New Delhi:

The Phase II/III clinical trials of Covaxin, indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, in the 2-18-year-olds will begin in the next 10-12 days, senior NITI Aayog member VK Paul announced Tuesday.

The proposal was deliberated in Subject Expert Committee (SEC) (COVID-19) on May 11, the Health Ministry said last week.

“COVAXIN has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), for Phase II/III clinical trials in the age group of 2 to 18 years. I have been told that trials will begin in the next 10-12 days,” said Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog.

The trial will take place in 525 subjects at various sites.

Covaxin, along with Covishield, is being used in adults in India’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive.