AIIMS Delhi to start Covaxin trials for children from today. This trial will involve children ages between 2-18 years. Vaccinating children is a big step towards herd immunity. India has recently dealt with a raging second wave. Scientists have predicted a third wave in India as well. It is assumed that the third wave will impact children more. Henceforth, it is quite necessary to immunize children as soon as possible. Children were not vulnerable to COVID-19 earlier. But now the case is quite different. The virus isn’t sparing children anymore. Authorities have planned to vaccinate children with Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. Therefore, trials for that to begin today.
AIIMS Delhi to Begin Covaxin Trials for Children
AIIMS Delhi will begin the screening on June 7. The trials will include children between 2 to 18 years of age. If the trials are successful, we can hope for a vaccine for children as well. Covaxin is an indigenously developed anti-Covid vaccine. It is manufactured by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech.
The biotechnology company has built the vaccine in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine has shown good results in adults. Moreover, it has a high efficacy rate against the virus. Hopefully, it works well on children as well.
Vaccinating Children is a Big Step Towards Herd Immunity
Last week, AIIMS Patna started a similar trial for children between 12-18 years of age. They are also screening them with Covaxin. Several countries around the world have started vaccinating teens and children. For example- the US, Germany, Canada, and many more. If the trials are successful, India too will join the list. However, vaccinating children is a big step towards herd immunity. Teenagers and children contribute to the maximum population of the country. Experts have warned that the third wave will hit the country between October-December. Young teens and children are more vulnerable this time. Henceforth, vaccinating them can diverge the third wave. AIIMS Delhi is on its way to start the trials.
In the US, Pfizer is approved for children between 12 to 15 years. China has approved CoronaVac for 3–17-year-olds. Moreover, Germany has also approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for kids.
