THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister KK Shailaja on Thursday said that the COVID vaccine will be provided free of cost in Kerala irrespective of whether the central government charges for it or not. The minister made this clear during a recent interview. She said that it would be better if the central government decides to provide the vaccine free of cost.

Shailaja said that the state was entitled to a larger share of the vaccine and she hoped the center would consider it. The minister said that the distribution would start immediately after receiving the vaccine and the health department has prepared a priority list of those who should be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, a dry run was held today in four districts of the state. The dry run took place in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Wayanad districts.