COVID vaccination for citizens in the age group 15-18 to commence in UP from January 3

In a bid to widen the scope of COVID immunisation, the UP government on Sunday announced that it will open vaccination for the 15-18 age group from January 3, 2022. This decision has reportedly come in view of the Prime Minister's announcement regarding the same and now the state will work to ensure availability of jab, the CM said in a statement. The administration is also in favour of a massive awareness campaign to boost vaccination among adolescents.

Precaution dose of COVID-19 to be provided from Jan 10, 2022

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UP Government has decided to launch an additional vaccination drive, to administer the precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, from January 10, 2022. As per reports, this booster shot will first be made available to all coronavirus warriors, including healthcare and frontline workers, and those aged over 60 years with co-morbidities. The jab will be provided on the advice of their doctor, the CM said in a review meeting held on Sunday. He also added that the need to bolster the overall infrastructure, with a modified vaccination policy, is essential to further raise a defence against the virus.

As yet, the state has administered more than 19.40 crore COVID-19 vaccination, including 12.51 lakh first doses and 6.8 lakh second jabs. In this way, about 85 percent of the total population of the state eligible for vaccination has received both doses. However, the state has recognised the need to accelerate the immunity drive, in wake of the emergent new 'Omicron' mutation of coronavirus.

- With inputs from ANI