India vaccinates over 20 crore people
India is the second country after the US to have crossed 20 crore cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage. The country achieved the milestone in 130 days as against the USA’s feat in 124 days, the Health ministry said. More than 1.38 crore beneficiaries of age group 18-44 have been vaccinated so far, it said.
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is likely to supply over five crore COVID-19 vaccines to India in 2021, albeit with a few conditions, according to news agency ANI. The drugmaker – which has reportedly said that its vaccine is suitable for all aged 12 and above – has asked for relaxations in some clauses, including indemnification for its shots, ANI reported quoting sources.
Meanwhile, India added 2.11 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours while deaths from COVID-19 rose by 3,847. The country’s overall case load now stands at 2.73 crore, while total fatalities are at 3.15 lakh, according to the Health Ministry.