Indian scientists are studying omicron variants: PM Modi

As cases of omicrons rise, Modi said that although India has achieved an “unprecedented achievement” in its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, it is important for people to remain vigilant. “It is our very collective strength that will defeat the coronavirus; it is with this sense of responsibility that we enter 2022.”

On Saturday, Modi had said that immunization of 15-18 year olds would start from January 3.

The move is likely to help normalize classes at school, and parents will be less worried about children going to school. Modi also announced a precautionary dose for health care and frontline workers from January 10.

“This step was taken keeping in view the time limit and expenditure incurred by the health care workers in serving the Covid patients. In India this is called a ‘precautionary dose’, not a booster dose. The decision on the precautionary dosage will strengthen the confidence of health care and frontline workers,” Modi said.

The PM said senior citizens or people above 60 years of age will also have the option of taking the precautionary dosage on the advice of their doctors from January 10.

Referring to the micron infection in India, Modi urged people not to panic but to follow precautions like wearing masks and washing hands.

“The seriousness of the vaccine was recognized very early, and along with the research, we also focused on the approval process, supply chain, distribution, training, IT support system and certification,” he said. Due to the efforts, 61 per cent of the adult population of the country has received both the vaccines and 90% of the adults have received a single dose,” he said in his address to the nation. In his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, the prime minister told the group Also talked about Captain Varun Singh, who died last week.