India today began free of cost Covid-19 vaccination for all beneficiaries in the 12-14 age group at all government vaccination centres. In addition, all those above 60 years of age are being given precaution doses. The launch of the massive exercise coincided with the National Vaccination Day which is observed each year on 16 March to convey the importance of vaccination and its role in public health.
In a message on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that today was an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate its citizens and urged youngsters in the 12-14 age group and all those above 60 to get vaccinated.
The PM said; “Today, India has many ‘Made in India’ vaccines. We have also granted approval to other vaccines after a due process of evaluation. We are in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic. At the same time, we have to keep following all COVID related precautions.”
The vaccine is being administered to those in the 12-14 age group is Corbevax, manufactured by Biological E. Limited, Hyderabad. Additionally, all above 60 years of age are also being given precaution dose as the condition of comorbidity for this age group has been removed.
States have been advised to ensure that only those who have attained the age of 12 years on the date of vaccination are vaccinated against Covid-19. If the beneficiary is registered but has not attained the age of 12 years on the date of vaccination, the vaccine is not to be given.