India rolls out 'precaution' Covid booster vaccines

The administration of the 'precaution dose' of Covid-19 vaccine to healthcare, frontline workers, and those above 60 years is set to begin in India.

The online registration for 'precaution dose' on the Co-WIN platform began on January 8. All HCWs, FLWs and citizens aged 60 years or above with co-morbidities will be able to access the vaccination for precaution dose through their existing Co-WIN account. The precaution dose can only be taken after nine months, i.e., 39 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose. The Indian Ministry of Health and Welfare has recommended that precaution dose for healthcare workers, frontline workers and senior citizens with co-morbidities will be the same as given previously. It was also informed that the senior citizens with co-morbidities will not be required to produce a doctor's certificate or prescription when administering the precaution dose.

Eligibility of beneficiaries for the precaution dose will be based on the date of administration of 2nd dose as recorded in the Co-WIN system. The Co-WIN system will send SMS to such beneficiaries to avail the precaution dose when the dose becomes due. Registration and appointment services can be accessed through both the online and the onsite modes. The details of administering the precaution dose will be suitably reflected in the vaccination certificates.

Indian Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya informed that reminder SMS had been sent to more than one crore health and frontline workers and 60+ citizens for their precaution dose.

"The Government is ensuring the security of the health army that secures the country. Reminder SMS have been sent to more than one crore health and frontline workers and 60+ citizens for their #PrecautionDose. Appointments on Co-WIN are already open. The dosing program is being started from tomorrow," Mandaviya tweeted on January 9.

Indian Council of Medical Research also said that the third dose of Covaxin holds promise.

"Third dose of Covaxin holds promise," ICMR had tweeted.

In its tweet, the medical research body further highlighted the benefits of getting Covaxin's precautionary dose.

(ANI)