The Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, in a press conference on Monday, announced that vaccination drive for people above 50 years of age will begin next month. Though no specific date has been announced, it is quite likely that the vaccination process will begin anytime by or after 2nd week of March.

The minister also said that after the 1st and 2nd phase of vaccination are over; the government will be in a position to administer people above 50 years of age. Speaking at a press briefing the minster also said that a group of experts on vaccination will discuss how to pay for the vaccination for people over 50 years of age.

The Union Health Minister also informed that no new cases of covid have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the past week. He emphasised on the importance of social distancing and said that people must follow all the necessary guidelines as prescribed by the government. Following the mandates is the appropriate behaviour, and this behaviour is the real vaccine.

Harsh Vardhan also said that 80 to 85 percent of frontline workers have been vaccinated in the drive that commenced on January 16th. He also added that the Finance Minister has allocated 35,000 crore rupees for vaccination in the budget and it would be increased as per need.