Kerala wants Centre's speedy nod for jab in kids, reduce gap between doses
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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George, while attending The Indian Express session, said that she had written to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviyaji requesting him to expedite the decision to begin inoculation in children.
She also said that the Union Minister was also informed of the state's decision to reduce the period gap between the first and second dose of Covishield.
Minister Veena made her point before the Centre citing the difficulties of NRIs in the state in relation to their work status abroad after receiving the first dose as the prolonged stay for the second dose could cost their job abroad.
On May 13, the Centre accepted the Covid Working Group's recommendation and extended the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks, or after 84 days, from the earlier 6-8 weeks.
"Now it is 84 days. But we have asked the Central government to reduce the period because, as you know, Kerala is a state where we have many NRIs. Many of our people work abroad and if they come here and take the first dose of vaccine, it will be difficult for them to stay for 84 days to take the second dose. So we have asked for the gap to be reduced. I have received a letter from the Union Health Minister that the Central government will consider it," The Indian Expressed quoted Minister George as said.
On June 7, the Centre had made an exception in the 84-day rule for persons undertaking international travel for education or employment opportunities with the onus on states to check the genuineness of the purpose of travel.