COVID-19 Precaution Dose For 18+ Age Group From April 10: See If You Are Eligible

Precaution dose of Covid-19 vaccines will be available to all aged above 18 years at private vaccination centres from April 10, the Union Health Ministry announced on Friday, April 8. All those above the age of 18 who have completed nine months after the administration of the second dose will be eligible for the precaution dose, it said.

'It has been decided that the precaution dose of Covid vaccines will be made available to the 18-plus population group at private vaccination centres. This facility would be available at all private vaccination centres,' the ministry said.

So far, about 96% of all 15-plus population in the country have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, while about 83% have received both the doses, it stated.

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More than 2.4 crore precaution doses have also been administered to healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged above 60 years. Besides, 45% of beneficiaries in the 12-14 years age group have also received the first dose, the ministry said.

The ongoing free vaccination programme through government vaccination centres for the first and the second dose to the eligible population as well as the precaution dose to healthcare workers, frontline workers and those above 60 would continue and be accelerated, the ministry stated.

Which Vaccine Will be Given?

The vaccine will be of the same brand as the first and second doses. For example, those who were given Covaxin will receive the Covaxin 'precautionary dose,' while those who choose Covishield will receive the Covishield 'precautionary dose'.

How To Register For Precautionary Dose?

• Eligible people can register themselves online at https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/ or using the Aarogya Setu app. Beneficiaries must enter their mobile number, and with the help of a one-time password (OTP) received, can register or sign in.
• Registration can be done through self-registration by using an existing account on CoWin or by creating a new account using a new mobile number (this facility is available for all eligible citizens presently).
• After completing the registration process, the beneficiary's identity proof must be updated under the new category on the CoWin homepage.
• An Aadhaar or ID card can be used to register.
• EPIC, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, and Pension Document with Photograph are among the other IDs accepted by the MoHFW.
• The Co-WIN system will send SMS to those recipients when the preventative dose is due, reminding them to take it.
• On the same day, all vaccinations will be recorded in real-time using the Co-WIN Vaccinator Module.

Why Is The Precaution Dose Needed?

New COVID-19 variants are still making the news now and affecting people. The precaution dose may help enhance protection against the existing and new Covid-19 variants.

The first two doses that were administered have been useful in preventing the complications, however, over time, they may have become less effective, especially in older adults and people with preexisting medical conditions.

The precautionary dose may also help prevent the risk of reinfection and boost the immune system.

Image Source: DW