“CDSCO has received results from Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin clinical studies in the 2 – 18 age group (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation). The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) thoroughly analyzed the data and made positive recommendations “According to the Hyderabad-based firm. The final approval is pending and will be given by the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI).

After its final approval, Covaxin will be only the second vaccination approved for use on children in India; Zydus Cadila’s three-dose DNA vaccine was approved for use on adults and children over the age of 12 in August.

The Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech said it had submitted data on vaccine trials on children last week on October 6. The Covaxin vaccination used on children is the same as that used on adults, but separate trials were required to ensure the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in children.

After administering about 96 crore doses to adults, India is quietly shifting its focus to vaccination children against the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Covaxin has failed to receive an EUA, or emergency use authorization, from the World Health Organization. Following delays in the process (the WHO had requested additional trial data from Bharat Biotech), a verdict is likely next week.

There is no change in the schedule of Covishield doses; it will be administered in two doses only. After the first Covishield dose is administered, the second dose will be given after 12 weeks. The same regimen will be followed for the Covaxin schedule, the second dose to be administered in 4-6 weeks,” said  Dr. Vinod K Paul, Niti Ayog member (health) at a press briefing. He also added, “The rumor that Covishield can be taken in one dose has been circulating, but this is untrue. Please don’t spread false information about this.”

The health ministry announced today that research on mixing different vaccines will be done, but that it will remain an unresolved scientific matter for the time being, and that no vaccinations would be mixed until solid research supports it.

“It’s a scientific curiosity, and science will resolve it,” Dr. Paul said at a news conference on Tuesday. “Until then, there will be no mixing of vaccines.”