On Saturday PM Modi announced vaccines for those between age 15-18, boosters for frontline staff and for the elderly with health issues and above the age of 60 years. The Prime Minister’s announcement came amid rising convers regarding the recent increase in the daily new COVID-19 cases and the cases positive with the omicron variant of the virus. The Indian Prime Minister further asked people to be cautious and follow the COVID safety protocols including using masks, and washing hangs regularly. The vaccination of those between 15-18 will begin from January 3 while the “precaution dose” drive will start from January 10.
Background
After the enormous second wave of the COVID-19 receded in India with case dropping to a relief-worthy low, India is again registering an uptick in new cases. It has been a 5 month decline after which the R value of the virus has crossed 1 in several states.
For the unversed, R is the reproduction number which is used as a measure to see how fast the virus is spreading. For instance, if the R value is about 1.5, it simply means that 100 people will infect 150 more, who will go on to infect 225 and it will reach to 338 more infected persons.
With the R value crossing 1 again, and Omicron variant of the virus making its presence known, Indian government recently announced an all new-vaccination drive against the virus. As of now, India has 76,766 active cases.
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The Facts of the Matter
In a surprising turn-of-events, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation on the evening of Christmas to make new announcements regarding the government’s initiative against COVID-19. PM Modi announced that from January 3, teens between the 15-18 age group will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. Further, he claimed that frontline workers and elderly with comorbidities will be eligible for boosters, a “precaution dose”, in his words.
Announcement Came on Birth Anniversary of Atalji and Christmas Celebration
“As it is the birth anniversary of Atalji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) and we are also celebrating Christmas, I have come to share a decision today. From January 3, 2022, vaccination for children in 15-18 age group will start. The new decision will empower us to fight against the pandemic,” PM said. He further added that the decision is likely to reduce the stress of those parents who have their children returning to schools and colleges.
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Which Vaccines Will Be Administered to Teens?
It should be noted that PM Modi’s announcement came on the day when Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin was granted the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for those between 12-18. Earlier, Zydus Cadila’s DNA vaccine was granted the EUA for children above age 12.
About ‘Precaution Doses’ & Who Can Avail Them
Meanwhile, as for the ‘booster’ dose, PM Modi said that frontline workers will be eligible for the “precaution dose”. Acknowledging that the Corona warriors have played a huge part in India’s fight against the pandemic, they will be eligible for the precaution dose. The healthcare and frontline professionals will be eligible for the precaution doses from January 10, 2022.
India’s elderly population with comorbidities will also be eligible for the same precaution doses, PM Modi said. PM Modi said that elderly above the age of 60 years with associated comorbidities can avail precaution doses based on the recommendation of their doctors from January 10.
“Don’t Spread Rumours, Follow Protocols”
In the end, the PM appealed to people to not spread rumors and follow the safety protocols on the outset of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. He appealed to people to avoid those who may be spreading fears, and shared that the population’s efforts will strengthen the nation’s fight against the pandemic.
