COVID booster dose drive begins in Kerala for 18-59 age group; booster dose will be given till end of September, says Health Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has announced that the drive for the free booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those above 18 years has started in the state. Until now, free booster doses were given only to those above 60 years of age, health workers, and frontline fighters.

A total of 1002 Covid vaccination centers functioned in the state today. 97 vaccination centers for children above 12 years of age, 249 centers for those above 15 years of age and 656 centers for those above 18 years of age functioned. "The spread of Covid has not reduced in the state. So everyone should follow the Covid norms. People should also ensure immunity through vaccination. Those who are yet to take vaccines should get vaccinated," the minister said.

"There is no vaccine shortage in the state. Proper immunity can be obtained only if the first and second doses of the Covid vaccine are taken on time. All eligible persons should take a booster dose as the immunity of the germs increases over the months and immunity through the vaccine decreases. Eligible people can take booster doses six months after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. The booster doses will be given for free till the end of September," the minister added.