Pics: Spoorthi Ullal/Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi (MS/HB)

Mangaluru/Udupi, Jan 10: Booster dose vaccination drive began in the twin districts on was inaugurated Monday January 10.

The vaccination drive was inaugurated in the presence of minister Angara at the Wenlock hospital in the city.

Mayor Premananda Shetty, deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra K V, District Heath and Family Welfare officer Dr Kishore Kumar were present.

Mangaluru

Udupi

In Udupi, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, president, Coastal Development Authority launched the booster dose drive at Ayush hospital, Ajjarkad.

Udupi deputy commissioner M Kurma Rao said, "This is a precautionary dose for all health warriors, front line workers and people above 60 years with co-morbidities. Health warriors, frontline workers and ASHA workers are important in managing Covid-19. Booster doses will be given to them who have completed nine months after the second dose. Special sessions are being conducted to sensitise the eligible.” He urged the people to co-operate with the health department in order to achieve 100% vaccination.

Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde said, “This is another step towards the fight against Covid. We were expecting the third wave six months ago. Now, the third wave spreading quickly. The booster dose will in controlling the spreading virus. The weekend curfew has affected economic development. The third dose will help in reducing the Covid positivity rate.”

The booster dose will be administered at all government Covid vaccination centers. The eligible health warriors for booster dose are 23,125 and frontline workers are 7,311 in Udupi.

Frontline workers from the Revenue and RDPR department, urban local bodies, Police department, Women and Child Welfare department, supervisors, Anganwadi workers and assistant workers are eligible for the booster dose.

District health officer Dr Nagabhushan Udupa, Dr M G Ram Rao and others were present.