Zydus Cadila Covid-19 vaccine for 12-18 to be available soon: Centre to SC

Responding to questions posed by the Supreme Court about the changes in the vaccination policy earlier this month, the Centre filed a 375-page affidavit, in which it also informed that it plans to to vaccinate all adults in the country by the end of the year, according to an NDTV report.

The Centre briefed the Supreme Court that a total of 186.6 crore doses will be required to inoculate the population above 18 years which is 93 to 94 crore.

Any person above the age of 18 can walk-in to a vaccination centre and get inoculated, which means digital divide is no longer a hindrance in the vaccination drive.

The Centre also described its vaccination drive as dynamic and not static as changes have been made time-to-time according to the circumstances and requirements.

Vaccines have been made free for all above the age of 18 under the new policy, which has been effective since Monday last, thus also removing any economic barrier for those needing to be vaccinated.

States have also been asked to probe fake vaccine camps and take strict action against those responsible.

In order to ensure transparency, vaccination figures are put out daily in the public domain.

Effort has also been made to make private vaccination centres accessible to economically weaker sections by introducing a voucher scheme. NGOs can buy these vouchers and provide them to those who need them.

"Vaccination for COVID-19 is being implemented on the lines of the universal immunisation programme," the Centre said, according to the NDTV report.