Shimla, April 28 (IANS) As many as 16,22,438 doses for Covid-19 vaccine have been administered to 14,12,978 people in Himachal Pradesh, out of which over two lakh have been administered the second dose, officials said on Wednesday.

The state has vaccinated more than 20 per cent of the population and is among the leading states in the vaccination drive, an official said.

"Now, the state government has decided to vaccinate all individuals between 18 and 44 years of age from May 1 free of cost in the government health institutions," he said.

The official also urged the eligible people to register themselves for the third phase of vaccination. However, he clarified that free vaccination would start only after the supply of the order placed by the state arrives.

--IANS vg/arm