The Government of India on Monday announced the vaccination drive will be open to all above the age of 18 years, starting May 1. As a result, each and every citizen of India above 18 years of age will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, regardless of comorbidities. The decision on a ‘liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination’ was taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with doctors. 

PM Modi claims that the government has been working hard from over a year to ensure that maximum numbers of Indians are able to get vaccinated in the shortest possible of time. “India is vaccinating people at world record pace and we will continue this with even greater momentum,” he added.

Apart from indigenous vaccines Covaxin and Covishield, Russian vaccine Sputnik V will also be added as an option at some centres in this phase of vaccination. He also added that more centres and private facilities are being set up for a faster vaccination process this time. 
.
How to register at cowin.gov.in and app: Check step-by-step guide.

1) Log on to cowin.gov.in and enter your mobile number

2) Then an OTP will be sent to your mobile number via an SMS

3) After this,enter the OTP and click on the “verify” button

4) Once the OTP is validated, the “Registration of Vaccination” page will open up

5) Enter details required in the “Registration of Vaccination” page such as your photo ID proof. You will also be asked if you have any comorbidities. This can be answered by clicking on ‘yes’ or ‘no’

6) Once the details are entered for registration, click “Register” button at the bottom right

7) After this, you will receive a confirmation message on successful registration. Once registration is done, you will be shown the “Account Details”.

In the past week, several states including Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh announced free vaccination for all people above the age of 18.