The Ministry of National Health Services has updated its policy on the additional shot of vaccination. It is to be received by those traveling abroad and above twelve years of age, with the process starting from September 1st.
The guidelines include SinoVac, SinoPharm, and Pfizer to be the only three types of vaccines to be given as a booster shot; but only after an individual has had their two mandatory vaccine shots. The vaccination type will depend upon which vaccine is approved by the country of travel and will require proofs such as visa validity, expected flight details, and whether the country requires a booster shot. Another eligibility requirement is the 28 day interval period between the doses.
The category of travel eligible for the booster shot include various individuals such as laborers going for employment, students going for their education, overseas Pakistani going back to their residences, businessmen or officials, vacationers, and Hajj or Umrah pilgrims.
The price of the booster shot has been fixed at Rs 1,270 and payment for this shall be deposited at the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). The booster doses can only be received from specific vaccination facilities in 18 cities around the country, particularly five in Punjab, three in Sindh, four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one in Baluchistan, two in Gilgit Baltistan, two in Azad Kashmir, and one in the capital Islamabad.
“The cost, Rs 1,270 per dose, will be deposited in NBP (as specified by M/o NHSR&C) in in the Head of Account; C-Non-Tax Revenue, C02-Receipts from Civil Administration and other functions, C027-Community Services, Receipts; and C02721-Sale proceeds of sera and vaccines,” was stated in the guidelines related to the fee of the shot.
Moreover, those at the health ministry reported, “The shots will only be administered at government-run vaccination centers with separate counters for the purpose.” And that, “Administration of single or double booster shots will be decided as per the previous details of the vaccination” also, noting that a third jab will not occur.
It was highlighted that the booster shots were not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and that getting them would be the people’s own responsibility.
