From Friday for the ensuing 75 days, all adults will receive a free Covid booster dose
Officials announced on Wednesday that starting on Friday, all adults would be eligible to receive free booster doses of the coronavirus vaccine at government facilities as part of a special campaign. The government’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations to honour the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence will include an effort to increase third-dose coverage.
Less than 1% of the 77 crore-strong target population in the 18- to 59-year-old age range have received the precautionary dose to date. However, according to a government official quoted by the news agency PTI, about 26% of the estimated 16 crore eligible people in the 60+ age group, as well as healthcare and frontline personnel, have already received the booster shot.
“The bulk of Indians had their second dose more than nine months ago. Giving a booster shot boosts the immune response, although antibody levels tend to decline six months after the main vaccination with both doses, according to study from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other international research institutions “added the official.
As a result, he explained, “the government is intending to launch a special drive for 75 days during which people aged 18 to 59 years will receive preventive doses for free at government vaccination centres starting on July 15.”
The time between the second and precautionary injection of the COVID-19 vaccine for all beneficiaries was shortened last week by the Union Health Ministry from nine to six months. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization had recommended this (NTAGI).
On June 1, the government launched the second phase of the “Har Ghar Dastak campaign 2.0” throughout all states in an effort to speed up immunisation rates and promote booster doses. Currently, the two-month programme is under progress.
Government statistics show that 96% of India’s population has received the first dose of the Covid vaccination, and 87% of people have received both doses.
On April 1 of last year, vaccinations for everyone older than 45 years old were introduced. The government therefore made the decision to broaden the campaign by authorising Covid vaccinations for those over 18 starting on May 1 of last year.
On January 3 of this year, vaccinations for people between the ages of 15 and 18 started. The nation started immunising children between the ages of 12 and 14 on March 16.
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