On 23^rd March 2021, the Indian government announced that everyone aged 45 years and above would be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in the country, starting from 1st April 2021. Unlike earlier, there will be no need for medical certificates as evidence of specific co-morbid conditions that had been stipulated for immunization under the second phase of the programme.

The decision to relax the COVID-19 vaccination eligibility criteria has come at a time when several states in the country are witnessing an alarming increase in the number of daily COVID-19 infections and fatalities. The article explores the updated eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 vaccination in detail below.

Who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in India?

Even before the COVID-19 vaccination began in India, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had started designating certain groups as priority beneficiaries for the vaccination. However, the list of priority beneficiaries has been updated on multiple occasions since the beginning of the vaccination programme on 16^th January 2021.

Under phase 1 of the programme, only healthcare and frontline workers were eligible for immunization. Beginning 1^st March 2021, when the country started the second phase of the vaccination programme, people above 60 years of age and those aged between 45 and 59 years with comorbidities became eligible for COVID-19 vaccination at government and private healthcare facilities.

On 23^rd March 2021, the MoHFW expanded the eligibility criteria for vaccination even further. According to the latest notification, the following groups would be eligible for vaccination from 1^st April 2021:

• Healthcare Workers
• Frontline Workers
• People aged 45 and above

Why should people eligible for vaccination get immunized?

Ideally, almost everybody should get vaccinated as soon as possible. However, due to the supply side and other constraints, the government is prioritizing the vaccination of the highest at-risk groups. Compared to young and otherwise healthy individuals, healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and people aged 45 and above are at the highest risk of severe COVID-19 complications. They are also at a relatively greater risk of hospitalization and mortality. Therefore, such people should get their vaccine doses as soon as possible.

How Apollo is helping its customers with the COVID-19 vaccination

Apollo is geared up to support the world's largest vaccination drive, in the safest manner possible by following all government-issued guidelines and regulations. Apollo is offering vaccinations for all people aged 45 years and above - at low, government-approved prices. Apollo is also enabling COVID-19 vaccinations for various corporates and residential welfare associations.

Apollo’s 24|7 app offers a spectrum of vaccination services. Customers can use it to:

• Book and schedule a COVID-19 vaccination in 3 easy steps
• Speak with a COVID doctor for any queries (a complimentary service)
• Consult specialist doctors before and after vaccination
• Access verified and trusted COVID-19 FAQs and articles.