As Omicron cases continue to spread across Indian states, the central government has decided to send a multi-disciplinary team to 10 states which are reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases or low vaccination rates.

The central government will be deploying teams to Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Punjab.

“A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary central teams to 10 identified states, some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace,” the Union health ministry said in a statement.

The decision to send a special team&nbsp;comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with various officials to assess the Covid situation in the country.

In the meeting, he directed the officials to be “alert and attentive” in view of the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/415-omicron-cases-detected-in-india-maharashtra-tops-with-108-cases-439780">415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases</a>

After a presentation by the health ministry, he directed the authorities to ensure heightened and close monitoring of emerging hotspots through effective surveillance of cases.

“The fight against the pandemic is not over, he (the Prime Minister) said, and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases, and also took note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713">&nbsp;IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a>

The government has been on alert as India detected 415 cases of the Omicron variant.

The highest number of Omicron cases has been reported in Maharashtra (108), followed by Delhi (79), Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31).

(With inputs from agencies)

As Omicron cases continue to spread across Indian states, the central government has decided to send a multi-disciplinary team to 10 states which are reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases or low vaccination rates.

As Omicron cases continue to spread across Indian states, the central government has decided to send a multi-disciplinary team to 10 states which are reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases or low vaccination rates. The central government will be deploying teams to Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Punjab. “A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary central teams to 10 identified states, some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace,” the Union health ministry said in a statement. The decision to send a special team comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with various officials to assess the Covid situation in the country. In the meeting, he directed the officials to be “alert and attentive” in view of the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Also read | 415 Omicron cases detected in India, Maharashtra tops with 108 cases After a presentation by the health ministry, he directed the authorities to ensure heightened and close monitoring of emerging hotspots through effective surveillance of cases. “The fight against the pandemic is not over, he (the Prime Minister) said, and the need for continued adherence to Covid safe behaviour is of paramount importance even today,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. He reviewed the status of public health response measures for containment and management of the virus cases, and also took note on the strengthening of health infrastructure including the availability of drugs, oxygen cylinders and concentrators. Also read | IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak The government has been on alert as India detected 415 cases of the Omicron variant. The highest number of Omicron cases has been reported in Maharashtra (108), followed by Delhi (79), Gujarat (43), Telangana (38), Kerala (37), Tamil Nadu (34) and Karnataka (31). (With inputs from agencies)

Central govt dispatches special team to 10 states with high active cases and low vaccination rate

India is witnessing a decrease in the new COVID-19 cases, the smallest rise in one-and-a-half years despite huge festival gatherings. India reported 7,579 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the lowest in 543 days.

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As India scripted history by crossing 1-billion vaccination mark, Prime Minister Modi congratulated countrymen, including doctors, nurses and other medical staff that worked day and night to achieve this feat.

PM Modi congratulates countrymen as India crosses 1- billion vaccination mark

India logged 34,973 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,31,74,954, while the active cases declined to 3,90,646, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death toll climbed to 4,42,009 with 260 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.

The active cases comprise 1.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.49 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-vaccination-coverage-crosses-710-million-landmark-milestone-411725" hreflang="en">India's Covid vaccination coverage crosses 710 million landmark milestone</a>

A reduction of 2,968 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. 
As many as 17,87,611 tests were conducted on Thursday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 53,86,04,854.

The daily positivity rate was recorded 1.96 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for last 11 days

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 77 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,23,42,299, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive has exceeded 72.37 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.

The 260 new fatalities include 125 from Kerala and 55 from Maharashtra.

Maharashtra has reconciled the data leading to a decrease in total number of cases and discharges as compared to Thursday.

A total of 4,42,009 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,38,017 from Maharashtra, 37,462 from Karnataka, 35,094 from Tamil Nadu, 25,083 from Delhi, 22,863 from Uttar Pradesh, 22,126 from Kerala and 18,539 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India logged 34,973 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,31,74,954, while the active cases declined to 3,90,646, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

