New Delhi: Children may have to wait more time to vaccinate against Covid-19 because the government will start immunization for children only after Bharat Biotech, Covaxin is approved for use that might take several weeks, senior officials told toi.
The government is worried that the supply of ZY-COV-D – Three-dose vaccines granted authorization of Emergency Use (EUA) for children between 12-17 years – may not be sufficient to begin to investigate children.
Covaxin, currently used for adults, has been recommended for use in children 2-18 years.
However, the final agreement for EUA is waiting with DCGI.
The regulator has been cautious in its approach when vaccination is a concern of children.
The official said the data had been thoroughly reviewed and the DCGI approval for the use of covaxin in children is expected at the end of November.
“We will wait for Covaxin to be approved for use in children before opening the Covid Immunization Program.
The supply of Zycov-D is limited and may not be enough to cover all children.
In addition, it has been approved only for children over 12 years,” said The official.
The government plans to start vaccinations with children with certain health conditions that make them more susceptible to Covid.