Education dept denies Covid jabs needed to sit for exams

Inoculation campaign at private schools begins

KARACHI:

With the inoculation drive for teenagers of ages 15 and above is underway at public schools and started at private schools on Monday, some schools have reportedly informed parents that students would be barred from exams and not be issued admit cards if they refuse Covid jabs.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Education Department's Private Schools Registrar Rafia Javed denied that the provincial government has issued any such directives.

"Parents and school managements are both cooperating," said Javed. Commenting on immunisation of students of Grade IX and X, Javed said two to three schools in each of Karachi's seven districts are covered daily. Around 450 students were inoculated against the deadly virus in one school, she added. "Parents are even contacting us to offer support during the drive."

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When asked whether Covid jabs were mandatory for students above 15 years of age, Javed replied in the negative. There are no conditions or compulsions for students to receive the jabs, she said. "We have not received any guideline from the Sindh government stating that students won't be permitted to sit for exams without Covid jabs."

The provincial health and education departments had earlier announced that awareness campaigns would be launched and parents' consent would be sought before administering the vaccine. Public and private school administrations were to be engaged for these campaigns. The Sindh government has, however, made proof of parents' vaccination compulsory for students to attend on-campus classes.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2021.