So far, only those above the age of 60 have been eligible to receive coronavirus vaccination. Those above the age of 45 are eligible only if they have some disease condition(s). From April 1, however, all individuals above the age of 45 are eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine jabs.

"It has been decided that from 1st April, the vaccine will open for everybody above 45 years of age. We request that all eligible should immediately register and get vaccinated," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar was on Tuesday quoted as saying by ANI.

The expansion of criteria comes at a time when there is severe vaccine hesitancy among old people. On Monday, 32.5 lakh vaccinations took place in the country. The capacity is more than 5 million per day.

Recently, an expert opined that unless we vaccinate 8-10 million people per day, it won't be possible to contain the dreaded massive second wave. Perhaps, by mid-April or May 1, all individuals above the age of 18 will be made eligible to receive a vaccination if the surge of cases in Maharashtra and other States continues.