Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan has announced on Friday that students won’t be permitted to attend classes from October 31 unless they are at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19.
Students will be required to be fully vaccinated by November 30 in order to attend their classes, he added while addressing a presser in Islamabad.
Dr Sultan further emphasized the importance of vaccinating children by stating that government had observed that the COVID-19 was also spread by youth, especially during the fourth wave.
“You must have seen that cases increased whenever schools were opened. In this situation, it is very important that we give special attention to vaccinating children in schools. It has been seen worldwide as well that as long as a complete segment of society is not vaccinated, the spread of the disease is not fully stopped,” he stated.
He revealed that this was why the government had opened up vaccination for the 12- to 18-year-old age group.
50 million children were studying in the informal and formal education sectors in Pakistan, revealed the SAPM.
It is pertinent to note that the government has decided to allow educational institutions to follow regular schedule from October 11 (Monday)
“We have mobile units which are vaccinating in schools. You can also go to centres to get vaccinated. I would urge you to vaccinate your children and do not hesitate,” he addressed the parents.
Faisal Sultan went on to state that some children might get a slight fever after getting vaccinated, advising parents to not worry as it was an effect of the vaccine.
“Sometimes, children get sick or have a fever. Rarely, one or two children also faint. But all these things are expected and if you see this in the broader perspective, if we vaccinate all our children, not only will be they protected from the disease but will also become an obstacle in its spread, the educational process will continue uninterrupted and the society will come close to normal.”
The SAPM went on to brief about the safety of vaccines, and advised parents to not believe fake news and myths.
“Vaccines are safe and will help in stopping the spread of the disease. Our children are the future of our country and it is very important that they are educated and skilled.”
The SAPM further announced that Saturdays will be marked as special vaccination days in schools and madressahs. Besides this, the last week of October and November will be dedicated to vaccination, he added.
It merits mention that last month, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had decided to start inoculating children who are 12 years and older.
