Covid booster shot campaign starts today

The country would begin a campaign for Covid-19 booster doses at Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons today.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque yesterday confirmed this while attending a programme in Manikganj.

"Pfizer vaccines will be given as booster doses as the World Health Organization has approved it," he said.

Citizens aged 60 and above would be eligible for receiving the booster doses. The frontliners who have received both doses of vaccines at least nine months ago would also be eligible.

Gradually, the programme will be expanded all over the country, he said, without sharing further details.

A press release from the health ministry, however, said the minister would disclose a detailed plan in today's programme.

Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed to introduce a booster dose programme considering the emergence of the new Omicron variant of concern.

So far, the country's 25.89 percent population have been inoculated with double dose vaccines against the 80 percent target.

In yesterday's event, Zahid Maleque said there is no shortage of Covid-19 vaccine right now.

Currently, the government has a stock of some 4.45 crore doses of the Covid-19 vaccine while two crore more doses will arrive next month, according to the minister.

Urging people to follow health guidelines, the minister said, "Omicron is very contagious. We have done everything possible to control Omicron transmission. However, everyone should be careful."

He also urged people to take vaccines to get protection.

Our Manikganj correspondent contributed to this report.