Mizoram health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana on Wednesday said that about 1.5 lakh children in the age group of 15-18 years are expected to be inoculated in the present vaccination drive.

Along with the rest of the country, Mizoram had launched a vaccination drive for children between 15-18 years on January 3.

According to the health minister, district immunization officers would make vaccination plans in their respective districts.

He said that the number of beneficiaries is believed to be between 1 lakh and 1.5 lakh.

Lalthangliana said that the government has no intention of imposing lockdown and stringent restrictions as of now despite the rising COVID-19 cases.

He urged the people to strictly follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour and Covid guidelines currently enforced by the government.

According to state immunization officer Dr. Lalzawmi, only 28 selected beneficiaries were inoculated on the launch day on January 3.

A total of 446 children between 15-18 years have been administered with COVID-19 vaccine so far, she said.

Lalzawmi also said that a total of 13.21 lakh doses have been administered since January 16 last year and over 7.31 lakh beneficiaries have been administered the first dose till January 4.

Of 7.31 lakh, 5.90 lakh have received the second dose, she added.