Covid vaccination for 18 to 44 year olds from Monday, registration starts tomorrow

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Covid vaccination for 18 to 44 year olds in the state will start from Monday. Registration for the vaccine will start tomorrow. The vaccine will be given on a priority basis.

Currently, only those who have completed 84 days after receiving the first dose of Covishield vaccine in the state will be given the second dose from tomorrow. The change is in line with the revised guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Accordingly, second dose of Covishield vaccine need to be taken only within 12 to 16 weeks.

However, the second dose of Covaxin should be taken within 4 to 6 weeks, as previously prescribed. This has not changed. In the case of Covishield, the interval between the two doses was increased after finding that an interval of 84 to 112 days was more effective when taking the second dose. The Chief Minister said in a press conference that there was no need to rush to the vaccination centers and the vaccine will be available to all.

Even after taking the vax, masks should be worn, hands should be cleaned from time to time and physical distance should be maintained. The Chief Minister also directed that the basic precautions for prevention should be continue till everyone in the community is vaccinated and safe.