COVID-19 vaccines for children from schools: Minister Khatiwada

KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Birodh Khatiwada has said children in 12-13 age group will be given vaccines against COVID-19 at their schools.

Minister said COVID-19 vaccination centers will be set up within the school to incorporate the population aged 12 to 17 in the vaccination drive which has been scheduled to kick off from December 29. The government has imported Moderna vaccine for the population in the above mentioned age group.

He went on to say that preparations were on to provide a booster dose of the vaccine as well. As he said, he has already talked with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba about the matter.

“Booster dose is required to further increase the effectiveness of the previous shots. If needed, the government is ready to make it possible.”

It may be noted that the government has already announced to give a booster dose to citizens above 60 who have already received two doses of China -manufactured Vero Cell vaccine.

The World Health Organisation has recommended senior citizens, people with chronic illness and with heart and kidney diseases for the booster dose.