Covaxin gets a nod for emergency use for 12-18 age group by DGCI

Covaxin is now the second vaccine cleared for use for children in India

December 25, 2021

Covaxin gets emergency use approval for children aged between 12-18 years

As Omicron cases surges in India, the Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech‘s Covaxin on Saturday got approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for emergency use for children aged between 12-18 years.

Bharat Biotech had submitted data from clinical trials in the 12-18 years age group for Covaxin (BBV152) to Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

The data was reviewed by the CDSCO and Subject Experts Committee (SEC) and has provided their positive recommendations.

Covaxin is now the second vaccine cleared for use for children in India.

Earlier, Zydus Cadila‘s three-dose DNA vaccine was allowed to be used on adults and children over the age of 12.

Meanwhile, the Omicron cases have been on a rise. India has a total of 415 cases of the Omicron variant. However, out of total Omicron positive cases, 115 have been discharged. So far, a total of 17 states have reported the Omicron infection, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday.

Also, India Saturday registered 7,189 fresh Covid cases in a span of 24 hours. A total of 387 deaths have also been reported in the same time, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday.

With the addition of 358 new deaths, the total death toll has climbed to 4,79,520.

With the administration of 66,09,113 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 141 crores as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Saturday.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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