India logged 34,973 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,31,74,954, while the active cases declined to 3,90,646, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 4,42,009 with 260 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. The active cases comprise 1.18 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.49 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | India's Covid vaccination coverage crosses 710 million landmark milestone A reduction of 2,968 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. As many as 17,87,611 tests were conducted on Thursday taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 53,86,04,854. The daily positivity rate was recorded 1.96 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for last 11 days The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.31 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 77 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,23,42,299, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive has exceeded 72.37 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23. The 260 new fatalities include 125 from Kerala and 55 from Maharashtra. Maharashtra has reconciled the data leading to a decrease in total number of cases and discharges as compared to Thursday. A total of 4,42,009 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,38,017 from Maharashtra, 37,462 from Karnataka, 35,094 from Tamil Nadu, 25,083 from Delhi, 22,863 from Uttar Pradesh, 22,126 from Kerala and 18,539 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 34,973 new COVID-19 cases; 260 fatalities in single day

India has achieved a new milestone after administering 1.33 crore doses against novel coronavirus in 24 hours.

India has undertaken one of the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drives and has so far administered 65.41 crore doses, giving at least one dose to about 46 per cent of its adults.

Out of this, more than 18.3 crore vaccines have been administered in the month of August alone.

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India&nbsp;is currently administering three vaccines,&nbsp;the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.

With a population of over 136.64 crores, India has recorded less than 50,000 daily new COVID-10 cases reported for 66 continuous days.

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➡️ India's Active Caseload (3,78,181) constitute 1.15% of Total Cases. <a href="https://t.co/ccopFV8rbM">pic.twitter.com/ccopFV8rbM</a>
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The country has conducted over 52.31 crore tests and has a recovery rate of 97.51 per cent.

India's overall COVID-19 caseload on Tuesday reached 3.2 crore. The country reported 460 deaths over the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 439,020, the government said.

India has achieved a new milestone after administering 1.33 crore doses against novel coronavirus in 24 hours. India has undertaken one of the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drives and has so far administered 65.

India has achieved a new milestone after administering 1.33 crore doses against novel coronavirus in 24 hours. India has undertaken one of the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination drives and has so far administered 65.41 crore doses, giving at least one dose to about 46 per cent of its adults. Out of this, more than 18.3 crore vaccines have been administered in the month of August alone. India is currently administering three vaccines, the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V. With a population of over 136.64 crores, India has recorded less than 50,000 daily new COVID-10 cases reported for 66 continuous days. #Unite2FightCorona ➡️ India's Active Caseload (3,78,181) constitute 1.15% of Total Cases. pic.twitter.com/ccopFV8rbM — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) September 1, 2021 × The country has conducted over 52.31 crore tests and has a recovery rate of 97.51 per cent. India's overall COVID-19 caseload on Tuesday reached 3.2 crore. The country reported 460 deaths over the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 439,020, the government said.

India administers highest ever single-day vaccination with over 1.33 crore doses

The Government Of India is now planning to inoculate children as the nation braces for the third wave of COVID-19. The possibility of another wave of COVID is still not assured but according to health experts, 'this time children are more vulnerable'. Many other countries around the globe already started vaccinating children in order to break the chain of transmission.

India: Expert panel recommends GOI to inoculate children

In an effort to boost the vaccination program, India has decided to phase out local trials for "well-established" foreign coronavirus vaccines. India had promised to accelerate imports last month, but a dispute over local tests and a dispute over indemnification stalled discussions with Pfizer.

India scrap local trials for "well-established" imported COVID-19 vaccine

Amid a devastating second wave, India has decided to open vaccinations to all adults. But, how can India and the world crush this surge? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how some countries managed to beat the Wuhan virus.

Gravitas: India opens Wuhan virus vaccinations to all adults

India has decided to expand its mega vaccination drive. Anyone over the age of 18 will be eligible to get the vaccine from May 01. India began its COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16.

WION Fineprint: India opens COVID-19 vaccination for people over the age of 18

India reported 72,330 new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;cases and 459 related deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Thursday.

With these additional cases, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country reached 1,22,21,665.

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India&nbsp;has so far exported 64 million vaccine doses to 83 countries and administered the same number of doses at home. Its inoculation drive expanded from Thursday to include everyone above the age of 45, which is expected to raise vaccine demand substantially.

India&nbsp;kicked off its inoculation programme in January focused on health workers and then the elderly, saying it wanted to cover the most vulnerable first.

The country has approved two vaccines&nbsp;Covishield by the Serum Institute of India and&nbsp;Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

Over 65.12 million people have been vaccinated in India, including&nbsp;9.33 million people who have received both doses while&nbsp;55.7 million have received a single shot. It aims to inoculate 250 million people by July.

