Joining the rest of the country in the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination drive for children aged 15-18 years, Kangpokpi district commissioner Somorjit Salam also launched the drive in the district and urged the people to follow precautions and the government instructions on COVID-19 and its variants, particularly, the highly transmissible Omicron.

Launching the vaccination drive for children at District Hospital Fixation site, Inspection Bungalow, the civil servant appealed for increased public participation to achieve cent percent vaccine coverage to keep the virus at bay.

Somorjit Salam launched the vaccination drive for children in the presence of chief medical officer Kangpokpi Dr Lamkhoneng Haokip; DIO Dr J Touthang; DLOs, medical superintendent District Hospital Kangpokpi, programme management staff, other health staff, and beneficiaries.

A 16-year-old girl from Kangpokpi town was the first to receive the Covaxin jab in the launching programme as more than 17 children received the shot in the launching ceremony.

He continued, “Omicron cases have been rising worldwide and in India as well while it was also already detected in our state. So, I urge you to wear a face mask, maintain social distance and get vaccinated.”

“I appeal to you, not as the district commissioner or district magistrate but one among you, as your family member. Please get vaccinated and extend your cooperation to the district administration, medical department and other frontline workers in ensuring the district emerges as first in the state to veer away from Coronavirus,” he said.

The vaccination for children will be done at Inspection Bungalow for a week, and it will be extended to other health centres in the district after a week.