Thiruvananthapuram: The state health department has informed that all arrangements for administering the COVID vaccine to people above 45 years have been completed. The next phase of vaccination will commence from April 1. Central, state government hospitals, selected private hospitals and public buildings have been converted to vaccination centres.

The government directed everyone above 45 years to take the first jab of the COVID vaccine without hesitation.

Meanwhile, the State Medical Board also urged that the public should receive the COVID vaccine as part of strengthening the preventive measures in view of the spike in cases.

Everyone should take the vaccine on a priority basis before reopening the schools for keeping the COVID cases low in the state. Most of the countries faced a sharp rise in COVID cases after the reopening of schools. Hence, people above 45 years must ensure that they are taking the vaccine before the reopening of schools, informed the state health department.

The vaccine will provide immunity to our body for preventing the virus even after having direct contact with a patient. Taking the vaccine will decrease the chances of contracting and spreading the virus. Hence, everyone should take part in COVID prevention by taking the vaccine, informed the health department.

Till date, 29,33,594 doses of vaccine has been administrated in the state. Health workers received 4,70,643 first doses of vaccine and 3,11,594 second doses of vaccine. Among the frontline workers, 1,07,661 people received the first dose and 63,063 people received the second dose.

Meanwhile, 3,13,406 officials on election duty took the first dose and 4,564 people among them took the second shot of the vaccine.

16,62,663 people above 60 years and those who belong to 45-59 with comorbidities received first dose vaccine.

As per the guidelines of the union health ministry, those who received the first dose of the Covishield vaccine must take the second dose within 42 to 56 days. Those who took the first shot of Covaxin must take the second shot within 28 to 42 days.

  VACCINE