Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has said, Covid-19 vaccination has helped in reducing the mortality rate and hospitalization. Replying to supplementaries in the Rajya Sabha today, the Minister said, Covid-19 vaccination played a crucial role during the third wave of pandemic. He said, ICMR's study has revealed that over 99 per cent people who took the vaccine were safe. He said, Covid vaccines develop antibody which keeps people safe.<br />'' <br />''On the query of administering the vaccine jabs to the children below 15 years, Dr. Mandaviya said, the decision will be taken as per the scientific recommendations. The Minister said, Omicron variant is the dominant variant in the country at present. However, the current surge of Covid-19 cases in the country is showing a sustained declining trend since 21st January of last month.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">He said, the Centre is continuously providing support to State and UTs to enhance preparedness and response capacities against the Covid-19. He said, a package of over 23 thousand crore rupees has been approved under ECRP phase II. He said, a total of seven thousand 245 crore rupees have been released to States and UTs as part of Central component to strengthen health infrastructure to manage any surges in the cases.</span><br />