Government of Pakistan has initiated Corona booster shots to health care workers and senior citizens as new Covid Variant Omicron surfaces across the world.
According to local media reports, NCOC has approved booster doses for three groups of people: healthcare personnel, persons over 50, and those who are immunocompromised.
The booster shot, similar to basic inoculation, will be free of charge and can be given at least six months after the last dose. Sinopharm, SinoVac, and Pfizer are among the companies offering the supplementary jab.
The plan to give booster shots comes as part of NCOC’s efforts to avert a fifth wave of new illness in Pakistan, following the introduction of a deadlier and faster-spreading strain.
Asad Umar, the NCOC’s chief, stated that the omicron variety would hit Pakistan in a few weeks. He added that the government had already barred travel to nations where Omicron instances had been recorded, and that the vaccine is the only way to stop it spreading so quickly.
Due to emergence of new Variant ‘Omicron’ in various countries, it is imperative to follow SOPs seriously. Please ensure that your Vaccination is complete (both doses in case of two dose vaccine), wear Mask and isolate yourself / get tested in case of any symptoms! Stay Safe!!!
— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) November 27, 2021
In a related incident, Sindh’s provincial officials implemented new limitations across the province in response to the new variation. The Sindh home department has set a 50 percent limit on indoor dining at hotels in all districts of the province, with the exception of the provincial capital, where the maximum would be 70 percent.
Wedding parties of more than 300 people have also been outlawed in the divisions of Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Hyderabad, as well as the districts of Khairpur and Ghotki.
Omicron, a highly contagious version of Covid, was initially reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa less than a week ago and has already spread across numerous nations, with borders being closed and dozens of states instituting travel restrictions in contravention of WHO advise.
