Day 1: 1,836 teens jabbed against Covid in Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, January 3

The first day of the Covid-19 vaccination for children saw 1,836 jabs, which translates into a turnout of 91.8 per cent. There were 2,000 slots open today for inoculation at 10 vaccination centres.

Milind (17), who was the first to get Covaxin at the PGI, said, “I was waiting for my turn as everyone at home had got the vaccine. Now, I am safe from Covid-19. I feel relieved.”

“I had been anxious till the time I received the jab. I thought it would pain and would have side effects. I am glad it was nothing like that. We had been receiving messages from our teachers to get vaccinated. I came alone for the vaccination. It was a good experience,” said Varun (15).

Yashpal Garg, UT Health Secretary, said, “There is an encouraging response from youngsters and we may administer the first dose to all eligible children this month itself.” Dharam Pal, Adviser to the UT Administrator, today reviewed the arrangements for the Covid-19 vaccination for children and decided to open six more vaccination camps from tomorrow instead of waiting for reopening of schools after the winter vacation.

As per the eligible population projected by the Central Government, there are about 72,000 eligible children within the particular age band. Covaxin is being used and to avoid any confusion with the ongoing vaccination, separate vaccination centers have been provided for children.

Garg said, “During last week, record vaccination has been carried out at all centres in Chandigarh. Still about 10 per cent of the adult population is yet to get the second dose and there may be some individuals who have not got the first dose as well. All such persons are requested to get the first and second dose within four days because from next week, we may convert some adult vaccination centres into child vaccination centres. The vaccination will give them better immunity to fight Covid.”

New Vax centres

• GMSSS, Sector 8-B
• GMSSS, Sector 10
• GMSSS, Sector 35
• DAV Sr Sec School, Sector 8-C
• Sri Guru Gobind Singh High School, Sector 35
• Delhi Public School, Sector 40

‘I feel relieved’

Milind (17), who was the first to get Covaxin at the PGI, said, “I was waiting for my turn as everyone at home had got the vaccine. Now, I am safe from Covid-19. I feel relieved.”

‘Encouraging response’

There is an encouraging response from youngsters and we may administer the first dose to all eligible children this month itself. — Yashpal Garg, UT Health Secy