35 lakh in Tamil Nadu eligible for booster doses: Ma Subramanian

At least 35.46 lakh people are eligible for booster dose in Tamil Nadu, which will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister on January 10, Health Minister Ma Subramanian said during the 18th vaccination camp on Saturday. Pointing out that Chennai stands first in Tamil Nadu by vaccinating 92 per cent of people for the first dose.

A total of 6.07 lakh people were vaccinated against Covid during the 18th mega vaccination drive till 1 pm, of which 5.87 lakh doses were inoculated for people above 18 years, and 20,727 children are vaccinated. So far, 8.83 crore people are vaccinated against Covid, and in the last five days over 21 lakh students aged 15 – 18 are inoculated.

“Chennai stands first in the state by vaccinating against Covid with 92 per cent of people for the first dose, and 71 per cent have received the second dose, whereas in Tamil Nadu, first dose has increased to 87.35 per cent, and second dose to 61.46 per cent. At least 35.46 lakh people are eligible for booster dose, including 9.78 lakh frontline workers, 5.65 lakh healthcare workers, 20.03 lakh above 60 years with the comorbid condition,” said Ma Subramanian.

“The vaccination for booster will be inaugurated by Chief Minister on Monday at Pattinambakkam. Though 35 lakh people are allowed to take booster dose, as of January 10 only 4 lakh people have completed 39 weeks after taking second dose, so they will be vaccinated,” he added.

Those who have been fully vaccinated before 14 April 2021 will be eligible for the next dose, and the booster vaccine to be the same as the first two doses.

Commenting about the MBBS admissions, the minister said that the state had received more than 40,000 applications from MBBS candidates, so the rank list is expected to be released by the third week of January. A total of 5,050 seats available medical colleges in Tamil Nadu for MBBS, including 1,450 seats at 11 new medical colleges, and 125 seats at ESIC Medical College at Kalaignar Nagar.

MBBS counseling for 15 percent under the central government quota and the state government’s 7.5 per cent quota will soon take place. As many as 439 seats will be given to the students under the state quota, the minister noted.