Covid vaccination drive for children:over 40 lakh teens jabbed on day 1

COVID-19 vaccination for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years has begun all over the country from Monday. The vaccine option for children is only Covaxin for less than 18 years. Union Health Ministry has said that all those whose birth year is 2004  or before, will be eligible for all vaccines including COVISHIELD. For 15 to 17 years, born in 2005 to 2007 eligible only for Covaxin. About eight lakh beneficiaries in the 15-18 age group have registered on the CoWIN portal for vaccination. The registrations for vaccinating children falling in the age bracket of 15 to 18 years started on January 1. The appointment for vaccination can be booked online or walk-in. All citizens irrespective of their income status are entitled to free COVID-19 vaccination at government  Vaccination Centres. As part of the Nationwide Vaccination Drive, government has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID vaccines free of cost.

According to information, over 40 lakh teenagers between 15 and 18 have received their first Covid shots as immunisation for the age group on day one.The vaccination drive is being carried out in consultation with schools at hospitals and health centres.A large number of schools and other educational institutions are being used as vaccination centres as well. The administration of a third dose of vaccine for health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable senior citizens will begin from January 10.