NCOC approves booster shot for health workers, immunocompromised people and those over 50

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday approved a booster shot of Covid-19 vaccines for healthcare workers, immunocompromised people and those aged over 50 years, while discussing the spread of the new coronavirus variant Omicron across the world. Although the statement issued by the NCOC did not say which Covid-19 vaccine would be administered as booster shots, it did say that the shots would be free and administered six months after the last vaccine dose. During its meeting today, the forum dis- cussed epidemic curve chart data for Pakistan, the national vaccine strategy and disease prevalence across the country. It also discussed cities’ progress in vaccinating their residents against Covid-19. The forum stressed that the Omicron variant was spreading fast globally and the only protection against it was vaccination. Subsequently, the NCOC decided to take strict measures to enforce the “obligatory vaccination regime” from December 1 (today) and directed the provinces and authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding its implementation.The forum was informed that 40 call centres have been established across the country to contact those who have not yet received their second doses. The number of call centres would be increased in the future. Provincial health ministers and chief secretaries gave presentations during the meeting, highlighting initiatives taken to boost the vaccination campaign, improve testing numbers and establish call centres. “All provinces will start vaccination outreach campaigns immediately to [achieve] the vaccination targets,” the statement added.