New Delhi: Several countries across the globe extended their immunization bars including individuals over the age of 12, suspecting mutated forms of the novel virus to affect the young generation.
The US states, Canada began to inoculate young adolescents in May after its Centres for Disease Control and Prevention approved Pfizer’s shot for those aged 12-15.
From amongst the European countries Italy commenced vaccination of 12-15years olds from May 31. Following which, Germany planned to offer the first shot to children aged 12-16 from June 7, while Poland would offer shots to those aged 12-15 the same day. France could begin inoculating teens aged 16-18 by June, with 12-15-year-olds receiving shots at the start of the school year.
However, the World Health Organization has advised rich countries to offer shots to the COVAX scheme instead of vaccinating teenagers in affluent countries while many regions of the world wait for dosages for older and more vulnerable people.
While in the Non-Eu regions, British had approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 years in mid-May.
In the Middle East, Israel expanded its vaccination drive to 16-18 year-olds in January and is set to approve shots for those aged 12-15. Dubai, on June 1 declared administration of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to 12-15-year-olds after the United Arab Emirates approved the shot for emergency use for the same age group in mid-May. Singapore also opened up its vaccination program to adolescents aged 12-18 on the same day.