New Delhi: The Serum Institute of India has got the nod from DCGI to conduct trials of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine on children aged 7-11. India's drug regulator has given the green signal to the vaccine manufacturer, according to a report by Times Of India.
The decision holds huge significance considering the probable third wave of Covid which is likely to affect children as claimed by top researchers and scientists.
Serum Insitute is presently undertaking a trial on the Novavax vaccine in children in the 12 -17 age group, adding to the portfolio of vaccines being developed for children and adolescents, including Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose vaccine, and the needle-free DNA vaccine from Zydus Cadila. The Zydus vaccine is, in fact, poised for launch, as decisions are awaited on its pricing and eventual roll-out across the country.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII said a few days back that the company had started trials on the pediatric population, and three to four months is the minimum timeframe for the same. By January-February, there is a possibility that the Covovax (SII-manufactured Novavax vaccine) could be ready for approval for use among children.
Safety data for an initial 100 participants have already been presented.
The Novavax vaccine is yet to be granted approval by the health authorities.
So far, only Zydus Cadila’s DNA Covid-19 vaccine has received emergency use approval in India for children aged 12 years and above.
With schools re-opening in various states fear of the third wave has increased which will result in an increase in demand for the pediatric vaccine.