Meghalaya will be unable to conduct its COVID-19 vaccination for 18-44 years age group from May 1.

The State is waiting for vaccine vials from the Serum Institute of India, the manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine, informed the government.

Principal Secretary for Health and Family Welfare Department Sampath Kumar said, “The state has placed order for adequate number of COVID-19 vaccines with the Serum Institute of India, Pune and their delivery schedule is still awaited. This seems to be the case with most other states as well. Hence, vaccination for 18-44 years age group in Meghalaya shall not commence on May 1. The exact date of commencement will be notified in due course”.

“Online registration for vaccination, however, shall progress as planned. Residents in the 18-44 years age group are encouraged to actively register themselves for vaccination. COVID-19 vaccination shall happen only after online registration,” he added. 

As per orders, spot registration will not be allowed for the 18-44 years age group, but vaccination for citizens above 45 years of age will continue informed Sampath Kumar.

“COVID-19 vaccination for already eligible priority groups which includes healthcare workers, frontline workers and citizens above 45 years of age will continue as usual at the designated vaccination centres,” Kumar said.