BHUBANESWAR: The state saw only 147 doses of booster (precaution) shots being administered among those above 18 years of age in private hospitals on Sunday, the day the launched the third dose in the age group across the country.
“According to information available with us till Sunday evening, 147 people took the booster dose. Since it was Sunday, the number of vaccinated people was low,” said Bijay Panigrahi, director, family welfare.
Those taking the booster dose was charged Rs 368 for both Covaxin and Covishield, including Rs 150 as service charge and tax.
Panigrahi said from Monday the drive is expected to gain pace.
“Anybody who wishes to take the precautionary dose can walk to a private hospital along with the certificate showing both doses vaccine taken, and get the booster dose,” said Panigrahi, adding that they were not sure about the exact number of hospitals that carried out the vaccination on Sunday.
In a major move, the Centre has opened booster shots of Covid vaccines for all adults, aged 18 years and above, at private vaccination centres, for a price, from Sunday.
Over 2.4 crore people have already received the precaution dose across the country.
