Private hospitals should procure vaccines from manufacturers, priority for those taking second dose, new vaccination guidelines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The department of health enforced new guidelines for vaccination in the state. A decision has been taken to give preference to those taking the second dose. Private hospitals should procure vaccine from the manufacturers. The vaccine distributed now should be given to people above 45. Only an amount of Rs 250 should be accepted and the vaccine should be finished by the 30th of this month.

Priority will be given to those taking the second dose when scheduling a session at vaccination centres. There should not be a rush in vaccination centres for this. The second dose of Covishield vaccine should be taken within six to eight weeks and Covaxin within four to six weeks.

The list of those eligible to receive the second dose of vaccine at each vaccination centre will be available on Cowin portal. Health Minister K K Shailaja said the managers of the vaccination centres with the help of Asha workers and local bodies will inform them.

As the availability of spot registration facility is creating rush at the vaccination centres, those taking the second dose will be allowed a fixed date and time in advance. They should reach the centre only at that time for vaccination. Measures for Covid prevention will also be taken at vaccination centres.