Panaji: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Sunday that 72,000 students in the 15-18 age group will be given the first dose of vaccine covid Covaxin within four days, starting on Monday.
Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a public address, has opened a vaccination drive to this age group, as well as to senior citizens with comorbidities.
Rane said that the government is ready to administer the first dose to students aged 15-18, and added that the country has enough vaccine to vaccinate them.
The students will be given the vaccine in 529 schools.
The Department of Health plans to vaccinate as many students in this age group in the next four days, so that the vaccination does not overlap with the third wave, said Health Services Director Dr.
Ira Almeida.
Director says that this will leave students with enough time to build up immunity, so they do not contribute to the spread of the virus.
Expert Committee recently recommended that all schools were closed for 15 days during the current spike in cases Covid-19.
Immunization officer Dr Rajendra Borkar said that a consent form from a parent is not required, and children can be vaccinated in their schools, in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
Those who have comorbidities or worry about taking the vaccine can choose to finish in the district hospital or primary health center on Wednesday morning, he said.