Amid a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases feared to be the third wave and the Omicron infections’ surge, India vaccinated over 40 lakhs teens in the 15 to 18 age group on Monday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said.

“Well done Young India! Over 40 Lakhs between 15-18 age group received their first dose of #COVID19 vaccine on the 1st day of vaccination drive for children, till 8 PM,” Mandaviya tweeted.

“This is another feather in the cap of India’s vaccination drive,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening tweeted, “Today we have taken an important step forward in protecting our youth against COVID-19. Congrats to all my young friends between the age group of 15-18 who got vaccinated. Congrats to their parents as well. I would urge more youngsters to get vaccinated in the coming days! (sic).”

The inoculation drive was carried out in consultation with schools at hospitals and health centres.

A large number of schools and other educational institutions were used as vaccination centres as well.

Those born in 2007 and before are eligible for the vaccine.

The Union Health Ministry has said only Covaxin will be administered to teens.

On Dec 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that vaccination for the 15-18-year age group will begin from Jan 3.

The administration of the third dose of vaccine for health workers, frontline workers and vulnerable senior citizens will begin from Jan 10.

In Tripura as announced by the State Government, Covid vaccination for the 15-18 age groups has commenced across the state on Monday.

The government has kept both online and on-site booking facilities available for the ongoing vaccination drive.

A group of students from Hindi Higher Secondary School in Agartala has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the Covid vaccination for 15 to 18 age groups.

“Earlier the people in 18+ age groups received vaccines against the coronavirus. But, now the 15+ people are also getting the dose; now we are really feeling safe. The credit goes to our Prime Minister,” a student said.

The students also said they are expecting that vaccination for the below 15 age group would commence very soon.

Meanwhile, the children in 15-18 age groups are being given only Covaxin doses. The target population for this age group is 2.13 lakh.