<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Karnataka Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar has requested citizens to take the booster dose as the Covid positivity rate is showing a rising trend. Addressing media persons in Bengaluru today, the minister said that the average positivity rate in Karnataka has reached 7.2 percent, with Bengaluru, Shivamogga, Bagalkote, Bellary and Dharwad currently reporting the highest positivity rate. </p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">He expressed disappointment that only 17 percent of people have taken the booster dose in the state. He informed that it is the opinion of experts that immunity acquired after Covid vaccination wanes after six to seven months and hence the Government has arranged free booster dose for the protection of citizens. </p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">He called upon youth to take the lead to take their family members for the booster dose vaccination.  Especially those above the age of 60 and those with comorbidities are advised to take the booster dose on priority basis. Saying that Corbevax vaccine has been given approval by the Central Government, the minister said that it can be taken for the booster dose irrespective of whether an individual has taken Covaxin or Covishield for the first and second dose.</p>''<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />''</p>