Islamabad (Web Desk): The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved the administration of COVID-19 vaccine's booster jab for people grouped into three categories amid the threats of an outbreak of Omicron, a new variant of the virus.
A virtual meeting of the NCOC, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, who also heads the forum, announced to have launched a special vaccination drive in the country from December 1 (today).
As per the decision, healthcare workers, individuals above the age of 50 and those having a weak immune system will be inoculated with the booster shots during the special drive.
The move regarding the booster jab is part of the stepped up NCOC efforts to prevent a fifth wave of the coronavirus pandemic in the country in the wake of the emergence of a deadlier and fast spreading Omicron variant.
Meanwhile, the meeting was briefed about the coronavirus outbreak, casualties and new patients brought to the hospitals.
The forum agreed upon taking strict measures regarding obligatory vaccination regime. It was discussed during the meeting that the vaccination teams should be deployed at various public places to vaccinate the individuals on the spot.
The meeting was informed that call centers have been established to reach out people who have not got their second dose. A total of 40 call centres have been established across the country, while these numbers will also be increased to ensure second dose of vaccine.
Later, in their presentations, Provincial Health Ministers and Chief Secretaries briefed the forum about the initiatives taken to boost up the vaccination campaign, improving testing numbers and establishment of call centres.
The provincial representatives also emphasized on the need to focus on new variant of coronavirus and suggested to take necessary measures on airports to check the vaccination status and testing of expatriates.
On the other hand, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 1,285,254 on Tuesday after 414 new cases surfaced in the country during the last 24 hours.
As per the NCOC data, 42,381 tests were conducted in last 24 hours while positivity ratio remained 0.97%.
According to the government's COVID-19 portal, the death toll related to coronavirus has reached to 28,737 with 9 fatalities reported during the last 24 hours.
Over the last twenty four hours, total number of recovered COVID-19 patients across the country reached 1,242,354 after another 118 virus recoveries were reported.
