Coronavirus Pandemic: Kerala students to get COVID-19 vaccine doses in schools from Jan 19

The Kerala Government on Sunday issued guidelines to start COVID-19 vaccination in schools for children aged between 15 and 18 years from January 19.

The decision was taken in a high-level meeting attended by Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty and Health Minister Veena George today.

In the meeting, it was decided that district task forces, with the help of the education department, will identify the schools where COVID-19 vaccination is to be conducted.

Schools with more than 500 beneficiaries will be selected as vaccination sites.

School authorities have to ensure the waiting area, vaccination room and observation room. School vaccination sessions will be linked with nearby Government COVID-19 vaccination centres, said Veena George.

During the meeting, it was decided that the school authorities have to prepare the list of students receiving COVID-19 vaccination in a single day and to inform the students about the timing allotted to them. The authorities should ensure all students eligible for vaccination have completed registration in the Co-Win portal.

The Minister further informed that all security measures along with thermal scanning of students should be ensured before vaccination.

In addition, children having temperature will not be administered COVID-19 vaccine doses.

After vaccinations, children will be observed for 30 minutes and the school authorities have to ensure ambulance with oxygen facility if any child faces any health issues. They will be shifted to a nearby Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) management centre for treatment.

The COVID-19 vaccination team will consist of a medical officer from the health department, vaccinator, staff nurse and supporting staff provided by the schools.

It was directed that all sessions will be conducted in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

Meanwhile, Kerala reported 18,123 new COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours, said the state health department on Sunday.

(ANI)