Srinagar, Jan 03 (KNS): Additional Chief Secretary Health and Medical Education Department Jammu and Kashmir, Vivek Bharadwaj on Monday said that the department has set a target of about 1 lakh vaccine doses per day for the children of age group 15-17 years.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of vaccination drive for children of age group 15-17 years at Kothi Bagh, Bhardwaj said that the department has set a target of about 1 lakh vaccine doses per day for this age group.

He said that with more than 1 crore population, J&K is the first UT to attain 100 percent vaccination for different age groups. "We believe that similar results will also be obtained for the age group of 15-17 years,” he added.

He also said that around 8 lakh children fall under this category in Kashmir zone and they require around 17 lakh vaccines to cover this age group.

“Keeping in view the estimated number of vaccines required, the action plan has been discussed with all the chief medical officers, chief education officers and DC’s of the Kashmir valley for smooth vaccination drive for this age group,” he said.

Bharadwaj said that currently the central government has provided the department with nearly 2 lakh 80 thousand vaccines and in coming days, the supply will be increased as per the requirements of every district of the valley.

About vaccination in rural areas and hilly areas, he said that the directorate of health and medical education and directorate of immunisation along with the department of school education are facilitating the supply of vaccines in all zones and districts of Kashmir. (KNS)