Students 12 and above to get jabs in cities

Education Minister Dipu Moni yesterday said preparations are underway to vaccinate students above the age of 12 in the city corporation areas only, not across the country.

"Discussions are underway with the Directorate General of Health Services on when and how to start the vaccination process," Dipu Moni told reporters at the Chandpur Circuit House.

"There is scope to give [Covid-19] vaccines to students above 12. But it would not be possible to give the jabs to students of all places [around the country] as there are some technical issues," she said without elaborating.

"Maybe it will be possible to vaccinate students above 12 only in the city corporation areas."

She made the comments after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at least twice told the parliament last month that her government has plans to bring students aged 12 and above under the vaccination programme gradually.

Dipu Moni and Health Minister Zahid Maleque on a number of occasions also made similar comments.

The health department has been allowing students aged 18 and above to register for vaccination since August 20. For others, the minimum age for registration is 25.

Meanwhile, a Covid-19 vaccine drive for Dhaka University teachers, students, officials and employees will begin today at a temporary set-up at the university's Martyred Intellectual Dr Muhammad Murtaza Medical Centre.

The campaign, which will continue till October 17, will be inaugurated at 9:30am. DU students, teachers and officials will receive the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine based on some conditions, according to a press release.

The drive for the second dose will begin on November 1.

According to the conditions, DU teachers, students and staff will be allowed to get the first dose of vaccine through on-spot registration by showing their NID or DU ID cards.

Those who have already registered to receive the Covid-19 vaccine at centres under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) like Dhaka Medical College Hospital, BSMMU, Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute but could not get the vaccine, can take the first dose at the DU centre showing their ID or vaccine registration cards.