Health Ministry has said that getting vaccinated for Covid 19 will be voluntary. The ministry, however, said that it is advisable to receive a complete schedule of anti-coronavirus vaccine irrespective of past history of infection with COVID- 19 as this will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease. In a series of FAQs, the ministry said that the vaccine introduced in India will be as effective as any vaccine developed by other countries.

It said, in the initial phase Covid vaccine will be provided to the selected priority groups as they are at higher risk. Our Correspondent reports that Vaccine trials are under different stages of finalization and the Government is geared to launch the vaccine for COVID-19 soon. 

"The first group who will be vaccinated includes healthcare and frontline workers. The second group to receive COVID 19 vaccine will be persons, over 50 years of age and persons under 50 years with comorbid conditions. The Ministry has said that Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary. However, it has advised to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine for protecting oneself against this disease. This will also limit the spread of this disease to the close contacts including family members, friends, relatives and co-workers.

Meanwhile, Government today said that India's active cases of COVID-19 is under 3.5 per cent and the recovery rate is over 95 per cent.

In a tweet, Health Ministry said, India has followed a focused strategy of high levels of testing, comprehensive tracking and tracing, and prompt treatment. It said this has led to low mortality and very high recoveries.