Covid-19 vaccine for children expected by mid-2022: Khimiao

October 29, 2021 53 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, OCT 29 (NPN) : Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) principal director Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao hoped that vaccination for children would be rolled out by mid-2022 as its trial was already on.

Interacting with a section of media persons at the H&FW directorate here on Thursday, Khimiao cautioned that even though the State’s Covid-19 positivity rate had dipped below 3%, there should not be complacency and insisted on following SOP issued in this regard. Apart from vaccination, he said following the SOP would contain the spread of the virus.

Asserting that nobody could give 100% assurance for safety even after vaccination, he pointed out that the Centre’s guideline permitted opening up if the positivity rate was below 5%. “And since the positivity rate in our State has gone below 3%, certain relaxations have been made vis-à-vis Covid protocols,” he added.

Khimiao however suggested that restrictions on school-going children below class 1 and avoiding large gatherings should be continued. As Delta variant AY.4 being predominant, he said there was a need to have close watch even after being vaccinated as the virus could mutate.

On vaccination status in the State, he commented that the situation has largely improved even though it was a real challenge in the initial period when even the medical teams going for administering vaccines were often charged. He said no one can give assurance that vaccines can give 100% protection, not even in the world, however the vaccines were internationally recommended and as of today, there was no report of death because of vaccination.

Meanwhile, the principal director announced that tourists fully vaccinated or had received the first dose at least 14 days prior to their arrival would be allowed to enter the Hornbill Festival venue. However, those who not vaccinated would have to undergo a test, he said, adding that the vaccinated persons must carry the certificate.

With regard to Acute Care Facility set up at Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research, he said the facility was on the verge of completion and hoped that it would be functional soon.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/covid-19-vaccine-for-children-expected-by-mid-2022-khimiao/243324.html