As per the Central government's policy on vaccinations, those in the 18-44 age group are not eligible for free vaccinations unless it is extended to them by their States or Union Territories. This age group will have to pay for vaccinations from private facilities when it becomes available to them from May 1. The government will also enforce registering via CoWIN portal more strictly for this age group, unlike the older citizens who were free to register at the vaccination sites.

Under the new rules, it will be costlier for the under-45s to get vaccinated unless States/UTs step in. The price of Covishield in the open market is Rs.600 while for Covaxin, it is ₹1,200. The Centre has announced that if any State/UT wants to extend free vaccinations to this age group, they will have to do so with vaccines purchased directly from the manufacturers at the price bracket for States/UTs, which is ₹400 for Covishield and ₹600 for Covaxin. Vaccines purchased and distributed by the Centre will continue to be free for frontline workers and those above 45.

Several States, such as Kerala and Maharashtra, have already announced plans to provide vaccinations free for all people. Some non-BJP-ruled States have raised the issue of non-availability of vaccines, stating that vaccine manufacturers will be able to provide them with vaccines only after May 15, after meeting their current commitments to the Central government. A senior Central government official told The Hindu earlier that it will be two to three months before domestic and international supply match demand.

When the 500-600 million Indians in the 18-44 age group start signing up on April 28 for vaccinations from May 1, they will be faced with higher prices, and in States where it is being offered for free, with low availability. This is what makes the story important.

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