India has vaccinated more than 50% of its adult population within 11 months of the launch of its anti Covid programme. Total 127.93 cr doses have been administered across the country till Sunday.
The Covid vaccination programme was rolled out on January 16 with the focus on health and frontline workers. The second phase began in March with all senior citizens and those over 45 years of age with specific co morbidities becoming eligible. Another expansion happened in early April which accommodated all the adults over 45. Furthermore, the government stepped up its immunization campaign by permitting anyone above the age of 18 years to be vaccinated.
The country was severely hit by the second wave in April-May when the coverage was low. The coverage expanded rapidly with Centre bringing in new policy and supporting the industry to rapidly ramp up production of vaccines.
The Centre has recently launched an intensive door to door vaccination campaign ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ aimed at maximizing first dose coverage as well making sure that those who are due for second dose are vaccinated at the earliest.