KARACHI: Second phase of paediatric drive for Covid vaccination has kicked off in Karachi and Hyderabad where over 2.5 children up to 11 years of age will be received their second dose of vaccine to protect them from virus.

Week-long campaign will continue till November 7.  Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho remarked, “Vaccine should be used to provide second dose to those who have been given first, as this will ensure their protection from Covid.” She added that while incidences of Covid have been on decrease in Pakistan, we must still protect younger population with paediatric doses of vaccine.

Project Director EPI Sindh Dr. Irshad Memon said, “It is because of vaccinations of Covid-19 that we can now resume our normal everyday lives and we must now protect our children and keep them safe from Covid as well.” First phase drive began on September 19 and was carried out till September 24. Target population of 5 to 11-year-olds was 2,389719 and actual coverage was 2,518,312 children, which was 105.3 percent of target.

Round two of paediatric covid vaccination campaign is focusing on administering second dose of vaccine to children that have already been covered and vaccinated with first shot of paediatric covid vaccine.

Karachi Central, East, West, South, Malir, Korangi and Kemari and Hyderabad will be covered during drive. Protocols and AEFI management structure that were followed in first round will be maintained for second round as well. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 02 2022

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