Global tender for COVID vaccine, proceedings to begin today; will purchase three crore doses, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that the global tender process for the purchase of COVID vaccine will begin today. The state government has decided to purchase 3 crore doses of the vaccine. The government would seek the permission of the ICMR to vaccinate pregnant and lactating mothers, the CM said.

At present, pregnant women and lactating mothers aren't given vaccines. This was because the vaccine was being tested on them. Experts say there is nothing wrong with vaccinating them. In India, the National Technical Advisory Group and the Judicial Commission have made recommendations to the Central Government in this regard. Therefore, the ICMR will be contacted for permission to administer the vaccine.