KARACHI: The Sindh government on Saturday announced that it is mandatory for students aged 12 years and above, at both public and private schools, to get immunised against the novel coronavirus.
The district health officers will be responsible to ensure the smooth implementation of the vaccination process.
The vaccination drives will be conducted at schools and colleges across the province under the supervision of the directorate of schools.
Earlier on Friday, SAPM Dr Faisal Sultan had announced that the government will run special weekly vaccination campaigns at madrassas and schools. “It is important for parents to get their children, who are above or of the age of 12 years, immunised,” he urged, stressing that children have massively suffered during the coronavirus lockdowns and can’t afford the prolonged break from studies anymore.
“Don’t pay attention to fake news. Vaccination will help prevent the spread of the pandemic.”
According to the health department, students will be administered the Pfizer vaccine free of cost. Unvaccinated students won’t be allowed to enter campuses after October 31. By November 30, students will have to be fully vaccinated.
Students, 12 to 17 years, with impaired immune systems will be administered the Pfizer vaccine. The age group for vaccination has been lowered to 12 years.
It is believed that children between 12 and 15 years of age could only be administered Pfizer-BioNTech’s Comirnaty and Moderna’s Spikevax vaccines.
“Children aged between 12 and 15 who are at high risk may be offered this vaccine alongside other priority groups for vaccination. Vaccine trials for children are ongoing and WHO will update its recommendations when the evidence or epidemiological situation warrants a change in policy,” WHO notes in a document available online.
