Report by Yashasvi Anika Tandon
Vaccination for COVID-19 has begun in India on the 16th of March, 2022, for children aged 12 to 14 years. The vaccine to be administered is Biological E. Limited’s Corbevax.
It is the only vaccine approved by the Government of India for children between the ages 12 and 14.
Covaxin by Bharat Biotech, ZyCov-D by Zydus Cadilla, and Covovax by Serum Institute have been approved for emergency use in this age group. Also, adults aged 60 and above, who have comorbidities, have been allowed to receive a booster dose of the COVID vaccine.
About Corbevax
Corbevax is India’s first protein sub-unit coronavirus vaccine. It has parts of the virus that help in stimulating the immune system against COVID-19.
A component of the spike protein on the surface of the virus has been used in the vaccine.
The first and second doses must have a gap of 28 days. The minimum and maximum temperature of the storage of the vaccine is 2 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius.
Children can register, to get the shot on the CoWIN portal, as well as get on the spot registration done. A single dose of this vaccine will cost Rs.145 while 2 doses will cost Rs.400.
Vaccination turnout on Day 1
2,60,136 children were vaccinated on the first day.
Gujarat reported the highest number of vaccinations -1,69,208 children.
Current Update
At the time of writing this, 17,21,827 children (12-14 years) have been vaccinated.