Kokrajhar: The Kokrajhar district administration on Friday launched free COVID-19 booster dose vaccination for people aged 18-59 in the district as part of the government's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark the 75th anniversary of India's Independence.
Deputy commissioner, Kokrajhar, Varnali Deka ceremonialy launched the programme by lighting a lamp here at the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's office in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioners, Joint Director Health Services, Superintendent of RNB Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar, District Immunization Officer and other officials.
Addressing a press conference in this regard, Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka said that in line with the new guidelines of the government, arrangements have been made for providing the third dose of Covid-19 (precaution dose) free of cost to the persons between the ages of 18 and 59 years from July 15 to the next 75 days at the health centres and the government Covid-19 vaccination centres.
"Earlier, the third dose (booster dose) was given to high risk groups, frontline workers and health workers in the district. But from today, all people in the age groups of 18-59 years can get vaccinated if they had already taken the second dose six months ago as as per the new guidelines, everyone can now take the third dose or booster dose six months after the second dose," she added.
She also informed that the existing number of 80 vaccination centres of the district had been increased to 145 centres. She said a total of 5,81,201 people had received the first dose and 4,56,194 people had received the second dose so far, and the third dose was being administered in the district.
On the other hand, in bringing awareness in this regard, Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka said that campaign activities had been enhanced, miking arrangements have been made, awareness had been raised by holding meetings at VCDC level regarding wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and other Covid-19 protocols have been publicized through social media.
Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka urged all eligible beneficiaries of Kokrajhar to come forward and take the free third dose (booster dose) within the next 75 days.
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