Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Thursday said that according to the new guidelines, preference will be given to those taking the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, when scheduling a session at vaccination centres. Speaking to the media, Shailaja said, "There is no need to rush to COVID vaccination centres for this. The second dose of the Covishield vaccine should be taken within 6-8 weeks and the Covaxin within 4-6 weeks. The list of those eligible to receive the second dose of vaccine at each vaccination centre will be available on the Co-Win portal.
Accordingly, the managers of the vaccination centres will inform them with the help of ASHA workers and local bodies." The new guideline stated that the slot for the first dose will allow for online booking only after giving preference to those taking the second jab.
Kerala health minister further said, "To avoid crowding for spot registration at the vaccination centres those taking the second dose will be given a fixed date and time in advance. Only at that time given to those who booked their second slot should reach the centre for vaccination. Steps will be taken to ensure COVID protocols are followed at the vaccination centres. The rest of the vaccine purchased now will have to be given at the rate of Rs 250 for those above 45 years of age from May 1". Kerala health minister also informed that a revised central vaccination policy will implement from May 1 and vaccination centres at private hospitals will have to procure the vaccine directly from the vaccine manufacturers.
The surge in the COVID-19 cases continues to affect India as the country records 3,79,257 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. This is the highest single-day spike in the cases since the pandemic began last year. As many as 3,645 deaths and 2,69,507 recoveries also recorded in the last 24 hours. Total active cases of the infection in India have now mounted to 30,84,814.
The cumulative count of the COVID-19 has gone up to 1,83,76,524. Meanwhile, as many as 2,04,832 people have succumbed to the disease so far. A total of 1,50,86,878 people have recovered from the disease till now. According to the ICMR, as many as 28,44,71,979 samples tested for COVID-19 up to April 28. Of these 17,68,190 samples tested on Wednesday across India. The total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered stand at 15,00,20,648, informed the Health Ministry.
