New Delhi: Covaxin has shown a very good immune response in children in the trial, the Chair of the Indian Covid-19 Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group of Immunization (Ntagi) Dr.
N K Arora said on Sunday.
In an exclusive interview on the decision of the prime minister about launching vaccination for beneficiaries between 15-18 years from January 3, Arora told Ani about the possible benefit of this decision.
He explained, “Children between 12 and 18 years old, especially those aged 15 to 18 years, are very similar to adults.
Our research in this country also said that almost two third of death because Covid in India was in this group .
Thus, this decision was mainly taken to protect teens.
“Dr.
Arora said,” There are two other advantages to immunize teenagers.
One of them is that they are quite mobile, they have to go to college school and their risk of infection, particularly in light of Omicron , present.” “Second, many times this teenager gets infection to their household where the elderly and those who have comorbidities can be infected.
So, considering all this, the country has decided to introduce vaccinations for children between 15 and 18 years,” he said .
As a drug controller General India (DCGI) has provided authorization of emergency use for Covaxin Bharat Biotech for beneficiaries between 15-18 years, Dr.
Arora said that during the vaccine court had shown a good immune response.
“The point is that we have a vaccine, which is approved for children.
Covaxin has shown that he has a very good immune response in children in the trial.
Actually, it’s a little better than an adult.
Second, this vaccine is a vaccine Safe., And even local effects like pain, swelling in arms is far less than adults.
We want to offer this protection to our teenagers, “he said.
The doctor said, “Although the effect of the disease is much lighter, but because we know many schools have been opened.
Many parents are still not too confident in sending their children to schools.
So this vaccination drive will also give trust to them.
I would say it’s a great new year gift for our teenagers.
“In children, immunogenicity studies, not the current efficacy study.
In the efficacy of the Covaxin for children, he said, “So, in children, we have immunogenicity studies, not a study of efficacy.
So immunogenicity means what level of antibodies are produced, and we know that there is a fairly good antibody relationship and protection .
Actually, as I said, teenagers produce better levels of antibodies than their adults.
Here, I also want to say that the same covaxin dosage is given to children as adults and interpretations between doses are also four weeks.
So the implementation of the program concerned, there is no special effort needed.
And these adolescent immunizations can begin in a short time without much or special preparation.
“The number of doses for adolescents will be the same, said Dr.
Arora.
(Ani)
Covaxin has shown a good immune response in children during the trial, said Head Ntagi
