Covaxin highly effective in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years: Bharat Biotech

Covaxin — a Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) has proven to be safe, well-tolerated and highly immunogenic in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years, according to the company, whose study was published in the scientific journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Bharat Biotech had conducted phase II/III, open-label, and multi-centre study to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Covaxin in healthy children and adolescents in the 2-18 years age group. The clinical trial conducted in the paediatric population between June 2021 to September 2021 has shown safety, less reactogenic, and robust immunogenicity.

The data was submitted to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in October 2021 and received a nod for emergency use in children aged 6-18 years. Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech, said, "Safety of the vaccine is critical for children and we are glad to share that Covaxin has now proven data for safety and immunogenicity in children. We have now achieved our goal of developing a safe and efficacious COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children, for primary immunisation and booster doses, making Covaxin a universal vaccine."