Kerala will give priority to those who are eligible for the second dose of the vaccine, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference here this evening, the CM said “There is no need to rush to Covid vaccination centres for this. The second dose of Covishield vaccine should be taken within 6 to 8 weeks and Covacin within 4 to 6 weeks.”
“A list of those eligible to receive the second dose of the vaccine at each vaccination centre will be available on the Cowin portal,” he clarified.
Accordingly, the managers of the vaccination centres will inform them with the help of Asha workers and local body members, he said.
The slot for the first dose will be allowed for online booking only after giving preference to those taking the second dose, he added.
It is now estimated that vaccinating the vast majority of people over the age of 60 in the first phase of the Covid outbreak has helped reduce mortality in the State.
“We have been able to successfully implement early vaccination and this is the reason why the mortality rate is not rising proportionately despite the current rapid spread of the disease,” he said.
This fact underscores the importance of the goal of getting the vaccine to as many people as possible, he added.
