The randomised trial on 550 children found that over 96 per cent of youngsters and adolescents who received two doses of the vaccine, manufactured by Sinovac, developed antibodies against Sars-CoV-2. Most adverse reactions were mild or moderate, with pain at the injection site the foremost commonly reported symptom, the researchers said, consistent with press agency PTI.
"Children and adolescents with Covid-19 usually have mild or asymptomatic infections compared with adults. However, alittle number should be in danger of severe illness. they will also transmit the virus to others, making it vital to check the security and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines in younger age groups,," said Qiang Gao from Sinovac Life Sciences, China.
The vaccine - either 1.5 microgram (μg) or 3μg per dose or an impact was given by injection in two doses, at day 0 and day 28. Among the 550 participants who received a minimum of one dose of vaccine or the control, adverse reactions within 28 days occurred in 56 (26 per cent) of 219 participants within the 1.5μg group. Such adverse incidences were reported in 63 (29 per cent) of 217 participants within the 3μg group, and 27 (24 per cent) of 114 within the control group.
Only one serious adverse reaction, a case of pneumonia, was reported within the control group, however, this was unrelated to the Covid-19 vaccination. In phase 1, 100 per cent of participants in both the 1.5μg and 3μg groups generated antibodies against SARS-CoV-2., the researchers said.
Stronger immune responses -- determined by the quantity of antibodies produced which will neutralise the virus -- were detected among the 3μg group compared with the 1.5μg group. In phase 2, 97 per cent of participants within the 1.5μg group produced antibodies against Sars-CoV-2, compared with 100 per cent within the 3μg group. Participants within the 3μg group again produced a stronger immune reaction than those within the 1.5μg group, the study stated.
The researchers noted that immune responses among children and adolescents were above those measured in adults aged 18-59 years and elderly aged 60 years and older. The researchers recommended two 3μg doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for youngsters and adolescents aged 3-17 years supported their results.
