Recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project, organized a collaborative virtual event “Expanding Coverage of COVID-19 vaccination for 12-14 year olds,” bringing together key stakeholders to discuss current COVID-19 vaccination progress for young adolescents and the urgent need to expand coverage in the wake of rising positive cases across the country.

In India, the USAID’s MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project is supporting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW)’s nation-wide vaccine deployment efforts, including improving vaccine availability and demand. Through the project, USAID is increasing COVID-19 vaccination uptake among the most vulnerable and marginalized population by engaging influential leaders and groups, such as women’s and health professional associations. 
 
COVID-19 vaccination for 12-14 year olds in India commenced on March 16, 2022. Vaccine uptake among this population has been slow, primarily due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation about its possible side-effects and availability.

Dr. Sanjay Kapur, Managing Director, John Snow India said, “Increasing vaccination coverage among children aged 12–14 years, is extremely critical to reduce COVID-19–associated burden. With cases of COVID-19 on a steep rise again, there is an urgent need to step up public engagement and communication to build confidence and uptake of the Corbevax, the vaccine prescribed by the Centre for children and adolescents. Moreover, it will be essential to provide people who are hesitant, or otherwise unmotivated with respect to the COVID-19 vaccines with the resources, information, and support they need to make the vaccination decision that is right for them.”