Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan revealed India will start administering vaccines to the citizens who are above 50 years of age in March, while addressing the press on Monday (February 15).
The Health Minister applauded the health sector’s effort in the war against the COVID-19. He said 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,” he said. “It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I had called social vaccine, along with real vaccines,” he added. He said that no new coronavirus infections were reported in 188 districts in the country during the last seven days.
Addressing the rumors against COVID-19 vaccine, he said, “Not one death reported due to Covid-19 vaccination. If there’s death after vaccination, it’s being investigated. Even routine side effects have a negligible number. Relevant stakeholders working on post-Covid symptoms.”
“80-85% frontline workers vaccinated and over 20-25 countries to be availed with vaccines. At least 18-20 vaccines are in preclinical, clinical & advanced stages and are expected in the coming months,” he added.
Harsh Vardhan further added, “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 & systems collectively will make a model emulatable for the world.”
