There should be no mixing of vaccines, particularly for 12-14 years age group, and vaccinators and vaccination teams need to be trained to ensure this, the Union Health Ministry said on Tuesday, a day before the country begins integration of this cohort into the COVID-19 vaccination programme. The government is yet to issue an official statement on mixed-use dose of vaccine for any cohort.
Only those who had attained the age of 12 on the date of vaccination are to be vaccinated; if the beneficiary had registered but not attained the age of 12 on the date of vaccination, the vaccine is not to be given. Those born in 2008, 2009 and 2010, i.e., those who are already above 12 years are now eligible to get the vaccine from March 16, the Ministry stated.
“States are advised to organise dedicated vaccination sessions through earmarked COVID-19 Vaccination Centers for vaccination of 12-14 years’ age-group to avoid mixing with other vaccines,’’ it noted.
