Karnataka: 16 lakh corona warriors including healthcare workers to be vaccinated

Bengaluru:"The two vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield developed by Indian companies will be given free of cost to 3 crore people in the initial phase and the entire cost will be borne by the centre. More than 16 lakh people in the state will be administered vaccine in the initial phase including healthcare workers and frontline staff," announced the state health minister Dr.K.Sudhakar.

Prime minister held a Video conference with the chief ministers of all states in which Sudhakar was also present along with the CM BS Yediyurappa. Speaking to the media the health minister said that about 16 lakh corona warriors including police personnel, staff of rural development dept in the state will be administered vaccine in the initial phase.

"The vaccine will be administered in two doses. After the first dose another dose will be administered after 28 days. So immunity will be developed after 45 days.

So one has to be caareful until 45 days," he added.

Allaying fears on the Covid vaccine, Sudhakar said,"There is no need to panic about safety of Vaccine. Vaccine has undergone clinical trials and it is safe. State is fully prepared to begin vaccination drive and centre will supply additional walk-in freezers. Vaccination will begin from January 16. In the second phase vaccine will be administered to people aged above 50 years and other vulnerable groups.