Kerala vaccinates over 50% population with first dose of Covid-19 vaccine: Health Minister

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvanantapuram, Aug 17, 2021: Kerala Health Minister Veena George informed that the state has vaccinated over 50 per cent of the population with the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. George said that a total of 1,77,88,931 people (50.25 per cent) received the first dose on Monday. As per 2021 projection, Kerala’s population is estimated to be 3.54 crores.

 

The state achieved the target within 213 days of the start of the vaccination drive on January 16. The minister heaped praise on the health workers, people’s representatives, officials and other volunteers who sacrificed their leaves and holidays and worked for the state’s vaccination drive.

More than two crore doses administered so far:

The state has so far administered 2,45,13,225 doses, out of which 1,77,88,931 were given the first jab and 67,24,294 were given the second dose. The health minister said that over 50.25 per cent of the population has been vaccinated with the first dose and 19 per cent received the second dose of the vaccine.

According to the population data of the age group of 18 years and above, over 61.98 per cent of the eligible beneficiaries have received the first dose while 23.43 per cent have been given the second dose.

"This is above the national average and the percentage of the population who have got both the doses is more than double the national average," the health minister informed.

Women leading recipients of the vaccine:

The health minister highlighted that women are the leading recipients of the vaccine and have outnumbered men in receiving the dose.

"A total of 1,27,53,073 women and 1,17,55,197 men have been given first and second doses. Out of this, 75,27,242 doses were administered to those between 18 to 44 years of age, 83,31,459 doses to those belonging between 45 and 60 years of age and 86,54,524 doses to those above 60 years of age," she stated.

She also added that 90 per cent of the health workers have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine compared to 88 per cent at the national level.

Kerala to increase Covid testing as cases rise:

On Monday, a team of the central government led by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the state and reviewed the Covid-19 situation, assuring all the possible help from the Centre.

George said that the state government is stepping up measures to provide treatment to all those who reached hospitals. She further stated that instructions have been given to increase the number of testing as the number of Covid-19 cases are showing an upward trend.

Kerala has 1,79,155 active cases of Covid-19 cases and a total of 18,601 people have succumbed to the deadly virus so far.

Courtesy:India Today