Govt working actively to seek scientific validation of COVID vaccine use in children, says Dr VK Paul

NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul (File image)

Niti Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul on September 9 said that government is working actively in direction of scientific validation of the vaccines for potential use in children.

"Only a few nations have introduced vaccination for children, no WHO recommendation for it...government is working actively in direction of scientific validation of our vaccines for potential use in children. Zydus vaccine already licensed for children," said Paul during a press conference.

However, he added that vaccinating children against COVID-19 is not a criteria for reopening of schools. This criterion is not acceptable anywhere in the world.

"Vaccinating children is not a condition for reopening schools. This criterion is not acceptable anywhere in the world, no scientific body, epidemiological evidence suggests it as a condition...However, vaccination of staff is desirable."

His remarks come amidst rising demands to ensure vaccination of children before the reopening of schools in the country.

Paul revealed that the government is waiting for the results of Phase 2 and phase 3 trials of Bharat Biotech International Limited’s nasal vaccine which are currently in continuation.

"...We should wait for the results. Phase 1 trial results have been promising & since it's a nasal vaccine, it will prevent virus entry, rest can be said once we have results," he added.

Phase 2/3 trials of Bharat Biotech International Limited’s nasal vaccine against COVID-19 are likely to begin “within a couple of weeks” at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, according to news agency ANI.

Paul further noted that about 72 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far. "It's clear that two doses show complete protection, 58% above 18 years given single dose, it should be 100 percent. No one should be left behind...About 72 crore vaccine doses given, those left should get administered to develop herd immunity," he said.