The door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination campaign ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ has been extended till December 31 with a focus on 100 percent first dose coverage and completing the backlog of second dose vaccination, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired a high-level virtual meeting with states and Union Territories to review COVID-19 public health response measures and preparedness amid cases of potentially more contagious Omicron variant of COVID19 being reported across various countries.
Noting the critical role of vaccination as a powerful defence against COVID-19, the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ vaccination campaign has been extended till 31st December with a focus on 100 per cent first dose coverage, and completing the backlog of second dose vaccination, the Ministry said in a statement after the meeting.States have been advised to ramp up the pace and coverage of COVID-19 vaccination.
There is a continued need for further vaccination coverage, adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour and the need to avoid mass gatherings, DG, ICMR Dr Balram Bharagava saidNITI Aayog member (Health) Dr Vinod Paul stated that the country is richer in its knowledge of the management of COVID-19, the statement said.He also underlined the continued importance of COVID-appropriate behaviour, avoiding large gatherings and ramping up vaccination.