Vaccine roll out for those between 18-45 years may be delayed. Here's why

As states await new stocks arrival, the Centre has said vaccine given by the Government of India cannot be used for the population below 45. The Centre has directed the states to only use freshly procured Covid-19 vaccine stocks for inoculating those above the age of 18 from May 1. Private hospitals too have to procure fresh vaccines and cannot use the existing stock. From May 1, all adults are eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Centre said vaccines supplied through the government channel should not be used for vaccinating persons beyond the existing priority groups (Health Care Workers (HCWs), Front Line Workers (FLWs) and persons aged above 45 years). The Centre in its letter said vaccination of any person between 18-44 years age-group has to be done through vaccine supplies procured by "Other than Government of India Channel" by the state.