‘Free COVID precaution doses will create healthier country’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said the government’s decision to administer free precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens aged above 18 will further India’s vaccination coverage and create a healthier country.

As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, free precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be administered to all citizens above the age of 18 at government vaccination centres from 15th July for the next 75 days, Anurag Thakur, Information and Broadcasting Minister,  said after the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the drive.

People in the 18-59 years’ age group can get free precaution doses of the COVID vaccine at government vaccination centres under a 75-day special drive likely to begin from 15th July, the government said.

The drive, aimed at boosting the administration of COVID precaution doses, will be held as part of the government’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, it said.

Anurag Thakur told reporters the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.

In a tweet, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, free COVID-19 precaution dose will be administered to all the citizens above the age of 18 years at government vaccination centres from July 15 for the next 75 days”.

This will provide protection to all adults from the virus, the minister asserted.

Meanwhile, Modi said the government’s decision to administer free precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens aged above 18 will further India’s vaccination coverage and create a healthier country.

In a tweet, Modi said, “Vaccination is an effective means to fight COVID-19.

Responding to a question, Mandaviya said people would have to pay if they visit a private facility to get the precaution dose.

Noting that some people had created doubts over the efficacy of vaccines developed in the country, he said there is a need for a booster dose for everyone and “no one will have to pay for it.”

He did not share details on how much the exercise will cost the government.

Mandaviya thanked Prime Minister Modi for the decision.

“The decision will further strengthen India’s fight against COVID-19 and add an extra layer of safety! I urge all those eligible to get their precaution dose at the earliest,” he added.

“A majority of the Indian population got their second dose over nine months ago. Studies at ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and other international research institutions have suggested that antibody levels wane around six months after the primary vaccination with both doses. Giving a booster increases the immune response,” according to an official source.

The health ministry, last week, reduced the gap between the second and precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccine for all beneficiaries from nine to six months following a recommendation by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

To accelerate the pace of vaccination and encourage booster shots, the government initiated the second round of the Har Ghar Dastak campaign 2.0 across states and Union Territories (UTs) on 1st June.

The two-month programme is currently underway.

Edits by EP News Bureau