Delhi: While the third wave is spreading fast to new areas, the government had started vaccinating youngsters in the age group of 15 to 18 years. On the first day of the campaign, over 40 lakh of teens have been vaccinated, according to Union Health Minister Dr. Manushk Mandaviya.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Monday evening saying, “ Today we have taken an important step forward in protecting our youth against Covid-19. Congrats to all my young friends between the age group of 15-18 who get vaccinated. Congrats to those parents as well. I would urge more youngsters to get vaccinated in the coming days.” Modi announced on December 25 last year that vaccination for 15-19 age group would be started on January 3. The frontline workers and vulnerable senior citizens would be given third dose from January 10.
The Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh also tweeted on this occasion. “Well done young India! Over 40 lakhs between 15-18 age group received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on the 1st day of vaccine drive for children, till 8 pm (on Monday). This is another feather in the cap of India’s vaccination drive,” he said.
Since the educational institutions had opened recently many students in residential schools have had tested positive and there has been strong demand from the parents to get their wards vaccinated.
Those who were born in or before 2007 are eligible for vaccination in this drive. The youngsters were vaccinated after the parents and the school administrations have consented. On the first day, Covaxin was administered to all the youngsters. For booster dose, Corbevax and Covovax have been cleared by government. Children also may be given these vaccines. Till Monday afternoon, over 39.88 lakh beneficiaries between the ages of 15-18 have been registered on CoWIN portal till Monday afternoon.
Union Health Minister has advised States to get new centres organized for vaccinating children. Telangana, West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Chandigarh, beside Delhi had conduced vaccination drive.