However,&nbsp;half of India's population is below 26.8 years of age.&nbsp;But these people do not qualify for inoculation.&nbsp;

Young people are being infected with the novel virus and they are losing their lives because of it.

India vaccine strategy is discriminating against the youth of the country even though many of them are suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

A survey conducted by an online platform called local circles found that 75 per cent&nbsp;of Indian citizens are in favour of the government&nbsp;opening the vaccination for all above the age of 18.

Currently,&nbsp;only 25.35 per cent&nbsp;of India's population is eligible for vaccination.&nbsp;The age group 45 or above makes up for just 345 million of the total 1.36 billion population.

With school children still at risk and a population&nbsp;that travels, goes to work and socialises the most, this is not the best strategy to achieve herd immunity.

Although India is&nbsp;expanding the vaccination programme, it needs to welcome all adults with co-morbidities&nbsp;and those above 18&nbsp;working in public-facing jobs.

The United Kingdom is inoculating those above 16 who are in high-risk groups.&nbsp;In the United Arab Emirates, everyone above the age of 16 is eligible for vaccination.

India must realise that its young workforce&nbsp;is its backbone and that it needs to rethink its vaccine strategy.

India reported 72,330 new COVID-19 cases and 459 related deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Thursday. With these additional cases, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country reached 1,22,21,665.

India reported 72,330 new COVID-19 cases and 459 related deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the union health ministry on Thursday. With these additional cases, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country reached 1,22,21,665. India has so far exported 64 million vaccine doses to 83 countries and administered the same number of doses at home. Its inoculation drive expanded from Thursday to include everyone above the age of 45, which is expected to raise vaccine demand substantially. India kicked off its inoculation programme in January focused on health workers and then the elderly, saying it wanted to cover the most vulnerable first. The country has approved two vaccines Covishield by the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Over 65.12 million people have been vaccinated in India, including 9.33 million people who have received both doses while 55.7 million have received a single shot. It aims to inoculate 250 million people by July. However, half of India's population is below 26.8 years of age. But these people do not qualify for inoculation. Young people are being infected with the novel virus and they are losing their lives because of it. India vaccine strategy is discriminating against the youth of the country even though many of them are suffering from life-threatening illnesses. A survey conducted by an online platform called local circles found that 75 per cent of Indian citizens are in favour of the government opening the vaccination for all above the age of 18. Currently, only 25.35 per cent of India's population is eligible for vaccination. The age group 45 or above makes up for just 345 million of the total 1.36 billion population. With school children still at risk and a population that travels, goes to work and socialises the most, this is not the best strategy to achieve herd immunity. Although India is expanding the vaccination programme, it needs to welcome all adults with co-morbidities and those above 18 working in public-facing jobs. The United Kingdom is inoculating those above 16 who are in high-risk groups. In the United Arab Emirates, everyone above the age of 16 is eligible for vaccination. India must realise that its young workforce is its backbone and that it needs to rethink its vaccine strategy.

Why is it time for India to reassess its vaccine strategy

India on Thursday launched the third phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive for people aged above&nbsp;45 in its biggest push yet against a surging coronavirus that has hit the highest daily count since early October.

The world's second-most populous country aims to immunise 400 million people after expanding the programme, which had been restricted to the over-60s and people with serious health conditions.

Seeking to exponentially expand the countrywide anti-coronavirus inoculation drive, the central government&nbsp;has decided to keep all public and private sector COVID-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs) operational throughout April, including on gazetted holidays.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-all-public-and-private-sector-centres-covid-vaccination-throughout-april-including-gazetted-holidays-374750" hreflang="en">At all public and private sector centres: Covid vaccination throughout April</a>

The centre wrote to all states and union territories on Thursday and asked them to make necessary arrangements for this, the Union Health Ministry said.

"This step has been taken after detailed deliberations with the states and UTs on March 31 to optimally utilise all COVID-19 Vaccination Centres across the public and private sectors to ensure rapid increase in the pace and coverage of COVID vaccination.

"This decision is in line with the graded and pro-active approach employed by the government of India along with the states and UTs for COVID-19 vaccination," the ministry said.

The vaccination exercise continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, it highlighted.

A countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first, and vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 to cover people above 60 and those in the age group of 45-59 but with specified co-morbid conditions.

