Bengal plans mass vaccination of students before reopening colleges

Hope the decision is extended to middle and senior school levels also, says a professor

West Bengal intends carrying out mass vaccination of students with the aim of reopening colleges and universities — a moved welcomed by teachers and students alike. They have remained closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic.

“With a view of possible restarting of offline instructions in colleges and universities, it has been decided to vaccinate all eligible students of such higher education institutions at the earliest possible,” the Health and Family Welfare Secretary wrote in a letter to district Magistrates and medical officers on Wednesday.

“This vaccination drive will be organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department in coordination with the Higher Education Department. Accordingly, you are directed to hold necessary coordination meetings with all stakeholders including representatives of colleges/universities for planning early COVID-19 vaccination of these students,” the letter said.