Under a 75-day special drive which is likely to begin from July 15, people of age groups 18-59 can get free precaution doses at government centres. The drive is aimed at boosting the uptake of Covid precaution doses. It will be held as a component of the government’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
Till date, the precaution dose was administered to less than 1% of the target population of 77 crore in the 18-59 age group. As per official sources, nearly 26% of the estimated 16 crore eligible population aged 60 and above and healthcare and frontline workers have administered with the booster dose.
One of the government officials said, “A majority of the Indian population got their second dose over 9 months back. Studies at ICMR and other International research institutions have suggested that antibody levels wane around 6 months after the primary vaccination with both doses. “
Hence, the government is planning to begin a special drive for 75 days during which individuals aged between 18 and 59 years will beinflicted precaution doses for free at government vaccination centres from July 15.