When will kids of age group 14 and below get vaccinated?

Vaccination drive for the age group of 12-14 in India may start from March 2022 against coronavirus once the ongoing process of the vaccination for the age group of 15-18 years of children is completed.

Dr NK Arora, Chairman of the Covid-19 working group of NTAGI expressed that from the estimated figure of 7.4 crores (7,40,57,000)  population in the 15-18 age group, over 3.45 crore have received their first dose of Covaxin so far with the second one due in 28 days.

He mentioned that 15-18 years of age group are likely to be jabbed with the first dose of Covaxin by January end and are expected to complete their vaccination process by February end.

Meanwhile a 12 year old girl Tia Gupta has appealed to the Delhi High Court to direct the Centre about vaccinating process for children of 12 years and below against the COVID-19. The petition had alleged that the "inaction" of the authorities on vaccinating children had resulted in depriving children of their fundamental right to education.  

The bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh will hear the plea on March 22, 2022. 

In another news related to vaccination of children, recently, a PIL has also been filed before the Supreme Court of India appealing to put off the vaccination drive for children in critical care institutions within the age group of 15-18 years because of the alleged adverse after effects of the vaccination.

CitySpidey spoke to a few youngsters and their parents to get their view on the upcoming vaccination plans for the  age group of 12-14 and here is what they feel.

Aakansha Gupta(14) opines, "I am confused about getting the  vaccination, that is, if it is safe or not. Although I will wait for some time after the vaccination for us would be introduced to wait for reports about possible  reactions and after some time I will go for it."

Manha Gupta, mother of Aakansha says, "We as a parent, always hope for good for our kids and in the past two years, they have compromised a lot to stay safe. So we want our government to introduce vaccination for all the children as soon as possible so that they can come back to their normal routine."

She further says, " Obviously nothing is 100% safe but we must follow all Covid protocols even after getting fully vaccinated."

Vernika (12) said "I am waiting for our vaccination as it will help us to get stronger and safer. Also after getting vaccination, our parents will keep fewer restrictions and we can go out freely."

Jyotika, Varnika's mother expressed "I am not sure if vaccinations are safe for our children or not but also we do not have any other option. I suggest my kids consume a healthy diet and stay active instead ofdepending on any other thing and also to follow all the Covid protocols."