As students lined up at the BKC Covid Centre to get vaccinated, teachers picked two of them to be the first Mumbai children in the 15-18 years’ age group to receive their first shot of Covaxin.

The Free Press Journal spoke to the duo:

TANUJA MAKADWALA, 15, Class X, Shastri Nagar Mumbai Public Secondary School, Santacruz

“I’m very happy that I’m vaccinated and am feeling very safe now. Earlier, we were worried that we might contract the virus and spread it to our friends and families but now I’m feeling happy and safe. I feel proud to be the first student to get vaccinated. At first, my mom was worried about the vaccine but she did some research on the subject and spoke to doctors and teachers who assured her that the vaccine was good for her child and there was nothing to be afraid of. Therefore, I would like to tell everyone who is under 18 years of age, you must go and get vaccinated, there is nothing to be afraid of and once you do so, you will be safer.”

RAJAN BARI, 15, Class X, Shastri Nagar Mumbai Public Secondary School, Santacruz

“Before, I would feel scared to travel or visit people thinking that we might infect each other. But now I feel relaxed and safe because I’m vaccinated. I will be administered the second dose after 28 days and will then be fully vaccinated. I would like to tell other youngsters that do not be scared of being vaccinated, it will hurt for a minute or two but then it will be fine.”

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