DGCI holds meeting for emergency use of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin on children 5-12 yrs of age

In India, children over the age of 12 are now receiving two COVID-19 immunizations.

The DCGI’s Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on Thursday recommended the use of Biological E’s Corbevax in children aged 5 to 12 years. The group gathered at 12 pm to discuss data and vaccine use in children in that age range.

The SEC has now forwarded the suggestions to India’s Drug Controller General. Before the Union Health Ministry gets its final approval, the DCGI must offer its approval. Corbevax is now being given to children between the ages of 12 and 14.

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In India, children over the age of 12 are now receiving two COVID-19 immunizations. The COVID-19 vaccine was announced for children aged 15-18 years old in phase one of India’s children’s vaccinations, which began on January 3 this year and was later expanded to include children aged 12 and above on March 16.

Covaxin from Bharat Biotech is currently being provided to children between the ages of 15 and 18 in both private and government vaccination centres, while Corbevax is only being administered in government centres to children between the ages of 12 and 14.

Corbevax, India’s Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) or protein sub-unit vaccine against COVID-19, is made with the same technology that has been used to create hepatitis B vaccinations for decades. The vaccination is given via intramuscular injection, with two doses spaced 28 days apart.