The State Government on Thursday announced that it would administer the third dose (precaution dose) of Covid-19 vaccine free of cost to people between 18 and 59 years from Friday.
Health and Family Welfare Director Panigrahy said the Government has given focus on vaccination of all people belonging to different categories. While 98% of children belonging to the 12-14 years’ age group have taken the first dose of Covid vaccine, the percentage of children who have been given the second dose stands at 72.
Similarly, 92 % of children in the 15-17 years’ age group have taken the first dose and 82% of the group have been jabbed the second day, said Panigrahy.
Besides, 96% of persons above the age of 18 have been administered the first dose and 90% of the group the second dose.
Stating that administration of the precaution dose is been stressed now, the Director said 28% of Covid fighters, frontline warriors, Health Workers and people above the age of 60 have been administered the third dose.
“From tomorrow, people in the age group of 18-59 years will be given the precaution dose free of cost at about 3,000 centres and the drive will continue for 75 days,” said Panigrahy.
He informed that while Odisha has 2,65,85,000 people in this age group, 1,50,000 of them have been jabbed with the precaution dose. In total only 1% of the population have got the precaution dose and 99% are yet to get the same, he added.
Beneficiaries can get vaccine by registering names both through online and offline modes.