May 21, 2022

Vaccination For Kids Is A Good Decision

By Linus Garg
First publised on 2022-03-15 03:20:01

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India has changed its vaccine policy to allow children in the age group of 12-15 years to get the jab and those above 60 years to get the booster dose even if they do not have co-morbidities. This is a welcome move.

Although fresh weekly cases of Covid have gone down to very low levels and experts say the chances of a new wave are very remote in the immediate future, there is no reason not to vaccinate children when vaccines are available for them and approved by the regulator. Also, there is also no reason not to open booster doses in phases for all adults.

With the scare diminishing, people have also become lax in following Covid protocols. Many people are not wearing masks, many malls and markets have done away with the strictness in temperature checks and hand sanitizing norms before entry and overcrowding is now becoming common in most public places and public transport. Hence, vaccination is essential as it remains the best shield against the virus.

Also, with schools resuming physical classes, many parents are worried about the safety of their children. Although children are less susceptible to serious infection, still it is better to vaccinate them as vaccines have been specially developed for their age groups.

The government should open the booster dose for all adults in phases beginning with those above 45. It must also conduct a drive to ensure that all medical and frontline workers get the booster dose. It must also ensure that Covid protocols are followed for some more time in public places, especially in malls and markets, schools and public transport. The need is to be careful and vigilant. The battle is only half-won and future attacks by the virus can be prevented or restricted only if we are prepared.