Parents in UAE ready to get their 16-yr-olds vaccinated ahead of board exams

With 16-year-olds now allowed to take the Covid-19 vaccine in the UAE, parents were happy and relieved. Earlier, the minimum age to get the jab was 18 but, on Sunday, it was lowered to 16.

Lizzy Thomson, mother of a 16-year-old, said she was really hoping the announcement would come soon as her daughter Naiomi’s exams were fast approaching.

“I am very grateful that the government has reduced the age bracket for people who can take the vaccine to 16 because kids are usually prone to infection when they go to school or interact with their friends outdoors,” Lizzy said. “Students in the age group of 16 years and above are currently in a very critical academic phase with exams like GCSE, A Levels approaching. With the vaccination, we can at least be assured that the children could continue with their studies safely, without getting sick.”

Lizzy added that with the vaccine, they will safer whenever they have to go out as a family.

Abu Dhabi resident Swati Gadgil, whose 16-year-old-son Sanjit Chaubal will be sitting for his CBSE board exams in May, is also looking forward to getting her kid vaccinated.

“If he has to appear for an exam and be exposed to a larger crowd, then this vaccine would definitely give him the extra layer of protection he needs,” said Swati, who had already taken her first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine, together with her husband. “We will be getting our second dose this week, and we are encouraging our son to follow suit.” She added that although her son was a bit apprehensive about taking the jab, she encouraged him to go for it, saying it would help him go back to school.

Seventeen-year-old Catherine Titto Vadakken said she was excited to go for the vaccine and eventually get back to her normal school life. “I am in my last and final year in school, so I was really hoping we get a chance to get inoculated so we could get back to school safely and make memories before we graduate,” Catherine said.

“I am glad the UAE government gave us this chance as I have missed going to school and catching up with my friends. I can’t wait to take the jab.”

saman@khaleejtimes.com