15-17 age group now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

NEW DELHI: Teenagers aged 15 to 17 who will be eligible for vaccination on January 3, will only receive Covaxin doses, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. From January 10, 2022, healthcare and frontline workers who have received both doses will be eligible for a ‘precaution dosage.’

Those belonging to the age group of 60 and above with co-morbidities who are administered both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be given a ‘precaution dosage’ starting from January 10, as per the doctor’s advice. The dose’s prioritisation and sequencing would similarly be based on the completion of nine months — 39 weeks — from the date of the second dose’s delivery. The decision to increase vaccine coverage was based on a significant surge in Omicron cases in India, as well as “inputs and proposals” from India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). The NTAGI has been debating for months over expanding the immunisation programme to individuals under the age of 18.

According to the World Health Organisation, all studies to date reveal a “strong immune response” when a third dose is given. However, there was inadequate data and insufficient follow-up to determine the response’s longevity. The vaccination process for 15-17 age group would not only provide protection but will also assure the worried parents as the schools have reopened for the students.