'Scientific view taken on children's shots'

Dismissing myths around the lack of scientific evidence to vaccinate children, NTAGI chief, NK Arora said on Tuesday told ET that the decision was in line with scientific studies and the recommendations from the WHO and Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunisations (SAGE).

The government on March 14 had announced that children in the age bracket of 12-15 years will be administered the Biological E's anti-Covid vaccine Corbevax from Wednesday. Arora said that the decision to cover children in the 12-14 year age group was taken in absence of data about kids with co-morbidities.

"In December last year, the standing technical sub-committee (STSC) of NTAGI meeting took place where we suggested that the vaccination should be opened for all the children between the age group of 2-18 with comorbidities as and when approved vaccine comes," Arora said.


As most of the deaths occur in the age group of 15-18, the initial plan was to innoculate the children in the group however after finding out the high prevalence of severe cases in the 12-15, it was decided to vaccinate them first, Arora further said.