Omicron and its sub-lineages have been found in 7,362 samples while Delta and its sub-lineages were detected in 118 samples analyzed by the INSACOG from January 1 2022 to July 25, 2022 in children aged 0-18 years, according to news agency PTI report.
As per the report, the Union Minister was responding to a question on whether the children are getting affected by the Covid-19 infection in the country and the current status of vaccination of children in the age group of 12-18 years and 5-12 years.
The Union Minister said, "according to World Health Organization, SARS-CoV-2 infections among children and adolescents typically cause less severe illness as compared to adult," adding that, as on July 26, 9.96 crore first doses (82.2% coverage) and 7.79 crore second doses (64.3% coverage) have been administered in children between 12-18 years of age.
It is important to note that vaccination below 12 years of age has not started under the national Covid-19 vaccination programme in the country.