ISLAMABAD: While 5.5 million teenage people have been vaccinated with American vaccine Pfizer, Pakistan on Thursday decided to start inoculating those in the age group of 12-18 years with two Chinese vaccines.

The announcement was made by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on social media.

“Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac have been approved by the NCOC Health Experts Committee for administration to children above 12 years of age from Nov 15 onwards. Now, these vaccines will also be available in addition to already approved Pfizer for children above 12 yrs,” the NCOC tweeted.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, who also heads the NCOC, said that over 50 per cent of students had got at least one dose of Covid vaccine.

637 more infected with Covid in single day

“Alhamdulillah more than half the students between the ages of 12 and 18 have been vaccinated with at least 1 dose. Total students vaccinated so far exceeds 5.5m. GB leads the way with 68pc and Punjab is second with 62pc,” he tweeted.

According to a statement issued by the NCOC, during a morning session the forum reviewed the nationwide vaccination drive. It was informed that 1.7m individuals had been vaccinated on November 9, making it the highest number in a single day.

The forum appreciated the efforts in reaching important milestone of 50pc of the country’s eligible population receiving at least one dose. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa became the second province to vaccinate half of its eligible population with at least one dose.

The NCOC also appreciated the mass vaccination drive, particularly ‘Reach Every Door’ campaign. It praised the vaccination teams for expediting the pace of vaccination across the country.

The forum was briefed on the mechanism for carrying out necessary Covid-19 protocols and vaccination mechanism for pedestrians crossing into Pakistan from land borders. It emphasised the need for enhancing administration of second dose to eligible individuals so as to sufficiently raise the immunity level of the population for long-term dividends.

As many as nine people succumbed to Covid-19, while 637 others were infected with the virus over the past 24 hours.

According to the NCOC, 23,270 active cases were reported and 1,197 people admitted to hospitals across the country on Thursday.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2021