Vaccination for children in age group of 15-18 years will begin from January 3, announces PM Modi in address to nation

PM Modi said, "In many countries of the world number of infects are increasing due to the new #Omicron variant of COVID. I appeal to all, not to panic but remain vigilant, and use masks and sanitize hands regularly."

Image courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (December 25) announced that vaccination against COVID-19 for children between 15-18 years will start in the country from January 3. He also announced that "precaution dose" for healthcare and frontline workers begin from January 10.

In an address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that the precaution dose will also be available for citizens above 60 years of age and with comorbidities on the advice of their doctor from January 10 next year as well. The prime minister used the term precaution dose and did not call it booster dose as it has been generally referred to.

Modi said global experience shows that following all preventive measures at a personal level is a big weapon to fight Covid as he asked people to be alert and take all precautionary measures but cautioned against any panic.

Amid increasing Covid cases through the Omicron variant of the virus, PM Modi said that this is the time to be careful while engaging in festivities.

He said, "In many countries of the world number of infects are increasing due to the new #Omicron variant of COVID. I appeal to all, not to panic but remain vigilant, and use masks and sanitize hands regularly."

PM Narendra Modi said, "India has 18 lakh isolation beds, 5 lakh oxygen supported beds, 1.40 lakh ICU beds, 90,000 pediatric ICU and non-ICU beds. We have more than 3,000 working PSA oxygen plants, 4 lakh oxygen cylinders have been distributed throughout the nation."

Administration of nasal vaccine and world's first DNA vaccine against Covid will soon start in India as well, he said 

Prior to his address to the nation, the PMO tweeted that in about 15 minutes, PM @narendramodi will address the nation.

In about 15 minutes, PM @narendramodi will address the nation.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 25, 2021

The Prime Minister's address to the nation happened just a few days ahead of the new year.