Covid booster shots will be available to all adults from 10 April at private vaccination centres.
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Eligibility, Cost
Those eligible are 18+ adults who have completed 9 months after administration of the 2nd dose.
The third dose will be of the same vaccine that one has been administered against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
However this will not come for free except for healthcare workers, frontline staff and those above 60.
Serum Institute of India said that the booster dose of Covishield will cost Rs 600 plus taxes but hospitals will get it for cheaper.
Inoculation For All Age Groups
The government said that the ongoing free vaccination drive through government vaccination centres for all 3 doses to Healthcare Workers, Frontline Workers and 60+ population will continue and be accelerated
About 96 per cent of the 15 and above population have received at least one dose while about 83 per cent have received both doses.
More than 2.4 crore third doses have been administered to healthcare workers, frontline workers and 60+ population groups.
45% of the 12 to 14 years age group have received the first dose.
Why Now?
The decision to open up the booster to all adults comes amidst a rise in infections in many countries, especially China.
Indians find it hard to travel abroad since countries such as Israel require a third dose to consider a person fully vaccinated.
There are also concerns of declining immunity produced by two doses.
A booster dose will enhance the antibodies that help the body fight the virus.
Stable Situation For Now
Despite concerns over new mutations, particularly the XE variant, cases in India have reached the lowest in more than a year, with 1,109 new cases reported in the past 24 hours and 43 deaths.
Total case count now stands at more than 4.3 crore, with 5.21 lakh deaths.
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