Karnataka: ‘COVID vaccines for kids by December; decision on reopening schools for classes 1-5 after festival’
He further said that the second clinical trial of a nasal vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech has been completed and the third one is expected to be done by November-December.
FollowKarnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar has announced that Covid-19 vaccine for children in the form of nasal drops is likely to be available by November.
After meeting Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi, Sudhakar said that the Centre is hopeful of a positive response from the final round of discussions currently underway with Zydus Cadila.
He further said that the second clinical trial of a nasal vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech has been completed and the third one is expected to be done by November-December, in the presence of Bharat Biotech chairman and managing director Krishna Ella at the meeting.
Karnataka was adjudged the best state in fighting Covid-19 and the Healthgiri Award was received by Health Minister Sudhakar.
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Speaking to reporters, Sudhakar said, “I had a detailed discussion with the Union Minister about children’s vaccination. He informed that final discussions are on with Zydus with regard to its Covid-19 vaccine for children and a positive outcome is expected. Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Elaa was also present. He told us that the second clinical trial of a nasal vaccine developed by them was completed, and the third is expected by November-December,” he added.
Adding further, he said that it was not possible to predict the third wave in the state. "We have to see who situation unfolds in the months of November and December. However, we have taken all precautions and stringent restrictions are still in place despite the pressure from neighbouring states of Kerala and Maharashtra,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, when quizzed about primary schools opening, Sudhakar had announced that a decision regarding reopening of schools for classes 1 to 5 in the state will be taken after the festival season.
“The state government has reopened educational institutions not in a ‘hurry’ but in a phased manner after discussion with parents and experts. First higher education institutions were reopened, then pre-university and later classes 9-12 and classes 6-8,” Sudhakar told reporters.
