Vaccination For 15-18 Age Group Starts from today Amid Covid Surge.
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Written by Shivangi Chawla
Finally, in New Delhi Vaccination has started for teens in the 15 to 18 age group from today amid a surge of Covid cases in multiple cities. Over 8 lakh teens have registered in the government’s Cowin portal and all will get a dose of Covaxin.
Here is some important information about the vaccination program.
- The vaccination programme – carried out in consultation with schools – is being held at hospitals and health centres.
- A large number of schools and other educational institutions are being used as vaccination centres as well.
- Those born in 2007 and before are eligible for the vaccine.
- The Union Health Ministry has said only Covaxin will be administered to teens and additional doses of the vaccine will be sent to all states and Union Territories.
- On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that vaccination for the 15-18-year age group will begin from January 3.
- The administration of a third dose of vaccine for health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable senior citizens will begin from January 10.
- The clearance from the government came amid a threat of growing cases of Omicron, the highly infectious variant that is sweeping Europe and the US, replacing Delta as the dominant strain.
- Since schools and colleges have opened earlier this year, a substantial section of children and teens have contracted the virus. Several outbreaks have been reported from residential schools and college hostels.
- The government is yet to take a decision on the booster dose for all.
- Two new vaccines — Corbevax and Covovax – have received clearance and may be used as booster doses. Sources said the new vaccines might be considered for the use of children as well.