The government announced on Wednesday that all citizens above 18 years of age will be given Covid vaccine booster doses free of cost for the next 75 days. The facility will be available at all government centres.

"India is celebrating 75 years of independence. On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, it has been decided that from 15th July 2022 till the next 75 days, citizens above 18 years of age will be given booster doses free of cost," Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told journalists.

India's total COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the 199.12 crore mark till 7 am on Wednesday.

The administration of the COVID-19 precaution dose or booster  shot for the age group 18-59 years started on April 10.

COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on March 16, 2022. So far, more than 3.76 crore adolescents have been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

The Centre has been making efforts to accelerate the pace and expand the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on January 16, 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, 2021.

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to states and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining of the vaccine supply chain.