Kochi:Very few takers for paid ‘precautionary’ 3rd vaccine dose

Kochi: There are very few takers in the 18-plus age group for the ‘precautionary’ third dose of Covid-19 vaccines in the state. Government has said that paid the ‘precautionary’ dose will be available for 18-plus age groups in private hospitals, and vaccine manufacturers have slashed prices, but in the absence of demand, private hospitals have decided not to buy more vaccine stocks.

Most hospitals saw little online registration for the vaccine slot though there were phone inquiries. In some major hospitals, there was walk-in for ‘precautionary’ dose. But numbers remained low.

“There is very little demand for ‘precautionary’ vaccines as there is no fear factor associated with Covid now. Even when we organised a free camp to give ‘precautionary’ doses to the 60-plus age group, as part of our agreement with the state government to give 10% vaccine free for the replacement of the rest of the near to expiry vaccines in private hospitals. We don’t expect the situation to change, and therefore, majority of small and medium hospitals have decided to finish the existing stock, and we won’t place fresh orders,” said Dr Anvar M Ali, general secretary, Kerala Private Hospitals’ Association (KPHA). Despite, offering 10% vaccine free, many were not interested in taking the ‘precautionary’ dose.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday announced that ‘precautionary’ third dose of Covid-19 vaccines will be available for all those aged above 18 years, who have completed nine months after their second dose, on payment at private vaccination centres from April 10. Then Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech slashed the prices of vaccines to Rs 225 for the private hospitals.

“As we had purchased vaccine double the cost, manufacturer has informed us they will be charging Rs 225 even for existing stock. However, instead of reimbursing the amount, they will replace it with new stock,” said Dr MI Sahadulla, CMD, KIMS Healthcare Group and president, Association of Healthcare Providers India (Kerala chapter).