The third phase of COVID-19 vaccination for all above 45 years began across the country on Thursday. According to the health ministry, advance appointments for vaccination can be booked through http://cowin.gov.in, or one can visit their nearest vaccination center after 3 pm and get on-site registration done.

The country has been witnessing a second wave of COVID-19 infections, with over 72,000 new coronavirus cases and 459 related deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The Centre has warned that the situation is going from "bad to worse" and urged states to achieve 100 per cent vaccination coverage of those above the age of 45 years in surge districts within the next two weeks.