for vaccination. Registration on the Co-Win app will be required for the vaccination. Once the registration is complete, the beneficiary would receive an SMS on their mobile number regarding the due date, venue and time of vaccination.

　　The coronavirus vaccine is voluntary and not mandatory. However, the government has advised people to take the vaccine and complete the entire dosage. If one has comorbidity including diabetes, hypertension, cancer then he or she would be in the high-risk category and must take the vaccine.