Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched COVID-19 vaccination for children between 12-14 years in Assam as part of the national drive at Rukminigaon Balika Vidyalaya High School in Guwahati on March 16.
During the drive, the target children group would be provided free vaccination at their respective schools. Those, unable to receive the dose in schools, would be able to take the same in their nearest health centres.
The COVID-19 vaccine to be administered is Corbevax manufactured by Biological E Limited, Hyderabad. This can be availed through online registration or onsite walk-in.
Happy to launch Covid vaccination drive for children in 12-14 age group in Assam at Rukminigaon Balika Vidyalaya High School, Guwahati.
I want to assure all parents that this vaccine is completely safe for their children, but it should not be taken on empty stomach. pic.twitter.com/cnQKfRR1sq
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 16, 2022
Additionally, all persons above 60 years of age are now eligible for precaution dose from March 16, as the condition of comorbidity for this age group has been removed.
The precaution dose (same as the previous two doses) is to be administered after nine months (36 weeks) after the date of the second vaccination. The CM urged all eligible beneficiaries to come forward to take the vaccines.
The chief minister assured all parents that this vaccine is completely safe for their children and there are no side effects.
“Though children have naturally higher immunity, they must be inoculated to fight against the different evolving variants of COVID-19,” he said.
Advising against taking the vaccines on empty stomach, the Sarma urged the schools to prepare midday meals a little early on vaccination days so that the children can be fed before taking the jabs.
Saying that Assam performed exceedingly well in managing all three waves of COVID-19, the chief minister said that 4 crores 36 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far in the state. He appreciated the efforts of the doctors, nurses and all health workers for making COVID-19 vaccination drive success in the state.