Corona vaccine in adolescents and children

The purpose is to fill the gap towards the goal of herd immunity. Maximizing the bracket of vaccination to all age group can only help to eliminate the pandemic.

The series of vaccines approved till date for adolescents and children. 

Vaccines authorized for 5-11 years old:

–Pfizer -BioNtech

Age group of 12- 17 years

— Pfizer -BioNtech

—  Covaxin of  Bharat Biotech, ZyCov-D of Zydus, Covovax of Novavax 

 Although these vaccines haven’t got EUL from WHO. They can be used regionally in countries where they have been approved. 

 

US FDA has approved the emergency use of Pfizer -BioNtech vaccine in 5 years and above.

In 5-11 years the vaccine involves two shots, given 3 weeks apart.

In 12-17 years the vaccines are given at 3-8 weeks apart.

COVOVAX–

It is the first “protein based vaccine” using nanotechnology. The Novavax candidate  NVX- 2373 is a recombinant “nanoparticle” subunit protein inducing immune response.  

The vaccine is effective in 2 to 8 degree celsius. Efficacy is around 90%. It is given in two intramuscular doses found effective for newer variants of Corona viruses including Omicron. Recently a paediatrics trial was conducted at 10 sites of India with successful results.

ZYCOV-D–

It is based on plasmid DNA  which has genes encoding the spike proteins present on the surface of the corona virus. After injection, the plasmid is integrated to the nucleus of host cell where it is replicated to m-RNA which codes for the spike proteins.

It is the first DNA based Corona vaccine approved in the world using the plasmid based technology. DCGI in India has approved its use in adolescents above 12-17years.

The vaccine works as “needle less ” pharm jet technology  with intradermal delivery of vaccine. 

Other vaccine approved in India is Covaxin in adolescents.

Not all these vaccines got EUL approval from WHO. But they got approval from particular countries for emergency use.