Decision on vaccinating school students soon: DGHS DG

A decision will be taken soon whether school students will be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Dhaka, Sept 1 :  A decision will be taken soon whether school students will be vaccinated against Covid-19, said Prof Abul Bashar Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

“The decision is likely to be taken tomorrow (Thursday) at a high-profile meeting of government officials,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister wants to bring school children under vaccination coverage, he said, adding that no guideline has been received yet from the World Health Organization (WHO) in this regard.

The children in the USA are being vaccinated following a protocol and the same can be done here, Prof Khurshid Alam added.

“The vaccination of teachers is almost done in Bangladesh. University students have also been vaccinated,” said the DGHS DG.

He said the Pfizer vaccine is being administered at schools and colleges of the United States under their own management.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants to ensure vaccination of students before reopening schools and colleges, Prof Alam said.

He said the schools and colleges remained closed for a long time. “Those who have been facing various difficulties at home, it would be great if they could be vaccinated and brought to schools and colleges.”

About the dengue outbreak, he said, “The number of dengue patients in Bangladesh is increasing as does Covid-19 patient number. Alongside general hospitals, Covid hospitals are also being prepared to provide medical services to dengue patients.”

He also urged all to remain careful about dengue and take all the necessary measures to prevent it, reports UNB.