NEW DELHI: The precaution doses or the booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are likely to be administered at government vaccination centres to individuals aged between 18 and 59 starting from July 15.
The beneficiaries will be given the booster dose under a 75-day special drive, which will be held as part of the Centre's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence.
The Union minister Anurag Thakur said, "India is celebrating 75 years of Independence. On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, it has been decided that from July 15, 2022 till the next 75 days, citizens above 18 years of age will be given booster doses free of cost."
On the other hand, the Union Health Ministry last week reduced the gap between the second and precaution dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from the existing nine months to six months for those above 18 years of age.
The government also said that those above 60 years of age and healthcare workers and frontline workers will be administered booster doses after the completion of six months from the date of administration of the second dose at government vaccination centres.
"For beneficiaries aged above 60 years and above as well as the Health Care Workers (HCWs) & Front Line Workers (FLWs) precaution dose would be administered after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose at government CVCs free of charge," it said.
The appointment services and registration can be accessed both online and offline so in case you can't book slots on Cowin, one can get the booster shot by simply using the walk-in facilities.
How to register for Booster Dose of COVID-19?
Those who are eligible for the third dose of vaccination can register themselves through the CoWIN portal and get the booster dose. The main purpose of receiving the third dose is to improve immunity.
As per the official CoWIN website, "citizens should carry their Final Certificate of vaccination (with details of both earlier doses). Citizens should use the same mobile number and ID card used for earlier doses" "HCWs, FLWs and Citizens aged 60 year or more, shall continue to receive precaution dose vaccination at any CVC, including free of charge vaccination at Government Vaccination Centers."
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