India has&nbsp;also shipped millions of doses of the vaccine to neighbouring countries and then across the world as part of a diplomatic initiative to win friends.

Data released by the health ministry on Thursday showed 72,330 new COVID-19 infections, the highest since October&nbsp;11. Deaths stand at 162,927.

India on Thursday launched the third phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive for people aged above 45 in its biggest push yet against a surging coronavirus that has hit the highest daily count since early October.

India on Thursday launched the third phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive for people aged above 45 in its biggest push yet against a surging coronavirus that has hit the highest daily count since early October. The world's second-most populous country aims to immunise 400 million people after expanding the programme, which had been restricted to the over-60s and people with serious health conditions. Seeking to exponentially expand the countrywide anti-coronavirus inoculation drive, the central government has decided to keep all public and private sector COVID-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs) operational throughout April, including on gazetted holidays. Also read| At all public and private sector centres: Covid vaccination throughout April The centre wrote to all states and union territories on Thursday and asked them to make necessary arrangements for this, the Union Health Ministry said. "This step has been taken after detailed deliberations with the states and UTs on March 31 to optimally utilise all COVID-19 Vaccination Centres across the public and private sectors to ensure rapid increase in the pace and coverage of COVID vaccination. "This decision is in line with the graded and pro-active approach employed by the government of India along with the states and UTs for COVID-19 vaccination," the ministry said. The vaccination exercise continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, it highlighted. A countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first, and vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 to cover people above 60 and those in the age group of 45-59 but with specified co-morbid conditions. India has also shipped millions of doses of the vaccine to neighbouring countries and then across the world as part of a diplomatic initiative to win friends. Data released by the health ministry on Thursday showed 72,330 new COVID-19 infections, the highest since October 11. Deaths stand at 162,927.

India launches biggest vaccination drive as coronavirus cases rise

Union Information Minister&nbsp;Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday that the central government has decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age,&nbsp;irrespective of the co-morbidities.

He&nbsp;added that there was no shortage of doses in India, the world's biggest vaccine maker, which has donated or exported more than 60 million doses but injected only 49 million doses at home.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-40715-fresh-covid-19-cases-199-deaths-in-last-24-hours-372467" hreflang="en">India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours</a>

Only the elderly and those over 45 suffering from other health conditions are eligible to be vaccinated currently. Health and frontline workers were the first in line when India began its drive in mid-January.

Total vaccinations in India, which aims to vaccinate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people by August, rank as the world's third-highest.&nbsp;

More than 32.53 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Monday, the highest single-day vaccination so far, taking the total number of people inoculated to over 4.8 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Many states want to widen their campaigns to cover all adults after infections rose since late February as the economy reopened fully.

India is also expected to soon approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use, which would boost availability.

India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, with its richest state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, the financial capital, contributing more than 60 per cent&nbsp;of the total. Deaths rose by 199 to 160,166.

The central government on Monday had said that the gap between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University's Covishield vaccine should be increased to 6-8 weeks from the current 28 days.

In a press release, the Union Health Ministry said that in view of the emerging scientific evidence, the interval between two doses of a specific COVID-19 vaccine example Covishield has been revisited by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and subsequently by National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) in its 20th meeting.

Union Information Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday that the central government has decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age, irrespective of the co-morbidities.

Union Information Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday that the central government has decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age, irrespective of the co-morbidities. He added that there was no shortage of doses in India, the world's biggest vaccine maker, which has donated or exported more than 60 million doses but injected only 49 million doses at home. Also read| India reports 40,715 fresh COVID-19 cases, 199 deaths in last 24 hours Only the elderly and those over 45 suffering from other health conditions are eligible to be vaccinated currently. Health and frontline workers were the first in line when India began its drive in mid-January. Total vaccinations in India, which aims to vaccinate 300 million of its 1.35 billion people by August, rank as the world's third-highest. More than 32.53 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on Monday, the highest single-day vaccination so far, taking the total number of people inoculated to over 4.8 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday. Many states want to widen their campaigns to cover all adults after infections rose since late February as the economy reopened fully. India is also expected to soon approve Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use, which would boost availability. India reported 40,715 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, with its richest state of Maharashtra, home to Mumbai, the financial capital, contributing more than 60 per cent of the total. Deaths rose by 199 to 160,166. The central government on Monday had said that the gap between the first and second doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford University's Covishield vaccine should be increased to 6-8 weeks from the current 28 days. In a press release, the Union Health Ministry said that in view of the emerging scientific evidence, the interval between two doses of a specific COVID-19 vaccine example Covishield has been revisited by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and subsequently by National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) in its 20th meeting.

