Zydus vaccination for children will start by the end of September for 12 to 18-year-olds, said Dr NK Arora, who heads the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration. Within a few weeks, we will get the permission for the emergency use of authorisation for the Zydus vaccine.

He further added that this will be followed by Covaxin.

“Covaxin phase 3 trials have started and by the end of September, I think we should be there (begin vaccination). I think sometime in the third quarter or by early January-February we should be able to give it to 2 to 18-year-olds,” he said.

“The issue of school opening and other things are very important and those are being discussed actively”.

The threat of a third wave of Covid has increased the focus on vaccinating children.

While many doctors are of the view that the third wave might not harm the children, yet the government does not want to take a risk. Also, it has been more than 1.5 years that the children have been missing schools. It is important that they are vaccinated and physical classes are started.

Earlier today, new health minister Mansukh Mandaviya told reporters that the government is planning to implement a health infrastructure package under which paediatric centres will be set up in 736 districts.

This will also involve 4,000 specialised Intensive care unit beds for children.