Vaccines For 2 yrs Above Likely From Sept-Oct In India

The director of Delhi AIIMS Dr Randeep Guleria said that a vaccine for children above 2 years can be expected by September this year. COVID-19 vaccine manufactures are also conducting all three trials for children at a rapid pace and an approved candidate is likely by September-October.

Guleria confirmed that among many vaccine manufacturers even Bharat Biotech is conducting trials and data for the kids. ” We can absolutely expect the trial will be completed early and have data by September. Hopefully, by that time, approvals will be there so that by September-October, we’ll have vaccines from our country which we can give to children” stated Dr Guleria.

To control the pandemic, everyone should be vaccinated and kids are no exception, though they have mild disease. It is vital to develop the vaccines for them as early as possible. The experts have expressed contentment in witnessing some parents coming forward with their children for the trials.

Guleria added that Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine is also an option for kids if it gets a green signal in India. On June 7, Delhi AIIMS commenced screening children for the trials between the age of 2 to 17. On May 12, the DCGI had granted permission to Bharat Biotech to carry out phase 2, phase 3 trials of Covaxin on children as young as two.

Guleria further spoke about opening schools for physical classes. He said it will be better if non-containment zones call kids to school on an alternate day by ensuring Covid-appropriate behaviour. “Open-air schooling would be a good way to avoid infection spread through India’s climate which may not permit it,” he added.