The Centre has decided to use the 50 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine for Indian citizens that were earmarked by the Serum Institute for export to the United Kingdom. The Centre will vaccinate 18-44 age group with these 50 lakh doses of Covishield amid the shortage of vaccine faced by several states. Earlier, the Pune-based Serum Institute had on March 23 sought permission from the ministry to supply 50 lakh doses of Covishield to the UK, citing an agreement with AstraZeneca in this regard. "The stock of 50 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine is now available for inoculation of 18-44 age group people in 21 states and UTs," an official source said. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 Vaccination to inoculate those in the age group of 18-44 years started from May 1.

Source: Mint May 07, 2021 14:48 UTC