According to a recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal, The Lancet, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin has been found safe and immunogenic among the 2-18 year children and adolescent age group. It produced 1.7 times greater neutralizing antibodies than the vaccine produced in adults.
During the trials, the vaccine was well-tolerated by the pediatric population. The data from administering over 50 million doses of Covaxin to children of the said age group in India has recorded minimum side effects. And there were no Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFIs).
Bharat Biotech conducted its clinical trial of Covaxin in the pediatric population between June and September 2021. In October 2021, Covaxin received a nod from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for emergency use in children and adolescents aged 6-18.
Speaking about Covaxin for children, Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, said they had achieved a ‘safe and efficacious’ Covid-19 vaccine that is universally administrable to children and adults as primary vaccine doses and as booster shots. He added that the data from 50 million doses administered to children in India indicates the vaccine’s safety and immunogenicity.
Image Source: PTI