Joining the rest of the nation, the vaccination drive for the age group of 15 to 18 years began today in the State after it was launched by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong at Rynjah State Dispensary in Shillong.
The Deputy CM urged parents to get their wards vaccinated and informed that dedicated centres are being created in every Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) for the vaccination drive. He added that the government is focusing on the age group of 15-18 years that makes up about 2.6 lakhs population.
Medical authorities in West Garo Hills District also launched the vaccinations of teenagers at Matchakolgre Upper Primary School, Tura. The vaccination drive was also conducted in other district headquarters of the State.
Meanwhile, as India launched a COVID-19 vaccination drive for the 15-18 age group on Monday, over 40 lakh children received their first dose with many of the beneficiaries and their parents saying they feel a sense of relief, especially in the backdrop of the fresh rise in cases.
From setting up attractive selfie points to putting up imaginative posters and colourful balloons, the designated vaccination centres, mostly schools and educational institutes, were decked up to welcome the youngsters.
The children, some dressed in school uniforms and others in casuals, were greeted with flowers and were gifted pens and eatables at some places after receiving the vaccine.
“Well done Young India! “Over 40 Lakhs between 15-18 age group received their first dose of #COVID19 vaccine on the 1st day of vaccination drive for children, till 8 PM. This is another feather in the cap of India’s vaccination drive,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a tweet.
Over 51 lakh youngsters had registered on the Co-WIN portal till Monday 8.30 PM after the process started on January 1. An estimated 7.4 crore children are there in this age group.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has taken an important step forward in protecting its youth population against the disease.
”Congrats to all my young friends between the age group of 15-18 who got vaccinated. Congrats to their parents as well. I would urge more youngsters to get vaccinated in the coming days!” he said on Twitter.
