Vaccination campaign starts for teenagers in India

Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Health Minister, tweeted on Saturday: "On the occasion of the New Year, registration for the inoculation of youngsters aged 15 to 18 years against COVID-19 has begun on the CoWIN portal. I ask that family members register any youngsters who are eligible for immunisation "..Vaccination centres have also been set up in the national capital to deliver vaccines to the younger population.

There is no need to set up separate vaccination centres for teenagers, according to Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, because the city has already completed the administration of the first dose to all eligible individuals, and the same centres will be used for children as well, as people due for the second dose arrive only when it is scheduled.

Dr Arun Gupta, a distinguished paediatrician and the president of the Delhi Medical Council, told IANS: "Covaxin is completely safe for teenagers, according to several studies. It is past time for us to put our fears aside and come forward to take part in the vaccine."

While the decision was eagerly expected, he said that the age range of 15 to 18 is too small, and the government should consider vaccination for school-aged children as well.

"Vaccination of children under the age of 10 should also be included in the campaign to protect them from a pandemic," he said.

(IANS/PR)

(keywords: covid, vaccination, teenagers, Delhi Medical Council)