Key points:
- Several companies and organizations have produced vaccines that are undergoing a testing and approval process.
- Johnson & Johnson, the American medical device firm, plans to start its experimental vaccine in children under the 12-18 age range.
- The Union health ministry (UHM) has advised States and Union Territories (UTs) to set up committees to track and organize ground-level vaccination.
- The All India Institute of Medical Sciences is expected to send a recommendation to its ethics committee.
- The United Kingdom’s drug regulator has begun speeding evaluations of Pfizer Inc.
As the winter season begins, many countries around the world are experiencing an increase in their frequent coronavirus disease (Covid-19) tally.
Lockdowns, aggressive testing, the prompt supply of medicines or medications are some of the ways governments are seeking to prevent another outbreak of infectious disease from recurring, infecting almost 46 million people, and killing 1,193,744.
The production of a vaccine is another important aspect that governments are taking into account in order to effectively combat Covid-19.
Several companies and organizations have produced vaccines that are undergoing a testing and approval process, either individually or in partnership with government authorities.
The various phases of trials are yet to be completed. China, which was the source of Covid-19 and has been blamed by many for not reporting the disease’s spread on time, has also stepped up its study and development of vaccines.
Here are the current Covid-19 vaccine developments:
The Johnson and Johnson:
1. Johnson & Johnson, the American medical device firm, plans to start its experimental vaccine in children under the 12-18 age range.
In a report, the company said that it is currently in negotiations with regulators and partners about the inclusion of the pediatric community in its vaccine trials. Afterwards, it also plans to involve many younger children in its trials.
The Novavax:
2. For its large-scale vaccine research, which is scheduled to begin next month in the United States and Mexico, another American vaccine corporation, Novavax Inc, has outlined clear diversity objectives.
At a meeting of advisors to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the organization said it plans to include in its study 10% to 20% Latinos, 15% Black or African Americans, and 2% Native Americans.
The Union Health Ministry:
3. In India, The Union health ministry (UHM) has advised States and Union Territories (UTs) to set up committees to track and organize ground-level vaccination, while at the same time ensuring minute interruptions in other health care facilities.
In a letter to States and Union areas, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the committees would organize cold chain augmentation, capacity-building efforts of vaccinators and, if possible, field personnel.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS):
4. In order to launch the Phase 3 trial of the Bharat Biotech Covid-19 vaccine candidate in Delhi, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is likely to send a recommendation to its ethics committee.
Bharat Biotech obtained clearance from India’s Drug Controller General (DGCI) last week to perform phase 3 clinical trials of its vaccine product, Covaxin, and AIIMS Delhi is among the sites chosen for trials throughout India.
Pfizer Inc:
5. The United Kingdom’s drug regulator has begun speeding evaluations of Pfizer Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc’s Covid-19 vaccines under production, as it gets ready to authorize the first good shot at the earliest.
Among the front leaders who should get shots cleared for use this year are Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
