COVID: Vaccination of 15-18 age group children begins in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Administration of COVID-19 vaccine to children belonging to 15-18 age group commenced across vaccination centres in Odisha, today.

As many as 939 special vaccination centers have also been set up for this purpose. Children who have not registered themselves online for the vaccination can receive vaccine by doing on-spot registration at the centres, said Bijay Panigrahi, Director of Health & Family Welfare.

Health and Family Welfare Department has directed the district administrations and municipal corporations to complete the vaccination of 15-18 age group at schools within January. A total of 23.65 lakh children in Odisha are eligible for vaccination in this phase.

In a directive to District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners and CDMOs, the Health and Family Welfare department asked them to coordinate with the School and Mass Education Department and complete the vaccination.

Principals of the schools with 15-18 age group children will prepare a list of eligible children for the vaccination and coordinate with CDMO, the directive added.

The CDMOs were asked to arrange for vaccination at the school on an agreed scheduled date whereas school will provide support and facility to vaccination camp.

School heads will ensure that all eligible children in 15-18 age group get vaccinated as soon as possible. Also, the school authorities have been asked to publicise on vaccination camp and do awareness generation.

Vaccine to the children will be administered at the centres between 8 am and 1 pm. The Health Department has advised that parents/ guardians of the children should come to the vaccination centres with them.

COVID-19 vaccination for students of Classes 10 and 12 will be delayed due to their exams. They can receive vaccine after January 8 and January 12, respectively.