COVID-19 vaccination pace to increase in July, August: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday (June 21, 2021) said that the Centre has made all arrangements to speed up the vaccination process in July and August.

The statement comes on the same day when the Centre began a free COVID-19 vaccination policy in the country, under which the Centre will provide free COVID-19 vaccine to all citizens above 18 years of age.

Union Home Minister, while addressing the media, also stated that it is important to receive both doses of vaccine and urged all the citizens to come forward to get vaccinated to protect themselves from the coronavirus infection. 

Shah addressed the media during his visit to the COVID care centre at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Centre in Ahemdabad today and said, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new chapter is starting from today in the battle against COVID-19, across the country. The PM had made an important decision that from June 21 people who are 18 years of age and above will be vaccinated free of cost by the Cental Government and the process of vaccination will be sped up."

"In a densely populated country like India, vaccinating all above 18 years of age free of cost is a big decision in itself and it has started on the occasion of Yoga Day. I am hopeful that this will not only help all the citizens but succeed in fighting this battle against COVID-19," said the Union Home Minister.

He further said, "Among all the vaccination drives going on around the world, India was already ranked at the top in vaccination per 10 lakh people. And now, we will nearly reach our aim of vaccinating all the citizens. The Government of India has made arrangements to speed up the process of vaccination in the months of July and August."

"I believe that the Government of India`s decision of shielding every citizen against COVID-19 will bring relief to every citizen. I urge all the citizens of the country to get vaccinated," said Shah.

He added, "Those who have already received the first dose of the vaccine and as per government guidelines their time duration between the two doses is over, they should also get their second dose. Only after receiving two doses, we will get complete protection against the virus."

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, also inaugurated the Vaishno Devi bridge and Gandhinagar Khodiyar bridge. 

(With Agency inputs)