Covid vaccination drive for 15-18 age group begins today

Amid concerns over the highly transmissible Omicron variant, India has begun vaccinating the 15 to 18-year-olds against Covid-19 from today.

As per reports, over 8 lakh teenagers have registered on the government’s CoWin portal, and they all will be administered a dose of Covaxin.

It may be mentioned that the Union health ministry earlier said that only Bharat Biotech’s indigenously-made shot ‘Covaxin’ will be used for vaccinating this age bracket.

Notably, the vaccination campaign is being held at various hospitals and health centres.

Also Read: Centre issues fresh guidelines to states & UTs amid Omicron surge

Schools and other educational institutions are also being used as vaccination centres.

While the registration for all potential beneficiaries had begun on the Co-WIN portal on January 1, they can also avail of walk-in registration at the vaccination centers from today.

Meanwhile, all states have been asked to designate a few Covid Vaccination Centres as dedicated CVC for the 15-18 age group exclusively which will also be reflected on Co-WIN.

Besides, States have been asked to ensure there are separate queues and vaccination teams for the 15-18 age group.

The government’s decision to begin the vaccination drive was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, 2021.

On the other hand, the third dose of vaccine will be administered to health workers, frontline workers, and vulnerable senior citizens from January 10 onwards.

The government is yet to decide on the booster dose for all.