India expanded its COVID-19 vaccination drive on Wednesday, allowing jabs for children aged between 12 and 14. Those who are above the age of 60 can also now get the precautionary dose as authorities removed the co-morbidity requirement.

The expanded vaccination drive will now offer Corbevax, a coronavirus vaccine manufactured by Hyderabad-based Biological Evans. All children between aged 12 and 14 will be receiving the new vaccine.

“Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines & all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated”, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a social media post ahead of the drive expansion.

A health worker displays the Corbevax vaccine for COVID-19 in New Delhi. (Photo Credit: Associated Press)
Health workers administer COVID-19 vaccine dose to teenage beneficiaries in Thane. (Photo Credit: PTI)
A box of Corbevax COVID-19 vaccine, which is being used to inoculate children aged between 12 and 14. (Photo Credit: PTI)
COVID19 vaccination for children in the age group of 12-14 years begins in Ahmedabad. (Photo Credit: ANI)
A student receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as India expands its nationwide drive. (Photo Credit: ANI)