Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccination of Children Aged 15 – 18 Years

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued guidelines for COVID vaccination of children aged 15-18 years and for the administration of precautionary doses to healthcare workers, frontline workers and senior citizens (above 60 years) with co-morbidity

The MoHFW guidelines for children would be effective from January 3, 2022, and will be reviewed from time to time. These guidelines outline the type of vaccine that can be used, including the methods of booking slots to get the vaccination.

The following are some critical questions, with answers, as per the guidelines for the next phase of the vaccination.

Which vaccines are approved for children in the age group of 15-18?

As per the guidelines, the vaccination option for the new beneficiaries would only be Covaxin for now.

Are all children eligible?

The MoHFW guideline states that all those who are 15 years or above (anyone born in 2007 or later) are eligible.

How can children register for vaccination?

As per the guidelines issued by MoHFW, children or new beneficiaries can register online with their ID card using the Co-WIN App (https://www.cowin.gov.in)

They can use an existing account on Co-WIN or register by creating a new account through a unique mobile number. Currently, this option is available only for people who are entitled for vaccination. Therefore, eligible children can use their parents’ existing Co-WIN accounts to book their vaccination slots from January 1, 2022.

Are there any other options available for booking vaccination slots for children?

As per the guidelines, beneficiaries can also be registered onsite by the vaccinator in the facilitated registration mode.

What documents are required for children to get the vaccination?

Children can carry an Aadhaar card or any other national identity card. Besides this, children can also use their class 10th ID card for registration

Summary (Some key points)

  1. Children aged 15 to 18 years can book their slots on the CO-WIN app from January 1 by registering with their ID card.
  2. Eligible children can self-register online on CO-WIN using an existing account or can also register by generating a new account using his/her unique mobile number. Currently, this facility is available for all eligible people.
  3. Children eligible for vaccination can also be registered onsite by the vaccinator/verifier in facilitated registration mode. Appointments for the new beneficiaries can be booked online or on-site (walk-in).
  4. The vaccination option for the new beneficiaries would only be Covaxin for now.