Those travelling out of India for education, employment, sports or to attend official or business meetings may soon avail a precautionary ‘booster’ dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Discussion on whether overseas travellers opting for booster doses should get them at private vaccination clinics, and whether they should be paying for these, also remains on the table.The precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is currently administered to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and those above the age of 60.
As international flights out of India opened up from Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs spoke on travel restrictions being implemented by certain countries in light of the requirement of a third or booster dose and the impact that this can have on Indian travellers.
The central health ministry has received representations for allowing administration of the precautionary dose for those seeking to travel for employment opportunities, educational purpose or for attending official/business commitments. However, the ministry has not issued any official directive on the matter.
Based on existing guidelines, the prioritization and sequencing of the dose would be determined upon completion of nine months from the date of administration of the second dose.
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