Amid rising fear of Covid- 19 in India, reports are emerging from Delhi, that no free vaccines are available at government facilities. However, paid vaccines for all are available at private facilities and will continue to be available over the next few days.
The government is encouraging people to take a "precaution dose" or booster immediately, as cases rise in China and elsewhere. At government facilities, the usual two doses are free for all – while boosters are free for those aged 60+ only.
But, when one searches on the booking portal CoWIN, it shows no availability at all in North and North East Delhi. For instance, Central Delhi had 13 slots available at private centres. There are no slots available in hospitals like LNJP. On Tuesday, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a mock drill across the country in Government hospitals to examine Covid-19 preparedness. Mandaviya also underlined precautionary measures to be undertaken under any exigencies.
So far, according to reports, 90 percent of people have received both the covid doses, while only 30 percent have taken precautionary booster doses. The Union government is requesting all the states to be vigilant, and track cases of genome sequencing too. Though fear is looming, India reported 188 cases in the last 24 hours and no deaths.
