Vaccine scarcity: In many districts, slots are only available at private hospitals
Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George announced that the state is experiencing a severe shortage of Covid vaccines. Due to a vaccine shortage, the supply through government centres has been partially cut off since Monday.
There are only a few doses left for Tuesday’s vaccination drive. The minister went on to say that the state is constantly pleading with the federal government to make the vaccine available. The distribution via private hospitals is going well.
Vaccine slots can only be reserved at private hospitals in many districts via the CoWIN portal. Vaccines will not be available in Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur, or Thiruvananathapuram on Tuesday. In Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta, only Covaxin is available. The government has yet to resolve the ineffective spot booking system and vaccine distribution.
According to Minister Veena George, the first dose of vaccine was given to everyone over the age of 45 in the Wayanad and Kasaragod districts. The goal was to immunize 2,72,333 people in Wayanad and 3,50,648 people in Kasaragod. The minister also directed that anyone over the age of 45 who has not yet been vaccinated in these districts contact the nearest health worker as soon as possible.
The vaccine was distributed in tribal villages in Wayanad by mobile teams. Many people who were hesitant to get vaccinated were also educated. In Wayanad, 56% (1,52,273) of those over the age of 45 received the second dose as well. In the Kasaragod district, the second dose is given to 54% (1,88,795) of people over the age of 45, including those in the Endosulfan-affected region. The first dose was given to 53% (5,20,271) of those over the age of 18, and the second dose was given to 23% (2,30,06).
