THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the beginning of the vaccination for the elderly and those above 45 years of age with other diseases, vaccination centres in the state have become overcrowded.

The third phase of vaccination started on the 1st of this month. Those who book for vaccination receive a message asking them to arrive at the vaccination centre between 9 am and 5 am. However, the message does not specify the exact time. With this, people started flocking to the centres at different hours of the day. Those who booked the first two days received a message a day late, which also caused a rush at vaccination centres. New registrations have been suspended at the Medical college and General hospital in Thiruvananthapuram where a large number of people have booked for vaccination. Instead, more hospitals will be set up. It is also proposed to implement token in spot registration to reduce the rush. There are complaints that people are unable to register on CoWin website and that online slots are not available for booking in most districts. The health department has asked the central government to address this.