The phase II-III clinical trials of indigenous COVID19 vaccine Covaxin in the age group of 2-18 years will begin in the country in the next 10-12 days, said senior NITI Aayog member VK Paul.
The Union health ministry last week said the proposal was deliberated in the meeting of Subject Expert Committee (COVID19) on May 11.
On May 13, India gave clearance for the clinical trials in the 2-18 age group.
“COVAXIN has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), for Phase II/III clinical trials in the age group of 2 to 18 years. I have been told that trials will begin in the next 10-12 days,” a media report quoted Dr VK Paul, member (health), NITI Aayog, as saying.
The clinical trials will take place in 525 subjects at various sites.
Covaxin and Covishield vaccines are being used in adults in the ongoing COVID19 vaccination drive across India.
Most of the countries are yet to approve any vaccine for the use of children.
The US last week authorised Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID19 vaccine for use in children aged between 12 years and 15 years.
Canada has also approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the age group of 12 years and above.
On Tuesday, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal flagged a new Covid variant detected in Singapore, which he said, is proving dangerous for children.
He said the new variant can “come as a third wave” in India and appealed to the Centre to take immediate measures.
Chief minister Kejriwal in a tweet in Hindi said: “The new form of Corona detected in Singapore is said to be extremely dangerous for children. In India, it may come as a third wave. My appeal to the central government: 1. Air services with Singapore to be cancelled with immediate effect 2. Priority on vaccine options should be worked out for children too.”