Rashmi Rekha Das

As per Centre’s order all adults between the age group of 18 and 59 will be able to get free booster doses of Covid vaccine at government centres under a special drive over the next 75 days from Friday as the country celebrates 75 years of Independence.

Keeping it in view, the Odisha government has accelerated its preparation for the smooth conduct of free booster doses in the State. 

Informing media, Health and Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi on Thursday said “The state government is prepared to provide free booster doses at 2,500 vaccination centres. We have adequate number of health workers to vaccinate booster doses to beneficiaries. However, we have not enough stock of vaccines compared to number of beneficiaries. And the Centre will be informed about it.”

He further said, “As coronavirus has started spreading its wings once again across the state, we are giving more stress on vaccination for all age groups."

Going by the data given by Panigrahi, about 98 per cent children between the age group of 12 and 14 have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine while 72 per cent of children have been given the second dose. 
Likewise, about 92 per cent of children aged 15 to 17 have been given the first dose of the Covid vaccine while 82 per cent of children have received the second dose. Besides, 96 per cent adults above the age 18 have received first dose of vaccination while 90 per cent adults have received the second dose.

“Expressing concerns over the rising graph of corona, we are giving much importance to precaution doses. About 28 per cent healthcare workers, frontline workers and senior citizens have been given precautionary doses”, he maintained.  

Meanwhile, frontline workers as directed by Health and Family Welfare department are expediting COVID-19 vaccination coverage to include all eligible beneficiaries through door-to-door Har Ghar Dastak campaign.

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