ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), Pakistan’s central pandemic response body, on Wednesday approved a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for healthcare workers, immunocompromised groups of people and those aged over 50 years as fears spread globally over a new coronavirus variant.
The discovery of Omicron has caused global alarm, with countries limiting travel from southern Africa for fear it could spread quickly even in vaccinated populations and the World Health Organization saying it carries a high risk of infection surges.
“Booster dose will be administered to three age groups including HCWs , over 50 years of age and immuno-compromised groups from 1st December,” the NCOC said. “Booster dose will be administered after six months of administration of last dose.”
The NCOC said getting a booster was not mandatory and would be free of charge, adding: “Selection of vaccine will be as per Individual choice / availability.”
On Monday Planning Minister Asad Umar, who also heads the NCOC, said it was “impossible” for Pakistan to block the Omicron coronavirus variant from entering the country and the only protection against it was to increase vaccinations.
On Saturday, Pakistan banned travel from six South African countries and Hong Kong following the emergence of the new coronavirus variant.
The Omicron variant spread around the world last week, with new cases found in the Netherlands, Denmark and Australia even as more countries imposed travel restrictions to try to seal themselves off.
