'Centre not stopping states from funding boosters for 18-59 group

Several states have started offering free booster doses to those aged 18-59 years using their funds, and it is up to the Maharashtra government to decide if it I wants to do the same, officials from the Centre told TOI.

- Sumitra DebRoy

Mumbai: But sources said the state is not considering such a proposition, which may involve spending over Rs 100 crore from its coffers.

Booster shot for 18-59 years has been a delicate issue since the Centre decided against offering it free to this age band. The Centre, while opening the precautionary dose for this age group, said they could take it only in private centres by paying for it. This made it almost impossible for people residing in districts, where the private sector is not offering any vaccination, to take the third shot. There are ten districts in Maharashtra where no booster shot has been administered to any individual between 18-59 years.