First precautionary dose for those who got second jab nine months ago

New Delhi : On January 10, the "precautionary" dose aka booster dose to prevent people from Omicron will be given to those who are older than 60 years with associated comorbidities, and those who got their second dose nine months ago, said a report.

The decision to keep the interval between the second and third doses at nine months has been based on the findings of five scientific studies carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, top government sources who were part of the deliberations, told The Indian Express.

This means that the booster dose will be given to those who had received the second shots in the primary vaccination schedule by April 10 this year, which mainly included the healthcare and frontline workers. 

On March 1, India also began vaccinating those older than 60 years, and 45-plus with specified co-morbid conditions. As of May 1, 1.11 crore people had received both doses, according to Health Ministry data.

"The Co-win platform will automatically reflect who will be eligible for the precautionary dose. We have the numbers ready as to how many will be eligible from January 10. An announcement will be made in the next few days," a top government official was quoted by the Indian Express.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced precautionary dose for priority groups in his address to the nation on December 25.