New Delhi: In a big relief to the Indian people, the Central government on Wednesday gave its nod to provide booster COVID-19 vaccination doses to people above the age of 18 years. The government believes it will promote vaccination in the country. However, the booster will be given free of cost from July 15.
Announcing the development, the Sports and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur said the decision has been taken as India is celebrating 75 years of independence.
”India is celebrating 75 years of independence. On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, it has been decided that from 15th July 2022 till the next 75 days, citizens above 18 years of age will be given booster doses free of cost: Union Minister Anurag Thakur,” said Thakur.
India is celebrating 75 years of independence. On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, it has been decided that from 15th July 2022 till the next 75 days, citizens above 18 years of age will be given booster doses free of cost: Union Minister Anurag Thakur pic.twitter.com/Qai76dFVW7
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2022
Sharing more information with the media, another official said that people could go to the government vaccination centres to take the jab. The official further added that less than 1% of people between the age group of 18-59 have received the precaution jab. On the other side, about 26% of people above the age of 60 have received booster shots.
The new initiative of the government as a part of its Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav will inspire people to soon get booster shots.
New covid-19 cases in India
The Health Ministry on Wednesday said India recorded 16,906 cases in the last 24 hours. The daily positivity rate and weekly positivity rate of the country stand at 3.68% and 4.26%, respectively. Currently, the active caseload is recorded at 1,32,457.
Notably, India has so far administrated over 199 core vaccine doses under the nationwide vaccination drive.
