Rajesh Bhushan to review vaccination status in states, UTs ahead of free precaution dose drive
New Delhi, July 14: The Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan is scheduled to chair a video conference to review the vaccination status and guide the States and Union Territories on the next 75 days about the precaution dose mission, sources said on Thursday.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Government of India announced the launching of a special 75-day campaign to administer the Covid-19 vaccine's precaution dose to above 18 years old free of cost at all government vaccination centres.
Taking to Twitter, PM Narendra Modi said that vaccination is an effective tool to fight against Covid-19. "Vaccination is an effective means to fight Covid-19. Today's Cabinet decision (of free precaution dose for all adults) will further India's vaccination coverage and create a healthier nation," he 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," Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.
According to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, "The scheme will be rolled out from July 15 and continue for the next 75 days,"
The Center began its "Har Ghar Dastak 2.0" door-to-door campaign on June 1 to enhance the vaccination pace.
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A campaign titled 'Har Ghar Dasak Campaign 2.0,' to ramp up vaccination in all the states and union territories (UTs) of the country and spread awareness about the beneficiaries, was flagged off on Wednesday, said the Union Health Ministry officials.
The campaign will continue till July 31, 2022.
The Covid-19 vaccination of all beneficiaries whose second dose is due and who are eligible for a precaution dose will be emphasised through a door-to-door vaccination drive, according to the Union Health Ministry.
Vaccination drives for children aged between 12 and 18 years will also be covered through school-based campaigns.
Earlier on July 6, the Health Ministry revised the duration between the second coronavirus vaccine dose and precautionary dose from the existing 9 months to 6 months.
In June, the NTAGI's Standing Technical Subcommittee (STSC) advocated reducing the time between the covid-19 vaccine's second and precautionary doses.
Rajesh Bhushan, the union health secretary, stated in a letter to the states and union territories, "In view of the evolving scientific evidence and global practices, "Standing Technical Sub Committee" (STSC) of "National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization" (NTAGI) has recommended to revise the duration between 2nd dose and precaution dose from existing 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks. This has also been endorsed by NTAGI."
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-PTC News
