Teens' COVID vaccination starts in Meghalaya

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya on Monday started vaccinating youngsters between the age group of 15 and 18.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong inaugurated the vaccination drive for the teenagers at the Rynjah State Dispensary. The Deputy Chief Minister urged all eligible teenagers to get vaccinated.

Speaking to reporters, Tynsong said that the vaccination drive for 15-18 years is the aspiration of each and every citizen of the State.

"We were really worried of this age group (15-18) because this is the age where we need to send our children, be it to institutions, be it to school. This is the prime age for our children, sons, daughters, so now I'm really happy we were able to launch this and I would request the parents to urge their children to make sure that they get themselves vaccinated," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

According to him, the population between the age group of 15-18 years in Meghalaya is about 2.6 lakhs. He exuded confidence that the Government will be able to complete vaccinating this category in the next three-four months. Tynsong also said that as of now COVID-19 cases are fewer in the State and added that the government will be able to contain the pandemic.

"But of course, from the Government side, we make sure that if the cases increase, everything is already in place," he added.

On the Omicron variant, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Government will come out with certain instructions, advisories and restrictions for the safety of people in the State.

Meanwhile, Dr. P. Manners, Joint Director of Health Services said that the Covaxin dose given to children may be new for the State, since the adult population were using the Covishield vaccine, but other States were using the former.

Dr. Manners said that the only difference is that the interval between the first and the second dose of the Covaxin is only 28 days while in case of Covishield it is six weeks.

Also read:  COVID-19 vaccination for teens starts today in Meghalaya

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