Covaxin approved for kids above 12 years, DGCI gives nod to Bharat Biotech’s vaccine for emergency use

New Delhi: Covaxin, Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine, was granted nod by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) on Saturday, for emergency use authorization for children in the age group of 12-18 years.

Bharat Biotech had submitted data from clinical trials in 2-18 years age group for Covaxin (BBV152) to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in October.

The data has been thoroughly reviewed by the CDSCO and Subject Experts Committee (SEC) and has provided their positive recommendations, the vaccine maker had said.

According to report by a leading portal, the vaccine is likely be administered to children in two doses and the gap will remain 28 days between first & second dose.

With the DGCI approval, Bharat Biotech’s vaccine has become the second vaccine in the country to have approval for emergency use authorisation in children. In August, Zydus Cadila’s three-dose DNA jab was approved for administration on adults & children over the age of 12.

More details awaited.