THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health minister Veena George has said the government has set the target for covering all the people above 18 years of age with first dose of vaccination before September-end. For this the Centre has promised to provide the necessary amount of vaccines.
So far 52% of the people in this category have received the first dose vaccination and 19% people have received both the doses. The Centre is now providing the vaccines regularly and hence the vaccination process is going on smoothly in the state, the health minister said.
The state is all set to begin the vaccination for the children below 18 years of age. “The Union health minister, who was in the state for discussions, had assured us all support for covering the entire population with the first dose of vaccination. For this the minister has promised that the state will be given top priority in getting the vaccines,” Veena said.
As part of improving the vaccination process, the state health department on a pilot basis introduced ‘drive through’ vaccination in Thiruvananthapuram from Thursday. The vaccination centre set up at Women’s College, Thiruvananthapuram, will provide the vaccination round the clock for the people who are coming on vehicles. The facility has been launched in such a way that the people who are coming for vaccination can register, get jabs and continue in observation for half an hour without stepping out of their vehicles.
The minister who visited the drive-through vaccination centre and interacted with the people said if this drive is found to be a success here, then more such centres will be introduced in other districts too.
Have a break on Thiruvonam: KGMOA
The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has urged the state government to have a break for the vaccination on Thiruvonam day. The association said this would benefit the health workers who have been in the forefront of the fight for one-and-a-half years.
The vaccination should be limited to major hospitals during the Onam holidays. This would provide a relief to the health workers, said the association leaders in a letter given to the health minister.
