Vaccination for 12-14 age group in schools in Karnataka from April 1

Bengaluru

Vaccination for children in the 12-14 age group, which began on March 16 across the country, will take off in schools from April 1.

So far, of the 20.25 lakh targeted beneficiaries in this group, the State has covered 5.36 lakh children inoculating them in government health centres.

Children born on or before March 28, 2010 are eligible for vaccination with Corbevax that will be given in two doses of 0.5 ml each. The second dose will be after a gap of 28 days.

According to a joint circular issued by the Departments of Health and Family Welfare and Primary and Secondary Education, vaccination camps will be held in schools. Vaccination for children in the 15-17 age group is already being conducted in schools.

The Education Department has directed schools to conduct parent-teacher meetings to create awareness and counsel them about vaccination. Besides, officials from the Department have been asked to prepare a line list of those studying in schools and dropouts and submit it to district health officials.

Seeking the cooperation of schools, the department has said school heads should set aside three rooms, adequate staff and water for the camps by ensuring COVID protocols are maintained.

“The phone numbers of parents or guardians or  teachers/headmasters can be used as facilitators and school identity cards or aadhar cards can be used as photo ID to register online for vaccination. The camps should be monitored and supervised by higher officials including  DDPIs and BEOs. In BBMP limits, DDPIs of Bengaluru North and Bengaluru South should supervise,” the circular stated.