The local government of the northern Indian state of Haryana announced on Monday that it will provide free COVID-19 booster vaccine doses to the eligible population aged 18-59 years.

According to the Directorate of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, the eligible population in the state can now get each booster dose worth 250 Indian rupees (3 U.S. dollars) free of charge from any government hospital or dispensary.

Experts say a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will increase immunity in the body by activating the memory cells to produce more antibodies against the coronavirus.

The announcement came days after local governments in Delhi and Bihar offered free booster doses to people aged between 18 and 59 years in government-run hospitals.

Earlier this month, India's federal health ministry said that those aged 18 years and older are eligible for a booster dose nine months after the second dose.

However, it said the facility will be paid and shall be available at private vaccination centers.

The first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were provided for free to the eligible population across India at government hospitals.