Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday announced free Covid-19 precaution doses for 18-59 age group at government vaccination centres under a 75-day special drive starting from July 15.
The drive will be held as part of the government’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. The objective of the move is to speed-up the vaccination drive.
India is celebrating 75 years of independence. On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, it has been decided that from 15th July 2022 till the next 75 days, citizens above 18 years of age will be given booster doses free of cost: Union Minister Anurag Thakur pic.twitter.com/Qai76dFVW7
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2022
Tweeting on the decision, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that it would 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,’’ Mandaviya added.
India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeds 199.12 crore, and over 3.76 crore first dose vaccines have been administered for the 12-14 years age group as on July 13, the Health Ministry said. According to government data, 96% of India’s population has been administered the first dose of COVID vaccines while 87% of people have taken both doses.
