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Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening tweeted, "Today we have taken an important step forward in protecting our youth against COVID-19. 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! (sic)"
"Well done Young India! Over 40 lakhs between 15-18 age group received their first dose of COVID-19 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," the Health Minister tweeted.
The vaccination drive was carried out in consultation with schools at hospitals and health centres. A large number of schools and other educational institutions were used as vaccination centres as well.
Those born in 2007 and before are eligible for the vaccine. Chief Ministers of several states launched the teen vaccine drives. The Union Health Ministry has said only Covaxin will be administered to teens and additional doses of the vaccine will be sent to all states and Union Territories.
On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that vaccination for the 15-18-year age group will begin from January 3.
The administration of the third dose of vaccine for health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable senior citizens will begin from January 10.
The clearance from the government came amid a threat of growing cases of Omicron, the highly infectious variant that is sweeping Europe and the US, replacing Delta as the dominant strain.
Since schools and colleges have opened earlier this year, a substantial section of children and teens have contracted the virus. Several outbreaks have been reported from residential schools and college hostels.
The government is yet to take a decision on the booster dose for all.
Two new vaccines -- Corbevax and Covovax - have received clearance and may be used as booster doses. Sources said the new vaccines might be considered for the use of children as well.
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