AIIMS to kick start screening children for Covaxin trials from today

New Delhi, June 07: Amid the speculation over the third wave of covid, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi is going to begin the screening of children for clinical trials of indigenous home-grown COVID-19 vaccine, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin from today.

 

The decision comes amid when the experts have warned that the third wave could hit the country between October and December. It will affect kids the most. Considering that warning, DCGI on May 11 gave its approval to the Bharat Biotech's vaccine to conduct clinical trials on children.

It should be noted that the AIIMS Patna had started a similar trial for Bharat Biotech's children aged between 12 and 18. Dr. Prabhat Kumar Singh, Director, AIIMS, Patna said, "After these trials, the age group will be 6-12 years and then 2-6 years but now we have started trials in the age group of 12-18 years."

 

Reportedly, the premier medical institute in the national capital will begin screening for clinical trials after getting necessary permissions from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

 

If the trials get successful, then Indians will also join the list of the US, German and other states to conduct a successful trial on children. Considering the chances of the third wave. US, Germany has already kickstarted the vaccination program for the children. Vaccination for children has emerged as a top priority.

 

At least 8,000 children and teenagers tested positive for the coronavirus in  Maharashtra's Ahmednagar in May, estimating for about 10 percent of the cases in the district.

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