Odisha Gears Up to Administer Covid Vaccination to Children from 15-18 Years

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government gears up to administer COVID-19 vaccine to the children belonging to the age group of 15-18.

Orders have been given to collect information about the number of children between 15-18 years across the state. 

“We have asked for district-wise details about children in the age group of 15-18. We have sufficient manpower to conduct the vaccination drive from January 3.  If required, more manpower will be roped in,” informed Odisha Health Services Director Bijay Mohapatra.

Speaking about booster doses to people with comorbidities  above 60 years, frontline and health workers , he said, “We are yet to receive detailed guidelines to administer booster doses. Once we receive it, we will plan accordingly.”

On 25 December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced vaccination for children between 15-18 from January 3 while booster doses will be administered to people with comorbidities above 60 years, frontline and health workers from January 10.

With the surge in the cases of Omicron across the country, the authorities are bracing for a possible third wave of Covid-19 pandemic. Precautionary measures are being taken to control the spread of Omicron, thus Zero Night celebrations and mass gathering has been banned in many states. 

This apart  people are advised to wear proper masks and use hand sanitizer regularly.