Amid the growing threat of COVID infection in children with the onset of the third wave of coronavirus, the nation has boosted vaccine trials among this category. As per reports, the second phase of COVAXIN trials for kids (age 12 to 18) has gained momentum at the Prakhar Hospital in Arya Nagar, Kanpur along with 5 other locations across India.

Reportedly, this Kanpur centre is the only facility across UP that has been entrusted with the responsibility of the vaccine trials. The hospital was also included in the vaccine trials for adult, which was conducted in 3 phases.

Success of COVAXIN trials on children on Day 1

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On Tuesday, the second phase trials of Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN began at Kanpur's Prakhar Hospital, where 12 out 20 volunteers were passed the blood test and RT-PCR screening to be included in the preliminary tests. The first vaccine dose was administered by injections in these kids and most of these children were associated with paediatricians. Parents too, were enthusiastic to include their wards in the tests. Reportedly, a total of 50 such volunteers will be vaccinated in this phase of the trial process.

The Chief Investigator of the COVAXIN announced the first-day success of the vaccine trials. He informed that no child had reported any problem or complication. The trials will extend for two to three days to keep tabs on the overall health condition of the children. The second dose of the vaccine will now be administered after a gap of 28 days. Before the second dose, a blood sample will be drawn and sent to AIIMS Delhi to check for antibody development.

Doctors at the Kanpur Hospital further said that all vaccinated kids will be monitored for a period of 9 months to study the occurrence of delayed symptoms or side-effects, if any. For now, the plan is to expand the vaccination trials to include children between 6 to 12 years of age after the goal is achieved. Later on, children aged between 2 to 6 years will also be inducted into the trials.

The vaccination procedure for children is similar to that of adults. Two doses will be administered to each individual, 28 days or 4 weeks apart. Here also, the dosage will be injected with the help of a small syringe, just under the skin between the arm and shoulder. Besides Kanpur, COVID vaccine trials for children are being conducted at AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Patna, Nizam Institute Hyderabad and Belgaum.