COVID-19 vaccine trials for children to begin in next 10-12 days in India
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Phase II/III clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, in the age group of 2 to 18 years.
“Covaxin has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), for Phase II/III clinical trials in the age group of 2 to 18 years. I have been told that trials will begin in the next 10-12 days,” a senior official of NITI Aayog, Dr VK Paul, stated.
Earlier, in a meeting held by the Subject Expert Committee (COVID19) on May 11, the proposal was further deliberated. While, on May 13, the DCGI permitted clinical trials of the vaccine for the 2-18 age group.
As per the reports, the clinical trials are yet to begin in 525 subjects at various sites.
On May 1, the Indian government launched its vaccination drive against COVID-19 for all above 18 years. India has been inoculating people against COVID-19 since January using Covaxin and Covisheild vaccines.
However, numerous countries are yet to approve Covid vaccination for children. Countries like the US and Canada have approved the use of the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid vaccines for the age group of 12 years and above.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has warned of a new Covid variant detected in Singapore, which arguably may prove dangerous for children.
The new variant may “come as a third wave” in India, the Delhi CM said and urged the Centre to take necessary steps to curb the spread of COVID-19.
(Edited by Ridhika Joshi)
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