In view of the rise in cases of Omicron Covid variant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the start of vaccination for children in the 15-18 age group from coming January 3. He also announced “precaution dose” for healthcare and frontline workers would be administered from January 10. In an address to the nation, he said the precaution dose will also be available for citizens above 60 years of age and with comorbidities on the advice of their doctor from January 10 next year as well.
“Vaccination will start in the country for children aged between 15 to 18 years from January 3, 2022,” he said.
“The government has decided that precautionary dose of vaccine will be started for healthcare and frontline workers starting January 10, 2022. Citizens above 60 years facing co-morbidities, they will have the option of taking precaution dose on the advice of their doctor,” he added.
Modi asked people to be alert and take all preventive measures but added that they should avoid panic. “I would urge all of you not to panic, be careful and alert. Remember to mask up and keep washing hands,” Modi said.
He assured that nasal vaccine and the world’s first DNA vaccine will be available for vaccination soon in the country. The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s fight against Corona has, from the very beginning, been based on scientific principles, scientific consultation and the scientific methods. 11 Month vaccine campaign, the Prime Minister said, has brought relief and normalcy in the everyday lives of the countrymen. Economic activities have been encouraging compared to many countries of the world. However, the Prime Minister cautioned that Corona has not gone and alertness is of paramount importance.
Earlier, Bharati Biotech’s Covaxin was cleared for children above 12 by the drug regulator.It is the second vaccine to receive the regulator’s nod for use among those below 18 years after Zydus Cadila’s needle-free COVID-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D.
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