Covid-19 Vaccine Precaution Dose: The Union Health Ministry on Friday announced to make available the precaution or booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine to all people above the age of 18 years in private vaccination centers from April 10. The ministry said that all such people above the age of 18 years, who have been given the second dose of the vaccine for nine months, can also get a booster dose.
“It has been decided that precaution doses of Covid-19 will be made available to people above 18 years of age in private vaccination centres. This facility will be available in all private immunization centres,” the health ministry said.
Can you get a booster dose?
Those who are above 18 years of age and have completed nine months of taking the second dose. They can get this preconception dose applied. This dosage will start from April 10. This dose will be made available at all private vaccine centers.
How much will you have to pay?
Following this announcement, vaccine maker Serum Institute of India (SII) said that the booster dose of its Covishield vaccine would cost Rs 600 per dose for the people.
Dosage will not mix
It will be of the same vaccine brand as the first and second doses. Those who were given Covaxin would receive a Covaxin ‘precautionary dose’ and those who opted for CovaShield would receive the CovaShield dose.
How to register for Booster Dose?
Eligible beneficiaries can log on to https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/ or register themselves through Aarogya Setu App. Beneficiaries have to register or sign for verification by entering mobile number and OTP.
As per the government, the registration can be done by self-registration through the CoWin account of the family member or by creating a new account through a mobile number (this facility is currently available to all eligible citizens).
Once the registration/sign in is complete, the identity proof of the beneficiary will have to be updated under the new category on the CoWin homepage.
Beneficiary can be registered using their Aadhar card or ID card.
Apart from Aadhar, other IDs approved by MoHFW are: EPIC, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, Pension document with photo.
– When it is time for a booster dose, the CoWin system will send you an SMS, reminding you of the dose.
– All vaccinations will be recorded in real-time through the CoWin Vaccinator module on the same day.
Why is Precaution or Booster Dose Important?
Booster shots provide better protection against Covid-19. The first two doses are still effective in preventing progression of severe disease, but their effect may diminish over time. Especially in senior citizens and people with other serious diseases.
On the other hand, the risk of new variants is also increasing. As a result, these booster shots will be crucial in maintaining immunity by increasing antibodies, which are beneficial in preventing serious complications.