12+ Kids May Get Vaccinated By August, 3rd Wave May Come After Six Months: ICMR
The inevitable third wave of Covid-19 is likely to come late this year. According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, they have given a window period of six-eight months to vaccinate the entire population of the country.
“The ICMR has a report which says the third wave is likely to come late. There is a window period of 6-8 months to vaccinate everybody in the country. Now, our target is to provide one crore doses every day,” Dr NK Arora,
Dr Arora added that the trial for Zydus Cadila vaccine is almost complete and that by July end or in August, we might be able to start allocating this vaccine to children of the 12-18 age group.
Zydus, which claims it has a vaccine for both adults and children, is likely to soon apply to the Drugs Controller General of India for emergency use authorization for its vaccine ZyCoV-D.
Dr Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Chief, said that preparing the COVID-19 vaccine for children will be a great accomplishment and could help in the process of reopening schools and outdoor activities.
He also added that the data of Phase 2 and 3 trials of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin on the 2-18 years age group is awaited by September. The vaccine can be ready for children in India around that time following clearance from the drug regulator.
“If the Pfizer vaccine gets clearance before any other drug, then it can also be an alternative for children. Meanwhile, if the Zydus vaccine gets a nod, it will be another option.”
