Teenagers in Nanjing are now collectively sighing with relief or squealing in terror. And that’s dependent upon their aversion to needles, or lack thereof. For our city has over the weekend kick started COVID vaccinations for 12 to 17 year olds.
At 08:00 on Saturday 21 August, the vaccination site at the Nanjing No. 27 Senior Middle School welcomed its first batch of students for vaccination.
The School is located in Nanjing’s Qinhuai District, the first district in Nanjing to commence COVID vaccinations for teenagers. Arranged in batches by school, the district is planning that all its students shall have received their first injection by tomorrow, 24 August, reported the Yangtze Evening News.
Students over the age of 17 who have not yet been vaccinated but meet the necessary conditions are also within the scope of this vaccination.
Students are accompanied by a parent or carer to the vaccination site so that they may complete the health questionnaire and the informed consent form on the spot. Only then can vaccination take place. Just as with adults, the teenagers must remain on site for half an hour after the injection in case of adverse reactions.
By and large, it appears Nanjing’s teenagers have taken easily to their vaccinations. “That’s it? Very fast!”, some were heard to comment.
A student surnamed Chen, in a senior high school affiliated to Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, spoke with reporters. “There were no uncomfortable symptoms”, said Chen. “I could see that the school had arranged each step of the process in advance, so the vaccination site is orderly and efficient.”
But during their 30 minute wait, some students are also receiving a post-vaccination treat which the adults don’t get.
At the vaccination site for the Qinhuai Science & Technology High School affiliated to Nanshi Middle School, six registration desks and five vaccination points had been set up. And that’s because they have 1,410 students to get through.
While the medical professionals are at work, the school has been carrying out science popularisation educational activities for students as they wait for the all clear to leave. Those, accompanied by some helpful hints for their imminent virtual schooling.