People above 45 years to be vaccinated from April 1, says Prakash Javadekar

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India

In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated.

<h2>Who will be eligible to get jab in second phase?</h2>

Here's who will be eligible for a COVID shot in the second phase of the vaccination drive

People above 60 years of age of those who will attain the age of 60 on January 1, 2022 
People with co-morbidities who are between 45-59 year-old age group or will attain that age by January 1, 2022

Indian government has listed 20 co-morbidities that would be covered for this vaccination.

<h2>Some of them are,</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Diabetes or hypertension for over 10 years</li>
	<li>HIV infection or any other immunological disease</li>
	<li>Heart failure that resulted in hospitalisation over the last one year</li>
	<li>Those diagnosed with cancer after July 1, 2020, or those currently being treated for cancer</li>
</ul>

There have been more than 11 million reported coronavirus infections in India and over 157,000 deaths

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone who is eligible to take COVID vaccine

"Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated.

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated. Who will be eligible to get jab in second phase? Here's who will be eligible for a COVID shot in the second phase of the vaccination drive People above 60 years of age of those who will attain the age of 60 on January 1, 2022 People with co-morbidities who are between 45-59 year-old age group or will attain that age by January 1, 2022 Indian government has listed 20 co-morbidities that would be covered for this vaccination. Some of them are, Diabetes or hypertension for over 10 years HIV infection or any other immunological disease Heart failure that resulted in hospitalisation over the last one year Those diagnosed with cancer after July 1, 2020, or those currently being treated for cancer There have been more than 11 million reported coronavirus infections in India and over 157,000 deaths Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone who is eligible to take COVID vaccine "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.

COVID vaccination phase 2 India: Check who is eligible

India is all set to start phase-II of its vaccination drive from March 1. But, before it begins, there are a lot of questions on everyone's mind.

India: Vaccine prices capped at over 3.4$/dose

The Union Health Ministry said on Sunday&nbsp;that over 1.5 million people have&nbsp;been administered Covid-19 vaccines across the country so far.

The figures have come out of 27,776 sessions held since the massive inoculation drive started across the country on January 16, it added.

Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;said on Friday India was completely self-reliant on coronavirus vaccine supplies&nbsp;as the world's second-most populous country inoculated more than 1 million people within a week of starting its campaign.

India's Covid-19 vaccination drive,&nbsp;what the government calls the world's biggest vaccination programme, started with&nbsp;two shots made locally: one licensed from Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc, and another developed at home by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research.

India, known as the pharmaceutical capital of the world, has gifted vaccines to neighbours and partners such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. It also started&nbsp;commercial shipments to Brazil and Morocco on Friday.

India's own vaccination drive kicked off with 30 million healthcare and other frontline workers first in the queue, followed by about 270 million people older than 50 or deemed at high-risk because of pre-existing medical conditions.

The health ministry said India inoculated more people on its first day than the United States, Britain or France. Still, it has been urging more frontline workers to come forward to take the shots as only a handful of states have been able to meet their daily targets.

Bharat Biotech said on Friday that 13,000 people participating in the late-stage trial of its COVAXIN had been given the second dose, which could help it soon get some idea about its efficacy. It began the late trial in November, completing the registration of a total 25,800 participants by early January.

In the coming months, India is expected to approve two more vaccines, Russia's Sputnik V and Cadila Healthcare's ZyCov-D.

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The Union Health Ministry said on Sunday that over 1.5 million people have been administered Covid-19 vaccines across the country so far. The figures have come out of 27,776 sessions held since the massive inoculation drive started across the country on January 16, it added.

