Free Covid vaccination drive for 18-59 age group launched in Kokrajhar district

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR: The Kokrajhar district administration on Friday launched a free Covid-19 booster dose vaccination drive for the people 18-59 age group in the district as part of the government's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark the 75th anniversary of India's independence.

Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka ceremonially launched the programme by lighting a lamp at the premises of the Deputy Commissioner's office in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioners, Joint Director Health Services, Superintendent of RN Brahma Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar, District Immunization Officer and other officials.

Addressing a press conference in this regard, Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka said that in line with the new guidelines of the government, arrangements have been made for providing the third dose of Covid-19 (precaution dose) free of cost to persons between the ages of 18 and 59 years from July 15 for the next 75 days at the health centres and the government Covid-19 vaccination centres.

"Earlier, the third dose (booster dose) was given to high risk groups, frontline workers and health workers in the district. But from today, all people in the age groups of 18-59 years can get vaccinated if they had already taken the second dose six months ago as per the new guidelines. Everyone can now take the third dose or booster dose six months after the second dose," she said.

The existing 80 vaccination centres of the district have been increased to 145 centres from today. She said a total of 5,81,201 people have received the first dose and 4,56,194 people have received the second dose so far, and the third dose is being administered in the district.

On the other hand, in bringing awareness in this regard, Deputy Commissioner Varnali Deka said that campaign activities have been enhanced, miking arrangements have been made, awareness has been raised by holding meetings at VCDC level, and regarding wearing of masks, maintaining of social distancing and other Covid-19 protocols have been publicized through social media. Deka urged all eligible beneficiaries of Kokrajhar to come forward and take the free third dose (booster dose) within the next 75 days.

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