Covaxin Clinical Trials for 2-18 Years To Begin Soon

Amidst the concern that the third wave of Corona Virus Pandemic may affect children, the first Indian trial of a Covaxin, homegrown Covid-19 vaccine on children is set to start in the next 10-12 days

The Drugs Controller General of India has approved the phase 2-3 clinical trials of Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, for the age group of 2 to 18 years. This will begin in the coming 10 to 12 days.

The clinical trials include 2 Covid-19 vaccine shots that are injected on day 0 and day 28. This is the first time in India that a vaccine for Covid-19 will be tested on Children.

The trials will take place at many places. These include AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Patna and MIMS, Nagpur.

The drug regulator of India has accepted the recommendation of the subject expert committee and given approval to Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad-based company, following which they can conduct phase II / III clinical trial of Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin in 2-18 years age group .

The trial is to be conducted in 525 healthy volunteers.

VK Paul, NITI Aayog member has said that while most of the Covid-19 affected children are asymptomatic, it is important that children are encouraged to wear masks and follow social distancing norms in the same manner as adults.

CDC, USA's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all those who are 12 years and older should get a Covid-19 vaccination to help protect against the infection as extensive vaccination is a critical tool to help stop this pandemic.

Besides this, vaccine maker Serum Institute's Covid-19 vaccine Covishield is extensively used to vaccinate people in the country. Russia's Sputnik is also now available at Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills. This is currently being administered only to the beneficiaries who are 45 years or older.

Meanwhile there are reports that Russian Direct Investment Fund will launch its single-dose vaccine Sputnik V Light in India.