People born in 2007 and earlier are eligible for the vaccine. (file)
New Delhi:
Vaccination for adolescents in the age group of 15 to 18 has started from today amid a rise in the number of COVID cases in many cities. 7.65 lakh adolescents have registered with the government’s CoWin portal and all will receive a single dose of Covaxin.
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Immunization programs – in consultation with schools – are being organized in hospitals and health centres.
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A large number of schools and other educational institutions are also being used as vaccination centres.
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People born in 2007 and earlier are eligible for the vaccine.
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The Union Health Ministry has said that only Covaxin will be given to adolescents and additional doses of the vaccine will be sent to all states and union territories.
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On 25 December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that vaccination for the 15-18 year age group would start from 3 January.
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Administration of the third dose of the vaccine to health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable senior citizens will begin on January 10.
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The government approval came amid the threat of rising cases of Omicron, the highly infectious variant that is spreading in Europe and the US, turning Delta as the major strain.
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Since schools and colleges opened earlier this year, a large section of children and adolescents have contracted the virus. Several outbreaks have been reported from residential schools and college hostels.
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The government has not yet decided on a booster dose for everyone.
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Two new vaccines – Corbevax and Kovovax – have been approved and can be used as booster doses. Sources said new vaccines may also be considered for children’s use.
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