CM's directive implemented, Kerala gives 88 lakh doses in one month, vaccination campaign a great success, says Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that the vaccination campaign in the state was a great success. She said that 88,23,524 doses of the vaccine were given in the state from August 1 to 31. Of these, 70,89,202 people were given the first dose while 17,34,322 were given the second dose of the vaccine. Five lakh people were vaccinated on August 13 and 14. 4 lakh people were vaccinated in 6 days, 3 lakh in 5 days, 2 lakh in 9 days and 1 lakh in 5 days. Although there were more holidays in August, the goal was achieved through the teamwork of health workers, other officials, people's representatives, and volunteers. The Minister congratulated all those who worked hard to achieve the goal.

The Centre had allotted more vaccines at the request of the state. The Centre allotted 70,35,940 doses of vaccine, including 58,99,580 doses of Covishield and 11,36,360 doses of Covaxin. In addition, KMSCL bought 2.5 lakh doses of the Covishield vaccine using the CSR funds. With this, 72,85,940 doses of vaccine were made available to the state this month alone.

The vaccination campaign in the state started on the 9th of this month as per the instructions of the Chief Minister. The vaccine campaign was organized to increase vaccination and vaccinate as many people as possible. The vaccination campaign was carried out in stages. Special priority was given to administer the first dose of vaccine to those above 60 and bedridden patients. The vaccine is being given to teachers, people with comorbidities and college students. The vaccination of teachers will be completed by September 5, Teacher's Day. Efforts are underway to give the first dose of the vaccine to everyone over the age of 18 by the end of September.

According to the projected population of 2021, 60.04 percent were given the first dose and 22.02 percent the second dose. 74.06 percent of people above 18 years received the first dose and 27.16 percent received the second dose.