The Union Health Ministry said on Sunday that over 1.5 million people have been administered Covid-19 vaccines across the country so far. The figures have come out of 27,776 sessions held since the massive inoculation drive started across the country on January 16, it added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday India was completely self-reliant on coronavirus vaccine supplies as the world's second-most populous country inoculated more than 1 million people within a week of starting its campaign. India's Covid-19 vaccination drive, what the government calls the world's biggest vaccination programme, started with two shots made locally: one licensed from Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc, and another developed at home by Bharat Biotech in partnership with the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research. India, known as the pharmaceutical capital of the world, has gifted vaccines to neighbours and partners such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Seychelles, Mauritius and the Maldives. It also started commercial shipments to Brazil and Morocco on Friday. India's own vaccination drive kicked off with 30 million healthcare and other frontline workers first in the queue, followed by about 270 million people older than 50 or deemed at high-risk because of pre-existing medical conditions. The health ministry said India inoculated more people on its first day than the United States, Britain or France. Still, it has been urging more frontline workers to come forward to take the shots as only a handful of states have been able to meet their daily targets. Bharat Biotech said on Friday that 13,000 people participating in the late-stage trial of its COVAXIN had been given the second dose, which could help it soon get some idea about its efficacy. It began the late trial in November, completing the registration of a total 25,800 participants by early January. In the coming months, India is expected to approve two more vaccines, Russia's Sputnik V and Cadila Healthcare's ZyCov-D.

Over 1.5 million vaccinated in inoculation drive, says Health Ministry

As India gets set to begin its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-cost-rs200-a-vial-in-india-purchase-order-placed-with-sii-reports-356029">vaccination</a> drive against coronavirus on January 16, three trucks carrying "Covishield" vaccine reached Pune airport from Serum Institute of India&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday morning to be transported to various parts of the country.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-set-to-begin-worlds-biggest-vaccination-drive-says-pm-modi-while-interacting-with-cms-356049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The first flight carrying the coronavirus vaccine "Covishield"&nbsp;departed from Pune International Airport to Delhi on Tuesday.

Serum Institute of India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-vaccines-more-affordable-than-any-other-on-the-globe-pm-modi-356039">vaccine</a> "Covishield" will be shipped to different locations in the country from Pune airport.

Reports said at least eight flights will transport the "Covishield" vaccine from thirteen different locations today. The authorities have undertaken elaborate measures in order to ensure the safe passage of the vaccines, police said.

Ajay Singh, Managing Director, SpiceJet said: "SpiceJet has carried India’s first consignment of COVID-19 vaccine today. The first consignment of "Covishield" consisting of 34 boxes and weighing 1,088 kg was carried from Pune to Delhi."

PM Modi during his interaction with CMs of various states on Monday had said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe. If India needed vaccine from other countries, it would've been a big challenge."

"India's vaccination experience will help during COVID-19 vaccination programme," PM Modi added. Indian authorities have given top priority to healthcare workers and frontline workers in the first phase of vaccination drive.

India has been hit hard due to the virus with over 10.4 million coronavirus cases and 151,160 deaths.&nbsp;

With ANI inputs

As India gets set to begin its vaccination drive against coronavirus on January 16, three trucks carrying "Covishield" vaccine reached Pune airport from Serum Institute of India on Tuesday morning to be transported to various parts of the country.

As India gets set to begin its vaccination drive against coronavirus on January 16, three trucks carrying "Covishield" vaccine reached Pune airport from Serum Institute of India on Tuesday morning to be transported to various parts of the country. Watch: The first flight carrying the coronavirus vaccine "Covishield" departed from Pune International Airport to Delhi on Tuesday. Serum Institute of India's vaccine "Covishield" will be shipped to different locations in the country from Pune airport. Reports said at least eight flights will transport the "Covishield" vaccine from thirteen different locations today. The authorities have undertaken elaborate measures in order to ensure the safe passage of the vaccines, police said. Ajay Singh, Managing Director, SpiceJet said: "SpiceJet has carried India’s first consignment of COVID-19 vaccine today. The first consignment of "Covishield" consisting of 34 boxes and weighing 1,088 kg was carried from Pune to Delhi." PM Modi during his interaction with CMs of various states on Monday had said that "our vaccines are more affordable than any other vaccine on the globe. If India needed vaccine from other countries, it would've been a big challenge." "India's vaccination experience will help during COVID-19 vaccination programme," PM Modi added. Indian authorities have given top priority to healthcare workers and frontline workers in the first phase of vaccination drive. India has been hit hard due to the virus with over 10.4 million coronavirus cases and 151,160 deaths. With ANI inputs

First flight of coronavirus vaccine Covishield flown to Delhi

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