The Health Ministry on Friday (8 April) announced that the precaution dose of COVID vaccines will be made available to 18-plus population group at private vaccination centres.

"The administration of Precaution Dose to 18+ population through Private Vaccination Centres would start from 10 April (Sunday) 2022," the Health Ministry said in a release.

All those who are more than 18 years of age and have completed nine months after the administration of second dose, would be eligible for Precaution Dose, the ministry said, adding that this facility would be available in all Private Vaccination Centres.

So far, about 96 per cent of all 15+ population in the country have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose while about 83 per cent of 15+ population has received both the doses, according to the ministry.

Further, more than 2.4 crore Precaution Doses have also been administered to Healthcare Workers, Frontline Workers and 60+ population group.

Meanwhile, 45 per cent of 12 to 14 years age group have also received the first dose, the ministry said.

The Health Ministry added that the on-going free vaccination programme through government vaccination centres for first and second dose to the eligible population as well as precaution dose to healthcare workers, frontline workers and 60+ population will continue and would be accelerated.