Vaccination of Kids over 12 underway at three major hospitals

by Zulfick Farzan 24-09-2021 | 11:55 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); The COVID-19 vaccination drive targetting children with congenital disorders above the age of 12 up to 19, commenced on Friday (24).

A congenital disorder is a condition that is present from birth.

Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya, a well-known Paediatric Neurologist in the country told reporters that before administering the vaccine, children will be directed to a specialist for an examination.

"Children with comorbidities were selected for the vaccination drive as they are an at-risk group," he said adding that administering the vaccine for them at first would pave the way for equal opportunities in education when the schools reopen.

The Director-General of Health Services said the vaccines will be administered at the following hospitals :

– Kurunegala Teaching Hospital

– Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital

– Lady Ridgeway Hospital For Children, Colombo.

These children are given the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19.

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters that the vaccination drive is taking place strictly under the recommendations of the medical experts and the government hopes to complete the vaccination drive by the end of October.