The Center said that vaccination of school staff and parents is desirable for opening schools. (Representative)
New Delhi:
The Center on Thursday said that no scientific body suggests that immunization of children against COVID-19 should be a prerequisite for the reopening of schools, but immunization of teachers, school staff and parents is desirable.
At a press conference, NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul said whether children are to be vaccinated and who among them should get jabs is an evolving scientific and public health discourse.
He said that so far only a limited number of countries have started vaccination of children.
He said that apart from the vaccination aspect, the overall epidemiological situation must be secure for schools to open.
Paul stressed that most important, it would be important to follow standard operating procedures regarding ventilation, seating arrangements, staggered classrooms and wearing of masks.
“No scientific body, epidemiological, evidence suggests that vaccination against COVID-19 should be a prerequisite for the reopening of schools. However, vaccination of teachers, other school staff and parents is desirable,” he told the press conference. I told.
“There is also no WHO recommendation that we should move in that direction due to reasons such as low mortality rates and high incidence of asymptomatic infections. We as a nation and government are looking to scientifically validate our vaccines for potential use in children. actively working in.
Mr Paul said the Zydus vaccine has already been licensed for children as well. How and when it will be administered is being discussed by scientific bodies, Paul said, adding that the trial of Covaxin on children is nearing completion.
Hyderabad-based Biologicals E Ltd has been permitted to conduct Phase II/III clinical trials of an indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine on children and adolescents aged between five and 18 years, subject to certain conditions.
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