Using Student ID card children 15 to 18 can Register For Vaccines From January 1 : RS Sharma

New Delhi : Children between 15 and 18 can register for COVID-19 vaccines on the CoWIN app from January 1 using their school ID cards, Dr RS Sharma, CoWIN platform Chief said Monday.

"The additional slot had been created on the online platform so students could use their ID cards to register for the shots. As some may not have Aadhaar or other required ID cards," Sharma informed a news agency.

The information came in following Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcement on Saturday that children in the 15-18 age group could get their first round of COVID vaccines from January 3. He added that vaccinating kids would help students return to school.

Children in India will be vaccinated with either Bharat Biotech's double-dose Covaxin or Zydus Cadila's three-dose ZyCoV-D, both of which have been cleared for kids over 12.

The Prime Minister, who also announced "precaution" or booster shots for frontline and healthcare workers, as well as those over 60.

Speaking on booster doses, Sharma said, "If you are above 60 years of age and have taken both doses and the gap between the second dose and the day you are registering is more than nine months (39 weeks) then you are eligible. While registering, the CoWIN app will ask whether the senior citizen has any comorbidities or not. If one says yes, you will be able to book and have to show the comorbidities certificate from a registered doctor at the vaccination centre and then you can get jabs," he added.

Addressing the nation on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government was following scientific advice in the vaccination drive against COVID-19.