No Scientific Evidence Suggests Vaccination Of Children A Condition For Reopening Schools: Govt

The Ministry, however, pointed out that vaccination of teachers, school employees and parents is desirable.

(Representative Image/Getty)

New Delhi: Only a few nations have introduced vaccination for children and there is no World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation for it, Health Ministry said on Thursday adding that the government is working actively in direction of scientific validation of our vaccines for potential use in children.

"Only a few nations have introduced vaccination for children, no WHO recommendation for it...Govt is working actively in direction of scientific validation of our vaccines for potential use in children. Zydus vaccine already licensed for children," Dr VK Paul, NITI Aayog said during a press conference. 

About resuming physical classes in schools, the Minsitry said no scientific body or evidence suggests that vaccination of children should be a condition for reopening schools.

However, vaccination of teachers, school employees and parents is desirable, it said.

India is still witnessing the second wave of Coronavirus infection, it's not over yet, Health Ministry warned on Thursday ahead of the upcoming festive season. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that 43,263 fresh cases of Coronavirus were reported in last 24 hours, out of which 32,000 were from Kerala along. 

"Almost 68 per cent of total cases in last week from Kerala. Overall declining trend is a little less than 50 per cent which was there in first wave. We are still witnessing second surge, it's not over," Bhushan said. 

"We have administered more vaccines in the first 7 days of September than in 30 days of May. 86 lakh doses administered in last 24 hours. We should increase the pace of vaccination before festivals. States and Centre should work to vaccinate vulnerable population," Bhushan said.

Bhushan also pointed out that the pace of vaccination and coverage is rapidly increasing. The average per-day dose administered has increased from 20 lakhs in May to 78 lakhs in September and the numbers are expected to climb even higher, he added.

Further speaking on festivities, ICMR's Dr Balram Bhargava said that low-key celebrations of festivals should be encouraged to avoid the spread. He also said that responsible travel rather than revenge travel should be practiced. 

"It's clear that two doses show complete protection, 58 per cent above 18 years given a single dose, it should be 100 per cent. No one should be left behind. About 72 crore vaccine doses given, those left should get administered to develop herd immunity," Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog said.

During the presser, officials also informed that 35 districts in the country are reporting a weekly Covid positivity rate of over 10 per cent, whereas, in 30 districts, it's between 5-10 per cent.