Retired Indian track and field athlete PT Usha on Monday took to Twitter to post a tweet, urging Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan to 'not ignore sports section' and vaccinate sportspersons, coaches, support staff and medical team on priority, who will participate in the forthcoming National tournaments and other competitions.
Recently, Kerala Health Minister Veena George had announced vaccination for people aged 40 to 44 years, regardless of whether they fall into priority groups or not.
Along with rest of the country, Covid-19 vaccination programme began for age group of 18 to 44 years on May 17 in Kerala. However, people having co-morbidities were given preference as they fell into priority groups.
"Vaccination will now be given to those who are 40 (including those who will turn 40 by January 1, 2022) and above, without considering priority groups. The National Health Mission has released a circular for this. Everyone aged 40 and above will get vaccine now. Vaccination following priority lists will continue for others aged 18 and above," said the statement.
People in the 40 to 44 age group need to book appointments by doing online registration in the Cowin portal. According to the availability of the vaccine, slots will be given. The date for booking starts on June 4.
Kerala has so far reportedlt administered over one crore doses of COVID vaccine as on June 4 midnight. Of these, 78,75,797 are first doses administered, while 21,37,389 persons in Kerala have received both doses of vaccine.