India’s
cumulative COVID-19 vaccination tally has surpassed the 150 crore-mark on
Friday in a major milestone for the country amid an explosion of cases driven
by the omicron variant.

Union
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a tweet in Hindi that the landmark
was a “historic achievement” that has been made possible because of the
relentless hard work of health workers under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi. Mandaviya further said that any goal can be achieved when everyone makes
efforts together.

The
cumulative vaccination count had surpassed the 100 crore-mark on October 21,
with the day being marked with celebratory events across the country.

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According
to health ministry officials, over 91% of the adult population has received at
least one dose while over 66% have been fully vaccinated. Over 22% of eligible
adolescents have been vaccinated with the first dose since the vaccination for
this age group began on January 3.

The
countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare
workers (HCWs) getting inoculated in the first phase. The vaccination of
frontline workers (FLWs) started from February 2.

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The next
phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for people over 60 years
of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

The country
launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1.

The
government then decided to expand its vaccination drive by allowing everyone
above 18 to be vaccinated from May 1.

The next
phase of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from January 3 for adolescents in
the age group of 15-18 years.