The CoWIN portal has started accepting bookings from those in the 18 to 44 age group for COVID-19 vaccinations starting from May 1. The CoWIN officials told The Hindu that most of the 8 million registrations made on the portal yesterday were from the 18-44 age group. However, there were several reports suggesting that people were unable to register, particularly because they were not getting an OTP.

As per the Central government's mandate, the 18-44 age group can get vaccinated at private facilities paying the requisite charges. However, States can choose to give vaccines to this group for free from their own kitties. States will have to purchase vaccines at the cost at which it is made available to them for this, while keeping the free vaccines from the Central pool for those aged 45 years and above. As of now, over 20 States have said that they will provide the vaccines free for all; however, only Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have placed orders with the manufacturers. Meanwhile, the main manufacturer for India, SII, has reduced the price of its Covishield vaccine for States to Rs.300 from Rs.400.

Though States have placed orders and the price has been reduced, vaccine availability for the 18-44 age group remains a question mark. Vaccine production capacity for both SII and Covaxin-maker Bharat Biotech has not been augmented substantially. Of whatever is being manufactured now, 50% is reserved for the central government. The manufacturers may also choose to sell some quantities to private hospitals at the higher price allowed by the Centre -- Rs.1,200 for two doses of Covishield and Rs.2,400 for Covaxin -- which may be beyond the reach of many. These uncertainties are what make this story important.

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