Guwahati: In a major move to expand the coverage of booster dose, the Central government on Wednesday announced that booster dose will be made available free of cost for all individuals above 18 years of age at all government vaccination centres.
This will come into force from July 15, 2022 as India is celebrating 75 years of independence. On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, it has been decided that from 15th july,2022, till the next 75days, citizens above 18-59 years will get free booster, union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said, on Wednesday.
The drive will be held as part of the government’s ‘ celebrations to aimed at improving the third-dose coverage mark the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
According to reports, less than 1 percent of the target population of 77 crore in the mentioned age group have been administered the precaution dose.
However, around 26 per cent of the estimated 16 crore eligible population aged 60 and above as well as healthcare and frontline workers have received the booster dose, news agency PTI reported, quoting an official.
A majority of the Indian population got their second dose over nine months ago. Studies at ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and other international research institutions have suggested that antibody levels want around six months after the primary vaccination with both doses giving a booster increases the immune response,” the official said.
The government is therefore planning to start a special drive for 75 days during which individuals aged between 18 and 59 years will be administered precaution doses for free at government vaccination centres starting from July 15.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry last week reduced the gap between the second and precaution dose of vaccine for all beneficiaries from nine to six months. This followed a recommendation from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).
According to government data, 96 per cent of India’s population has been administered the first dose of Covid vaccine while 87 per cent of the people have taken both doses.
It needs to be mentioned that on April 10 this year, India began administering precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines to all aged above 18 years.