Covaxin trails for children in city from today

Nagpur, June 5

To keep children away from the perils of corona virus, human trials of corona vaccine on children will be starting from Sunday, June 6 in Nagpur. In the first phase, the test will be conducted on children between the age group of 12 and 18. Out of 120 children, 50 children have been selected for this.

On Saturday, a team of doctors counseled the participating children and parents and answered their questions. During the first wave of corona, incidence of infection in young children were very less, but during the second wave it had grown. Now the third wave is being predicted.

Mutations in the corona virus are predicted to be dangerous for young children, hence the human trials of young children starting from Sunday assumes importance. Bharat Biotech’s 'Covaxin' shot, which is being given to adults, will be given to children. Under the guidance of senior pediatrician Dr Vasant Khalatkar, 50 volunteer children in the age group of 12 to 18 years have been selected.

150 children will be tested

Dr Khalatkar told Lokmat Times that the Covaxin trial is divided into three age groups of 2 to 6, 7 to 11 and 12 to 18 years. There will be 50 boys and girls in each age group. Children in good health in every age group are being selected by the committee. The first dose will be 0.5 ml. The second dose will be given after 28 days. A blood test will be done before that. A team of doctors will monitor the children and they will keep in touch with the children or their parents over phone constantly.