Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made key announcements regarding Covid-19 vaccination in the country amid the growing number of infections and Omicron cases. The PM announced that India will soon start vaccination for children in the age of 15-18 year from January 3, 2022. Modi, in his address to the nation, also said that the booster doses for healthcare and frontline workers will be administered from January 10. In addition, those above 60 years of age with comorbidities will also have access to the “precaution dose” after their respective doctor’s advice. The PM also stated that, Nasal vaccine and world’s first DNA vaccine against Covid-19 will also be soon available for inoculation.

The outbreak of the new variant Omicron has led to an increase in the demand for booster shots and vaccination for children. Dr Vivek Nangia- Principle Director and Head of Pulmonology in Max Hospital, Saket Complex said: “Extending the Covid Vaccine coverage to the frontline workers, to the elders, those with co-morbidities and youngsters is a very welcome move. The entire medical fraternity was looking forward to this news for some time now. And we will embrace this as a New Years gift from the Honourable Prime Minister. Vaccinating the children now is also relevant at this point when we are seeing the rising number of cases in the youngsters as well, although it’s considered to be a mild illness in the children let’s not forget there is a small percentage who do develop neurological complications and also develop the multi-organ inflammatory syndrome which can sometimes lead to devastating complications among children. So all in all, it’s a very good move and I would like to thank the Honourable Prime Minister for this”.

Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group based PM’s address on children vaccination and booster doses.

 “We welcome the decision of the Hon’ble PM to begin vaccination of children between 15-18 yrs and booster doses for those on the frontline as well as those above 60 years with co-morbidities. This timely, proactive decision will prove a game-changer against the COVID variants and support a continuation of the country’s return to normalcy. Apollo Hospitals will support the expanded vaccination program to ensure a successful fight against COVID-19.”

Dr Ravi Gaur,
Founder DRG Lab &
Co Chair Health wellness committee , Delhi

Boosting the immunity by giving Booster dose of vaccine and extending the vaccination to school children.. A much awaited announcement…
Much awaited announcement of Prime Minister, for starting Covid Vaccination for Children between 15-18 years, is a very welcomed step.It will not only help in protecting young school going children from Covid,but also allay apprehension and stress of all parents. The decision to allow booster vaccine for millions of Healthcare Workers and Frontline Covid Warriors is very reassuring.With the possibility of a third wave ,Omicron threat and fast increasing numbers of positive cases, country needs to get it’s health infrastructure in state of readiness .Keeping healthcare workers and warriors safe will definitely help in augmenting much needed infrastructure.

Old Age People with Co-Morbid Conditions are most vulnerable and likely to get affected by looming threat of Omicron, the variant of concern. It’s imperative on our part to keep them safe and boost their immunity.

PMs and Top health officials decision, is a very welcomed step in the right direction to keep Covid transmission, mortality and morbidity under check.

Dr. Gayatri Kamineni, COO, Kamineni Hospitals

“We welcome the announcement by the H’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination shots to children aged 15-18 and booster shots for frontline workers and people above 60 years of age with comorbidities. We hope to get the vaccines approved which are presently under trial for children age group of 3+. In view of the emergence and fast spread of the Omicron version of the coronavirus, this proactive move by the government will help curtail the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. We urge everyone eligible in the country to step forward and take these shots and protect themselves, their families and society at large from Covid-19. Together, let us make it happen.”