BMC plans to vaccinate students of civic schools in 12-14 age group

According to the information gathered, due to the significant number of students in this category, the department is studying different options available, before rolling out the plan.

The department had already conducted a similar drive for those above 15 years of age, studying in civic schools, when they were declared eligible for Covid vaccine. There were nearly 36,000 students in BMC schools from the earlier age-group when their vaccination began in January this year. And it was also imperative to complete their vaccination on priority as board exams were approaching.

Starting from collating the data of eligible students, creating awareness about vaccines and informing parents to even taking their consent for vaccination of their wards and then taking children to nearby vaccination centres, the schools were asked to take complete responsibility for vaccination of these children.

“It has been a successful drive. But the number of students was low and most wanted to get vaccinated soon with board exams approaching. Whereas now not only the number of eligible candidates is high, schools too are soon likely to close for summer vacation. This is why it is important to weigh all available options before the drive is launched,” said an officer requesting anonymity. Adding to this, one also shared how absence of an education committee of BMC, after the term has ended, will impact the motivation to launch such a drive.