Do not show reluctance towards vaccine while state is fighting against Covid; those who have not taken vaccine should get vaccinated immediately, says Minister Veena George

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George on Wednesday urged people should not to show reluctance towards the Covid vaccine while the state is fighting against Covid. "The state now has sufficient stock of vaccines. Vaccination centers are also available nearby. About 1200 vaccination centers are functioning at the government level across the state. However, most of these vaccination centers are reporting low turnout," the minister said.

"From October 1 to October 5, a total of 5,65,432 doses of the vaccine were given, including first and second doses. Of those, only 1,28,997 persons took the first dose. No one should show reluctance towards the Covid vaccine. Those who are yet to take the vaccine should get vaccinated by registering on the CoWIN website or by reporting directly at the nearest vaccination center," the minister said.

93.04 percent (2,48,50,307) of the eligible population in the state were given the first dose and 42.83 percent (1,14,40,770) were given the second dose. So far, a total of 3,62,91,077 doses of vaccine have been given, including first and second doses. According to the official data, about 18.5 lakh people are yet to get vaccinated. Among these, nearly 10 lakh people who tested positive for Covid need to get vaccinated only after 3 months. Therefore, only about eight and a half lakh people are yet to receive the first dose of the vaccine.