Centre announces free Covid booster dose for 18-59 age group from July 15

In a big push for administering Covid-19 booster dose, the Centre decided that the shot will be given free of cost for the next 75 days for those above the age of 18. 

The free booster shot will be available at the government vaccination centres, from Friday.

"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 Covid booster doses free of cost," Union minister Anurag Thakur said.

Though most of the adults have received both the doses of Covid-19 vaccine, the coverage is poor when it comes to booster shot. 

Currently, only one per cent of the target population of 77 crore in the age group of 18-59 have taken the preventative dose.

About 26 per cent of the estimated 160 million eligible population above 60 years, as well as healthcare and frontline workers have received the booster dose.

Reacting to cabinet the decision, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, "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."