Jahnavi Sarma
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Written By: Jahnavi Sarma | Updated : August 19, 2021 12:17 PM IST
Phase II and III trials of COVAXIN are going on for children in the age group of 2-18 years and the results are expected soon.
Many people today are safely inoculated against the COVID-19 virus. There are many vaccines in the market with varying degrees of efficacy. But one thing is common among all. Vaccination does provide protection. But this is true only for the adult population. We do not yet have a vaccine for children below the age of 12 though scientists are trying to figure out how to mode one for kids out of the existing ones. This leaves children exposed and vulnerable to infection and severe illness. In fact, one of the reasons why experts warn about a devastating effect of the third wave on children is because they do not have the protection of any vaccine against COVID-19. Also, the emergence of new variants, which will keep on coming whether we like it or not, may put children more at risk of infection and severe disease. But things are about to change, and we may have an indigenous vaccine for children in India by as early as September.
According to the Director of ICMR-NIV, Priya Abraham, Phase II and III trials of COVAXIN are going on for children in the age group of 2-18 years and the results are expected soon. The results will be presented to the regulators as soon as it comes in. So, by September or just after it, there may be a COVID-19 vaccines for children. This apart, Zydus Cadila's vaccine trial is also going on. This can also be applied for children and will be made available. So, in fact, in the near future, we may have not one but two COVID-19 vaccines for children.
Meanwhile, many COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna are conducting pediatric studies and the results look promising. The Pfizer trials have enrolled kids as young as 6 months and up through age 11. Moderna is testing different doses in different age groups because younger children may not need the same dose as adults.
Other than children's vaccine, India may also see other vaccines in the market for the adult population. This is indeed good news as it will do away with vaccine shortage and ensure that more people are innoculated against the disease. Here's a list of all the vaccines that may be available here soon.
(With inputs from Agencies)
