On Saturday, December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will begin vaccinating children between the age of 15 - 18 against COVID-19 from January 3, 2022. This comes in the backdrop of the rising cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the country.
Additionally, on Saturday the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) gave Bharat Biotech approval for the emergency use authorization of the Covaxin coronavirus vaccine for those between 12 -18 years of age, highlighted reports. It was the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) that suggested DGCI accord emergency use to Covaxin for children.
With this, Covaxin becomes the second vaccine cleared for utilization on children in the country. Previously, in August, Zydus Cadila's three-dose DNA vaccine was permitted for use on adults, as well as, children above the age of 12. Based on narratives, the Covaxin vaccine will be given to children in two doses that include a gap of 28 days between both doses.
Moreover, those between the age of 15 - 18 can register for the vaccines on the CoWin portal, January 1 onwards. An additional ID card for registration that entails the 10th ID card has been added. This has been done taking into consideration that some may not have Aadhar cards or other identification documents, claimed reports.
Notably, several countries across the globe have already expanded their COVID-19 inoculation drive to ensure that children are also a part of it. Based on accounts, Ecuador on Thursday became the first country to make vaccines compulsory for children as young as five. This too comes amidst the Omicron variant.
Also Read: Maharashtra: Drones Used To Deliver COVD-19 Vaccines In Remote Village
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