Srinagar, Jan 10: Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday started administering the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to the eligible population that includes healthcare and frontline workers, and those over 60 years of age with co-morbidities.

Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather while talking to media persons after inaugurating booster vaccination drive at Public Health Center (PHC) Jawahar Nagar, said that on the directions of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, vaccination drive for all health care workers, front line workers and people of age above 60 with co-morbidities has been started.

He said that all necessary arrangements have been made for the walk-in and registered eligible population and urged the health care workers to protect themselves first.

If our healthcare care workers will remain safe then we can keep the public safe and all the eligible population must come forward and get booster doses, he said.

He said that the infection rate has increased in the past few days and there is a need to follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour in letter and spirit.

He said that there is no shortage of vaccination and people must come forward at the earliest and get vaccinated.

Rather added: “Credit must be given to the media as well for helping in clearing myths and rumours and now the whole population, even children were seen enthusiastic in taking the vaccination.”

He said that the government is working to complete vaccination of the eligible population as soon as possible and arrangements have been made at every hospital across J-K so that the eligible population can get vaccinated at the earliest.

Officials said that booster dose is a precautionary measure and people like doctors having high contact risk and those with age and comorbidities must take the shot.

They said, “those who have taken vaccines, even if they get infected, have mild or no symptoms while those who haven’t taken a single dose mostly lose the battle with the virus.”

As per the directions of the government of India, only those are eligible to take booster doses who have taken a second dose before nine months and there is no need to register afresh for the booster doses.