Thiruvananthapuram : All persons due for the 2nd dose of Covid vaccine shall receive their shots on priority basis, said Health Minister KK Shailaja Thursday.
The Health Department has issued guideline in this regard. Vaccination centres while scheduling appointments must prioritise receivers of 2nd dose. There is however no need to crowd at vaccine venue. A second shot becomes due for Covidshield in 6 to 8 weeks from the prior and 4-6 weeks for Covaxin. All centres will post details of those due for the second shot and the manager and ASHA workers there will streamline the process accordingly, said the minister.
Slots for first dose will be allotted only after all due for their second dose are done with. Since spot registration leads to cramming at centres, appointment for 2nd shot shall be given in advance. One need to visit the vaccination centre only at the allotted time. Once at the centre, each must observe covid protocols strictly, the minister said.
As the Centre’s new vaccine policy comes into force on 2 May, private hospitals must make their buys directly from the pharma companies. Vaccines in stock at private centres must be used up before 30 April. If there remains a balance, the doses must be administered to residents above age 45 at Rs. 250 per vaccine, said minister at the media briefing.
