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ISLAMABAD:
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) Health Expert Committee has approved Chinese vaccines for children aged over 12 years.
According to a tweet on Thursday, the Sinopharm and Sinovac will be administered to children above 12 years of age from November 15 onwards.
Now, these vaccines will also be available in addition to already approved Pfizer for children above 12 years, it added.
Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac have been approved by NCOC Health Expert Committee for administration to children above 12 years of age from 15 November onwards. Now, these vaccines will also be available in addition to already approved Pfizer for children above 12 yrs.
— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) November 11, 2021
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved both the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines for emergency use in adults aged 18 and older, and both jabs are being administered in several countries around the world.
China earlier in June approved the emergency use of a Covid-19 vaccine for those as young as three, making it the first country to offer jabs to young children.
Also read: Students below age 18 to get Pfizer shots
Earlier today, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said more than half of the students of up to 18 years of age had been inoculated against the Covid-19.
Umar who also heads NCOC said total students vaccinated so far exceeded 5.5 million.
“Alhamdulillah more than half the students between the ages of 12 and 18 have been vaccinated with at least one dose,” he said on his official Twitter handle.
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 5.5 million. GB leads the way with 68% and Punjab is second with 62%.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 11, 2021
The minister added that Gilgit-Baltistan leads the way with 68 per cent followed by Punjab with 62 per cent.
(With input from News Desk)