1.77 crore doses of vaccine given in the state, higher than national average; CM's reply to Centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a press conference that more than 1.77 crore doses have been given in the state so far. About 50% of people over the age of 18 have been vaccinated with one dose. If others can be vaccinated quickly, the state will be able to restrict Covid by providing immunity to 70% of the population and achieve herd immunity, the CM said.

"Since January 16, 2021, the state has been efficiently distributing the Covid vaccine. Vaccination is carried out as per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health. In Kerala, the first dose was given to 35.51 percent of the population and the second dose to 14.94 percent. This is higher than the national average, he said. About 100 percent (5,46,656) of the health workers in the state have been vaccinated with the first dose. 82% (4,45,815) took the second dose.