Coronavirus Vaccine: Covaxin Phase-Three Trials Begins In Karnataka

Bengaluru: Karnataka is fully prepared for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine, Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said on Wednesday (December 2), as phase-III clinical trial of “Covaxin” being developed by Bharat Biotech began in the state. The minister said it was a matter of pride for the state with clinical trials taking place at 25 centres of 12states across the country. He said 26,000 people were being administered the vaccine with 1,600-1,800 people being vaccinated on a trial basis in Karnataka.

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People should be wary of rumours and misinformation during this trial period, he was quoted as saying by his office at the launch of the 3rd phase clinical trials of Covaxin at Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa participated in the event. Clintrac International Pvt Ltd and Vydehi Hospital have partnered to initiate the third phase of the trial, and the vaccine will be given to the volunteers in two doses, the first on Wednesday.

The second dose will be administered on December 30, officials said. Mr. Sudhakar said there may be side effects of vaccination and experts will be observing it carefully and there was no need for panic at this stage. Pointing out that the Narendra Modi government at the centre has reserved Rs 900 crore for vaccine research, he said the Yediyurappa government in Karnataka has released Rs300 crore for providing COVID treatment free of cost.

The minister said 1.25 lakh tests are conducted per day in the state and 1.2 crore free COVID tests have been conducted so far. Karnataka was fully prepared for vaccine distribution and 29,451 vaccine distribution centres have been identified with 10,008 trained staff ready for the task on hand, he noted. He also pointed out that 2,855 cold storage centres were available for the storage of vaccines. Regional centres are being set up in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Ballari, he said, adding that Healthcare workers will be given the vaccination in the first phase followed by frontline warriors, people aged above 50 and those with comorbidities.

Also Read: Karnataka Prepared For COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery And Administration, Assures State Health Minister

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.