according to government statistics18.4 lakh adolescents in this age group are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. government started Vaccination Drive across the state on January 3. Within 10 days, 8.78 lakh (48%) have received the first dose by January 14. If momentum continues than health Department The first dose coverage of the target population in this age group is expected to be completed over the next one month.
Initially, there was hesitation among eligible adolescents and their parents due to which the vaccination campaign received a poor response in the first two days. However, from the third day onwards, the vaccination numbers started improving and many more teenagers came forward to get a ray of hope.
“After getting some reviews from friends of mine who had their kids vaccinated, I proceeded to get my son vaccinated. With this new version of Covid-19 coming into the picture, I believe it was the right time for the government to introduce vaccination for adolescents,” said P Vandana, a parent.
Data from the Telangana Department of Public Health and Family Welfare shows that 44% of eligible adolescents in Hyderabad, 34% in Rangareddy and 46% in Medchal have received their first dose.
In Hyderabad, 81,256 out of 1.84 lakh in the age group have been vaccinated so far. Some districts like Mahbubnagar, Siddipet, Wanaparthi, Nizamabad, Yadadri Bhuvanagri and Mancherial have reported first dose coverage of more than 60%.
Of the targeted 18.41 lakh adolescents, around 5.27 lakh or 30% are from only three districts- Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal. Together these districts have 2.17. has administered more than Vaccination The dosage, which is more than 24% of the total vaccine dose administered across the state.
Attempts by TOI to reach out to Dr G Srinivas, director of public health in Telangana for a comment, remained unanswered.
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