Only Bharat Biotech's indigenously made shot ‘Covaxin’ will be used for vaccinating this age bracket as ordered by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
The COVID-19 vaccination drive underway in Telangana on Monday. Image via Twitter
Amid rising concerns over the Omicron variant of Coronavirus, India began Covid vaccination drive for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years. Only Bharat Biotech's indigenously made shot ‘Covaxin’ will be used for vaccinating this age bracket as ordered by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced to vaccinate 15 to 18 years children against Covid during his address to the nation on December 25, 2021. States have been asked to ensure that there are separate queues and vaccination teams for the 15-18 age group to avoid confusion with the vaccination process of all adults.
Meanwhile, vaccination drive for the 15-18 age group has already begun in various states and union territories in the country, including Chandigarh, West Bengal, Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said, "We've seen a very good response from parents and children so far. We've 15 lakh such children in Kerala and we hope to vaccinate them within 10 days."
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, "Schools will not be closed as of now and students (15-18 years) should be taken in batches to vaccination centres. This will result in a high rate of vaccination."
Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad on Tuesday shared a children vaccination plan for the state and asked districts to take a call on school closing and reopening on their own. She tweeted, "Our schools are all geared up to bolster the free vaccination drive for the 15-18 age group. On Monday, reviewed the preparedness of the vaccination drive across districts in the presence of senior officials,districts Collectors/Commissioners, local education & public health staff."
The Directorate of Education, Delhi, tweeted, "Delhi Schools are all geared up to mobilise children aged 15-18 to get vaccinations from today. HOSs and Class Teachers have been instructed to ensure participation of parents & students. 159 govt sites including many schools & 16 Pvt sites open for #vaccination from today."
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