Coronavirus vaccination drive to kick off in India on Jan 16

India will launch its coronavirus vaccination drive on January 16 and priority will be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers, the government said on Saturday.

The decision was taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the status of coronavirus situation and vaccine preparedness.

"After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu, etc, the COVID-19 vaccination will start from January 16, 2021," a government statement said

After healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities numbering around 27 crore, it added.