High-risk children will be priority under the vaccination plan being kicked off from Wednesday for kids in the 12-14 age group, said the government even as it asked people not to be complacent in view of rising Omicron cases in countries like China and Singapore.
Meanwhile, sources said that the decision on whether to allow mixing of vaccines for the third shot among the general population in India is expected soon. Investigators from ChristÂian Medical College, Vellore, who have been carrying out a clÂinical study on mixing vaccinÂÂes, are likely to present their intÂerim data from 400 volunteers to the panel of the DCGI
'The decision to vaccinate children (12-14 years) is based on scientific evidence and is in line with the WHO recommendations,' Chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation Dr NK Arora said.
The primary focus was immunisation of children with comorbidities but due to the unavailability of data of such children, we have decided to open immunization for all the children between the age group of 12-15 years, said Dr Arora.
He further said, "Almost three months ago, the Standing Technical Sub-Committee (STSC) of NTAGI meeting took place where we suggested that the vaccination should be opened for all the children between the age group of 12-18 with comorbidities as and when approved vaccine
comes.”
Dr Arora also asked people not to let their guards down and follow Covid appropriate behavior in view of rising Omicron cases in several countries like China and Singapore. “We are safe as most of the people have been vaccinated. But this should not make us complacent in view of the unpredictable nature of thevirus.”
An official from the Union Health Ministry said that States have been asked to organise dedicated Covid vaccination sessions through earmarked centres, and train vaccinators to avoid mixing of vaccines during the inoculation of kids in 12-14 age-group.
The COVID-19 vaccine to be administered would be Corbevax manufactured by Biological E. Limited, Hyderabad. Beneficiaries can get the shot after online registration (beginning 9 am on Wednesday) or through onsite walk-in.
As per the guidelines, two doses of Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax would be administered to the beneficiaries in the 12-14 years age group at an interval of 28 days. All beneficiaries born in 2010 or earlier — those who have already attained the age of 12 years — will be able to register on CoWIN, says the guidelines.
The states were also advised to ensure judicious utilisation of available COVID-19 vaccines. As per earlier guidelines, states can replace those that are due for expiry and also replace them from one district within the state to another to ensure that vaccines are not wasted.