New Delhi, Over 40 lakh teenagers received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccines on the launch day of the nationwide paediatric covid vaccination drive, the union health ministry said.
The drive kicked off on Monday with an overwhelming response from the cohort of children aged 15-18 years who are now eligible for Covid vaccination.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi congratulated the parents and children who were vaccinated today. He also urged more eligible children to get vaccinated in the coming days.
"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," he posted on Twitter.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated the country on administering nearly 40 lakhs Covid-19 Vaccine Doses between 15-18 age group on the 1st day of vaccination drive for adolescents.
He called the feat as an addition of a feather in the cap of the vaccination drive against the Covid-19
"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," Mandaviya's post read on Twitter.
Registrar General and Census Commissioner state that around 2.75 crores children, under the age group of 15 to 18 years, are now eligible for the Covid vaccination programme.
The Centre has announced Bharat Biotech's Covaxin as the only vaccine that will be administered to eligible recipients in the age group of 15-18 years