With the start of the doorstep Covid-19 vaccination programme, the consumption of booster or precaution doses in the state has increased. According to the state health departments most recent data, since the start of the special ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ initiative on June 1, approximately 3.16 lakh residents over 60 in 36 districts have benefited from the third dose.

People are now seeking a booster dose as a result of the gradual increase in cases over the past two weeks. Previously, due to fewer Covid instances between February and May, the reaction to the preventive dose had sharply decreased. Currently, the only residents who qualify for a free booster dose are those who are over 60 and frontline healthcare staff.

Under the nations Covid immunization program, individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 are not eligible for the free booster dose and must pay for it at specific private hospitals.

This is also one of the main reasons for why the majority of districts have recorded exceptionally low booster dose consumption in the 18-59 age group, and some have even recorded zero vaccinations. Since April 10 of this year, the Union government has permitted booster shots at private facilities for people in the age group of 18 to 59 years.

In order to increase immunization rates, state health minister Mr. Rajesh Tope had earlier in June requested that the Center provide the booster dosage for the younger group without charge. (ETHealthWorld, Jun 25, 2022)