1.7m individuals vaccinated on Nov 9, highest in a single day

ISLAMABAD   -  Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar on Thursday said that more than half of the students between ages of 12 and 18 have been administered at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

Umar who also heads National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) in a Twitter post said that total students vaccinated so far have exceeded 5.5 million figure.

He said that Gilgit Baltistan (GB) was leading the vaccination drive of students with 68 percent coverage while Punjab is second with 62 percent students have been vaccinated in the province.

Meanwhile, NCOC in a meeting held on Thursday reviewed nationwide vaccination drive, while highlighting that 1.7 million individuals were vaccinated on November 9, making it highest number of people vaccinated in a single day.

The forum specially appreciated on reaching important milestone of 50 percent of country’s eligible population receiving at least one dose of coronavirus. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) became second province to vaccinate half of its eligible population with at least one dose.

The meeting appreciated mass vaccination drive particularly “Reach Every Door” Campaign. The participants also appreciated the vaccination teams for stepping up the pace of vaccination across the country.

The NCOC Health Experts Committee on Thursday also approved administration of Chinese vaccines Sinovac and Sinopharm to children aged 12 to 18 years from November 15. Now, these vaccines will also be available in addition to already approved Pfizer for children above 12 years, the NCOC said in an announcement.

The NCOC meeting was briefed about the mechanism for carrying out necessary Covid protocols and vaccination mechanism for pedestrians crossing into Pakistan from land borders.

The forum emphasized on enhancing administration of second dose to eligible individuals so as to “sufficiently raise the immunity level of the population for long term dividends.”