The Sindh government has become first in the country to initiate Covid-19 vaccination campaign for school and college students.
According to the sources, the government of Sindh on Monday pronounced that it will start the programme of the vaccination of school and college students from tomorrow to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
This decision was made in the meeting held by Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah and was joined by Parliamentary Health Secretary Qasim Soomro, Education Secretary Akbar Leghari, Health Secretary Kazim Jatoi, and other officials through video link.
Read more: Schools in Sindh with 100% vaccinated staff reopen for in-person learning
Sources said it was decided in the meeting that more than 1.4 million students registered in class IX to class XII would be vaccinated against coronavirus to which 2,527 teams of the health department would contribute.
Moreover in the first phase of vaccination campaign the district level would be injected first which would then be extended to sub division level.
The health minister ordered officials to commence the process of contacting administrations of educational institutions and taking permission from parents for Covid-19 vaccination.
Health minister also requested them to guarantee that all students getting vaccinated were properly recorded.
Furthermore the education minister offered wide-ranging collaboration from the education department over the vaccination process and said vaccination against Covid-19 was important to have never-ending and smooth running of the education system and children’s protection.
“We are already vaccinating students aged 16 years and above who plan to go abroad for studies. So, this is not something new and attracts public concerns,” informed Atif Vighio representing the health department, when asked about any uncertainties parents, might have over Covid-19 vaccination, adding most of the students registered in class IX to intermediate are aged 16 and above.
Besides this health department is convoluted in all schedules for vaccines in schools. Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah said: “Vaccination is necessary for the continuation of the teaching process and the safety of children.”
The vaccine drive will be propelled by the health department after implementing the arrangements within six days.
