Covid booster shots are open to all above 18 years in all private centers for Rs 600. You can take it provided once you complete nine months after your second dose of the Covid vaccine.
Covid booster shots are suggested for people who have been vaccinated and whose immune systems might have weakened over time. Getting a booster can decrease your risk of infection.
The health ministry has announced the precautionary dose of vaccine for those above 18 years.
The Serum Institute of India declared that this shot would be available at all private clinics from 10 April for Rs 600. It further added that the hospitals would get it at a discounted price.
History of Covid vaccines
The major disadvantage of the Coronavirus was that you had to stay locked indoors. Serum Institute came up with the vaccine Covishield to protect us against the Covid-19 stains. It created antibodies to fight the virus that spread through the air.
People who have a weak immune system and took two doses might not have developed enough immunity after two doses. Therefore, an additional dose might improve their protection against severe Coronavirus infection. The decision for the third dose came when many other countries saw a surge of infections though India’s pandemic situation was under control.
Commencement of the Covid booster dose drive
India started administering the booster doses to frontline and healthcare workers and those above 60 with co-morbidities on 10 January 2022.
The vaccination drive extended to all adults above 60 years on 16 March. A gap of 9 months has been recommended between the second dose and the third one for the booster shot.
Current statistical figures related to booster shots
As per the data given by the health ministry, 96% of 15+ of the population have received at least the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. 83% 15+ have completed their second dose.
As per the Union Health Ministry, more than 2.4 crore doses have been given to 60 plus population along with frontline and health workers. Around 45% of the age group of 12 to 14 years have received their first dose.
Price of Covid booster doses
The Serum Institute of India announced that the government’s decision would provide long-term protection and ease the difficulty of traveling abroad. Initially, the booster shots for people over 60 with co-morbidities were free in government vaccination centers.
Serum Institute declared that the Covishield booster shots would be available at Rs 600 at all private centers, and hospitals would get the same at a discounted price. In addition, Serum’s Covovax, once approved, would be made available at Rs 900 plus tax.
How do you book appointments for Covid booster shots?
You can book the vaccination through the Cowin portal (www.cowin.gov.in), where you have already registered with your mobile number.
An appointment will be granted based on the information about your previous two doses, as there has to be a gap of 9 months after verification of your Aadhar Card. There is also the Aarogya Setu App.
Eligibility for booster doses
You are eligible for the booster shot if you fulfill the following criteria.
- You need to be over 18 years.
- You must have taken both doses of Covishield before.
- It must be nine months since your second dose of the vaccine.
Doses before the booster shot
Covishield consists of two doses of 0.5 milliliters each. There is no difference between the two doses, and each shot has the same content of viral particles.
The time gap between the first and second dose should be 12 to 14 weeks. Both the doses need to be taken for maximum protection. The gap of 12 weeks between the two doses has resulted in a better immune system in people.
However, if you suffer from Coronavirus infection after both the vaccine shots, you have to wait for three months to get a booster shot. Many countries do not consider vaccination complete till you get this booster shot. Once vaccinated, few people have side effects like fever, chills, body ache, cold, cough, and vomiting.
