Vaccination for children not a condition for reopening schools: Expert

6 October 2021 08:02 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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Clarifying uncertainties in the society, Paediatrician Dr. Shaman Rajindrajith said vaccination of children does not become a prerequisite for reopening schools.

Addressing a news briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Rajindrajith who is also the President of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians and a member of the Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) said as per the scientific research and data available right now, reopening schools does not require vaccinating all school children.

“Majority of foreign countries are following this method and we are also hoping to follow the same way,” he said.

When asked whether school children are exposed to the danger of contracting the virus if schools are reopened, Dr. Rajindrajith said the respective parties which are contacting children have to be fully vaccinated before reopening the schools.

“Accordingly, we had requested the Health Ministry to vaccinate all the teachers, academic staffers, drivers of the vehicles carrying school children, which has happened almost hundred percent,” he underlined.

“Here, the issue is not who is in danger but making sure all precautionary measures are fulfilled to prevent the virus from transmitting to others,” he stressed.

Moreover, Dr. Rajindrajith said there is no final decision on administering the COVID-19 vaccine for the children in the age group from 12 to 15 and so is the age group from 3 to 11.

“We are still examining and carrying out research on the possibilities of giving the vaccine for the said age groups,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 5

Ruwan Thursday, 07 October 2021 02:01 AM

Why can't either health minister or ministry official say this.?

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Beyond Ven Thursday, 07 October 2021 02:03 AM

Are we putting lives of our children at risk

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Waruna Thursday, 07 October 2021 02:04 AM

So sad to hear this. Isn't it like we are neglecting school children.

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Rev. A. Perera Thursday, 07 October 2021 09:45 AM

Dr. Rajindrajith, it is true that certain foreign countries have not made vaccines for kids mandatory for school attendance, but at what cost? I returned from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada in the 6th of October. Friends and family are teachers in Edmonton. While I was there 15 schools that were reopened on this basis were shut down, and, I believe, still are due to COVID outbreaks among their students. The province of Alberta have tightened restrictions again to avoid a 4th wave. So, sir, with deference to your qualifications, it is better be cautious.

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FG Thursday, 07 October 2021 10:41 AM

“Accordingly, we had requested the Health Ministry to vaccinate all the teachers, academic staffers, drivers of the vehicles carrying school children, which has happened almost hundred percent,” he underlined. So if you are vaccinated you will not spread the virus? Who gives anyone the right to vaccinate anybody? It has to be by choice.

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