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

Dubai - 'I am glad the UAE government gave us this chance as I have missed going to school'

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.