The Covid-19 vaccination for children in the age group of 12-14 years started today as part of a nation-wide drive. The State Health Department has an estimated population of 23.90 lakh in this age group who will be gradually inoculated in a phased manner.
Initially, the vaccination centres will be limited in the districts, but will be increased post Holi after schools reopen. Ranchi Civil Surgeon Dr Vinod Kumar said, “In Ranchi district we have identified around 2.11 lakh children in this age group. These children will be inoculated at vaccination centres followed by any schools once the schools reopen post HOli festival.”
Across the State, in Dhanbad 1 lakh children will be vaccinated while in Palamu division the number is also around 1.2 lakh. Jharkhand has 23.90 lakh children in the age group of 12 to 14 years, out of which 2,11,138 children from Ranchi and 1,94,492 from Dhanbad have been identified. In East Singhbhum, 1,66,195 children have to be vaccinated. According to the data, there are 7,95,000 children in the age group of 12 to 13 years, of which 4,02,000 are children and 3,93,000 are girl children. At the same time, there are 7,99,000 children in the age group of 13 to 14, of which 4,04,000 are children and 3,95,000 are girls.
An official communication issued by the district administration said the target group will be administered Corbevax with a gap of 28 days between the two doses. Registrations can be done through both Cowin portal or walk-in modes.
At present, this vaccine will be given under the government system. It will be vaccinated through schools. Children born before March 15, 2010 will be eligible for this. Age will be calculated from March 16, 2022. Vaccination will not be done without verification of Cowin App.
As many as 8,68,320 lakh doses of Corbevax were allocated to 24 districts for the first phase. 13-year-olds have to give the Corbevax vaccine to 7,99,000. The slots can be booked in advance on the Cowin app, on-spot registration is also possible. After taking the first dose of covid vaccine, the second dose is to be taken after 28 days.
Meanwhile, children are excited to get vaccines. Ankur Raj, a student of DAV said, “We are excited to get vaccines. We will get vaccines once the school reopens post Holi.” As the State Government has allowed schools in all districts of the state to reopen from class one onwards last month the schools post Holi will have to make arrangements for vaccination.
Meanwhile, Day one of the vaccination of the children in the age group 12 to 14 started on a hopeful note in Palamu. DC, Palamu, Shashi Ranjan witnessed one or two children taking the jab. He urged parents to bring their eligible wards for the vaccination. Children born between 15.3.2008 and 15.3.2010 are eligible for the Corbevax said the civil surgeon Palamu Dr Anil quoting ministry of health and family welfare government of India. Children born not in this particular period will be having covaxin shot. Corbevax is for the children between 15.3.2008 and 15.3.2010 repeated the civil surgeon.