We must not let our guard down against COVID-19: Dr. Sudhakar

Pandemic under control due to widespread vaccination

20 lakh kids aged between 12-14 to be inoculated

“Bengaluru, March 16: “Covid -19 hasn’t gone. However, it has been controlled by vaccination. There is a long way to go in controlling COVID-19,” said Minister K Sudhakar.

Speaking after the inauguration of the vaccination drive for kids aged 12-14 and precautionary dose for 60+ in Atal Bihari Vajpayee medical institute, Minister Sudhakar said, “The Union government led by PM Narendra Modi is addressing the concerns of parents through this vaccine. When children aged 12-14 take this vaccine, they gain immunity to fight against COVID-19. This vaccine will be given to 20 lakh children in the state. Minister Sudhakar informed that there is a good response to vaccination drive from everyone.

Even those who have taken the vaccine should not let their guard down against Covid-19. COVID-19 hasn’t completely gone yet. However, it has come under control due to vaccination. There is still a long way to go in complete eradication of covid-19. There are concerns that there may be few more waves of COVID-19. But this can be mitigated to a large extent by vaccinations. Everyone must take precautions by wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing, he said.

A total of over 10 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine has been given in the state till date. Over 180 crore doses have been given across India. All other vaccinations given earlier used to be only 4-5 crore doses. But the scale and speed of COVID-19 vaccine is very different given that we have administered 180 crore doses in a 14 months. India has become a world leader in the fight against coronavirus, he said.

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for children aged 0-12 in the coming days. All of the vaccines are being given to people after following due scientific process. There are reports that there is an increase in COVID-19 cases in several Chinese cities and other places. The state and union governments are taking all information from these places to ensure we are prepared to fight possible future waves.

A meeting has been held with the Chief Minister and senior officers about the future of students who returned from war-ridden Ukraine. There has been discussion with the Union government. Govt will explore all possible ways to protect the future of students, the Minister said.

Vaccination for children and vaccination for senior citizens

Vaccination has begun for children aged 12-14 from march 16. In addition to this precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is being given to those aged 60 and above. Children born on or before March 15, 2021 will be eligible for the vaccine. The vaccine being given is Corbevax and the second dose will be given 28 days after the first dose.

The Health department has the aim of vaccinating 20 lakh children. Not just this, vaccines are being given to those above 60 years of age. The precautionary dose will be given after 39 weeks or 9 months of receiving the second dose. We have a target to vaccinate 76.58 lakh people in this age group.

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