Bharat Biotech urges health workers to ensure only Covaxin is administered to 15-18 age group
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Hyderabad: Bharat Biotech on Friday urged healthcare workers to be vigilant and ensure only Covaxin is being administered to children between 15-18 as it is the only approved COVID vaccine for this particular population category.
The statement comes after the company received reports of other vaccines, which have not been approved for children, being administered to the newly eligible group.
"We have received several reports of other COVID-19 vaccines being administered to individuals in the 15-18 years age group. We humbly request healthcare workers to be highly vigilant and ensure that only Covaxin is administered to individuals in the 15-18 years age group," the Hyderabad-based vaccine maker said in a statement, shared late at night on Twitter.
It added that Covaxin received approval based on a thorough clinical trial evaluation for safety and immunogenicity in the 2-18 years age group. Currently, it is the only COVID-19 vaccine in India approved for children.
Earlier in the day, Bharat Biotech had issued a clarification saying that no painkillers are recommended for children taking the Covaxin jab.
"We have received feedback that certain immunization centres are recommending taking 3 paracetamol 500 mg tablets along with Covaxin for children. No paracetamol or pain killers are recommended after being vaccinated with Covaxin," it said in a statement.
India opened up vaccination against Covid-19 for children of age 15 and above on January 3, as soon as the company received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). So far, the government has approved only Covaxin as a safe vaccine for the under 18 age group.
The Union Health Ministry has informed the States and UTs that only 'Covaxin' is to be administered in this population category and additional doses of 'Covaxin' will be sent to all states and UTs.