Johnson & Johnson has sought authorization in India to undertake COVID-19 vaccination studies on youngsters aged 12-17.
The American pharmaceutical company said in a brief statement today that it submitted its application on Tuesday and that it is “critical” to guarantee that all segments of the population, including children, get vaccinated against the coronavirus as soon as possible to halt the virus.
“To achieve herd immunity, in the long run, it is important that COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials continue in this demographic, and we remain strongly dedicated to the critical work required to make our COVID-19 vaccine equitable to all age groups,” the statement said.
The business has already acquired EUA, or emergency use authorization, for its single-dose vaccination, which will be distributed through an arrangement with Biological E. Limited of Hyderabad.
According to studies, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 66% effective at preventing moderate to severe sickness caused by Covid and 85% effective against severe cases.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Health Minister, said Thursday that Covid vaccinations for youngsters will be available “very soon.”
He said that two more studies – performed by Bharat Biotech and Zydus Cadila – are now underway, with findings expected next month.
Additionally, Dr. Randeep Guleria, the director of Delhi’s famous All India Institute of Medical Sciences, told NDTV last month that children’s vaccinations might be ready by September. He stated that childhood immunizations will “provide a significant boost (to) breaking the cycle of transmission.”
Clinical trials examining the safety and efficiency of vaccines for children have received increased attention in recent weeks and months, with worries that future waves of illness would target individuals under the age of 18.
This worry has been heightened when schools and universities around the country resume operations.
Numerous jurisdictions have begun expanding their pediatric infrastructure, including expanding hospital beds and stockpiling medications and medical oxygen.
Health officials have taken note of developments in the United States, where a record number of youngsters have been hospitalized as the ‘delta’ strain spreads among unvaccinated communities.