Covid-19: SA is one of 5 countries to participate in global children’s vaccine trial

Cape Town – South Africa is set to participate in the global children’s vaccine trial, a report says, adding that the first child will be vaccinated in Pretoria on Friday, September 10.

At least 2 000 South African children are expected to take part in the trial, which will include children aged between six months and 17 years, reported eNCA on Thursday.

“South Africa is one of five countries to participate in the global children’s vaccine trial.

“SAHPRA and the World Health Organisation have approved the trial,” the report said.

[BREAKING NEWS] South Africa is one of five countries to participate in the global children’s vaccine trial. The first child will be vaccinated in Pretoria tomorrow. The global trial will enrol 14,000 children aged six months to 17-years. More on #eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/6vOTF9vqd9

— eNCA (@eNCA) September 9, 2021

The global trial will enrol 14 000 children, and it (trial) is being conducted by a Pretoria company for Chinese vaccine manufacturer, Sinovac, said the report.

The children will receive two doses, 28 days apart.

This comes as BBC reported this week that millions of children were being offered a Covid vaccine, including all 16 to to 17-yearr-olds, and at risk 12- to 15-year-olds.

“However, healthy children aged 12-15 and those who are younger are not being offered the jab,” said the report.

But the Chilean government recently approved Sinovac Biotech’s vaccine for use on children as young as six, with shots being administered beginning this month, according to Daily Maverick.