What do we currently know about children’s vaccination in Rajasthan, India?
With the start of 2022, COVID-19 has re-established itself as a significant threat again for the third year in a row. Governmental lockdowns are imminent as the number of cases starts crossing the lakh per day mark. The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been in headlines, as experts have reported and warned against this variant which is expected to be even more dangerous and infectious, especially for children.
When the vaccination drive started in India, it focused mainly on senior citizens and frontline workers; later, the drive was extended to all above 18. With the threat of new variants becoming more dangerous and infectious to children, the government announced the COVID-19 vaccination for 15-18-year-olds in India on 25th December 2021. Let’s learn more about children’s COVID vaccinations, the government updates regarding the issue, and the current status of children’s COVID vaccination in India.
What We Currently Know About Children’s COVID Vaccination in India
Vaccination of 15-18-Year-Olds
The vaccination of children, namely 15-18-year-olds, was announced on 25th December 2021 by the Prime Minister of India; the vaccination drive began on 3rd January 2022. The eligible beneficiaries must be born before 2007 to be eligible for vaccination under this drive.
What Vaccines Are Administered?
The options for vaccination are limited when it comes to the vaccination of this age group as only India’s indigenously developed vaccine, Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech, has been approved for vaccinating this particular age group. The central government has informed states and union territories that additional dosages of Covaxin will be delivered to the states that are planning to vaccinate this age group.
What is the process for registration?
The process for registration for vaccination is the same for this age group as for others; beneficiaries/children in this age group are required to register themselves on the Cowin platform to be eligible for vaccination. You can also go for walk-in registration, although walk-in registration is relatively limited and not available at all vaccination centres in the country.
Are there any side effects of the vaccine for this age group?
Covaxin had shown minimal side effects on adults; however, for children in the 15-18 year age group, it is expected the expected side effects can be:
Pain at the site of vaccination
Mild fever
Swelling & Body ache
So far, no complications have been reported all across India for vaccination of children in this age group, and as the number of vaccinated children in this age group crosses the mark of 2 crores, it is safe to say that the possibility of severe side effects can be safely put to rest.
COVID Vaccination of Children Below The Age of 15 Year
The Indian government has yet to announce any plans for the vaccination drive of children below the age of 15. However, the health ministry has approved the use of Covaxin for emergency cases of COVID-19 for children over the age of 2 and below 18. Any plans for a proper vaccination drive for children below 15 are yet to be announced by the government.
Many countries worldwide have started vaccinating children to reduce the efficacy of the virus and to improve the overall immunity of the population against the COVID-19 virus. With the resounding success and public reaction to the 15-18-year-old vaccination drive, it is expected that the government will soon announce a dedicated vaccination drive for children below the age of 15.
Conclusion
With variants such as Omicron and Delta of the COVID-19 virus, it is not long before this virus takes a deadly turn and becomes lethal to children as well. To protect children from this evil, it is necessary for parents and family members to first get the vaccine and then for parents to keep track and get their children vaccinated as soon as the drive begins.
Vaccinating against this disease is one of the only ways to protect yourself against this disease. If you are looking for/seeking a safe and trustable vaccination center in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, be sure to visit Medipulse hospital for a safe and quick vaccination process available for all citizens above the age of 15. For more information about COVID vaccination at Medipulse hospital, be sure to check out the hospital website.