COVAXIN approval for kids: India to vaccinate children aged 15-18 years from 3rd Jan

New Delhi: Hyderabad based vaccine manufacturer, Bharat Biotech International has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India for emergency use of its Covid-19 vaccine, COVAXIN for children aged between 12-18 years.

In a statement, Bharat Biotech informed that COVAXIN is formulated uniquely such that the same dosage can be administered to adults and children. The company stated: “COVAXIN has established a proven record for safety and efficacy in adults for the original variant and subsequent variants. We have documented excellent safety and immunogenicity data readouts in children. We look forward for COVAXIN to provide similar levels of protection for adults and children alike.”

The company has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership during this pandemic. It also expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, DCGI, NITI Aayog, and NTAGI for their diligent review of all data and for their fastidious approval process.

Later in his address to nation on December 25, 2021, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi informed that Covid-19 vaccination of children aged 15-18 years would begin from January 3, 2022.

“Initiative will boost our fight against Covid-19 and help in allaying the fears of parents of school going children. in his address to nation. As a precautionary measure, the healthcare workers and doctors will be given additional Covid-19 vaccine doses from January 10, 2022. Also, the people with co-morbidities and 60 years of age will get booster doses,” said the Prime Minister.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Rahul Pandit Director-Critical Care, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, Member of National COVID19 Taskforce & Maharashtra’s COVID19 Taskforce said, “Vaccination is an important defense strategy to fight the mutating COVID19 virus. In regard to honorable PM’s announcement last night about vaccination for children between 15-18 years and booster for healthcare workers, frontline workers & co-morbid citizens over 60yrs, this is an excellent strategic move to build our defence before a potential third wave caused by the growing cases of Omicron COVID19 variant cases.”

“People must understand that the authorities are doing their best to curtail the spread, reduce the impact & safeguard the citizens. To stay safe get yourself vaccinated with both the doses, if you haven’t done so yet. Moreover, it is critical to maintain caution and follow all COVID19 appropriate behaviour especially during festivities; double-masking and good air ventilation in indoor spaces  remains the key until we win over COVID19,” Dr Pandit added.