Amid growing concerns over the spread of the Omicron Covid variant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the third dose of the Covid vaccine will be administered to health and frontline workers from January. Those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities will also qualify for the third or 'precaution dose'. The third dose will be administered to the eligible population after a gap of nine months from the second dose, the Times of India reported quoting its sources. They will be given the same vaccine that was provided in the previous first and second doses.
The prime minister also announced that Covid vaccination for children between 15-18 years of age will begin from January 3 and the third jab for the healthcare workers, front liners and people above the age of 60 years will begin from January 10.
Also Read | Delhi adds 290 Covid cases, highest single day rise since June 10
"The decision to vaccinate children will not only strengthen our fight against Covid-19, rather it would also reduce the worries of the parents whose children are going to schools," the prime minister had said while addressing the nation.
Modi referred to the third dose as a precautionary dose and urged people not to panic about the growing concerns over the Omicron variant. However, he appealed to people to stay alert, wash their hands, and make full use of masks.
Vaccination among the 15-18 years old children will begin with Covaxin, which had secured regulatory approval on Saturday for emergency use in children above 12 years. The Zydus Cadila’s ZyCoV-D has also been approved for children above 12 years, however, it is not part of the government’s programme, the report said.
