Chinese COVID vaccine CoronaVac found safe, effective in children: Study

Two doses of the China-made COVID-19 vaccine, CoronaVac, are effective in children and adolescents aged 3-17 years, a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal stated.

The researchers conducted the phase 1/2 clinical trial of CoronaVac in healthy children and adolescents aged 3-17 years in Zanhuang County, China. The Study found that over 96% of children and adolescents who received two doses of the vaccine developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

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The researchers said the vaccine was safe as the most adverse reactions were mild or moderate, with pain at the injection site the most commonly reported symptom.

“Children and adolescents with COVID-19 usually have mild or asymptomatic infections compared with adults. However, a small number may still be at risk of severe illness,” said Qiang Gao from Sinovac Life Sciences, China.

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“They can also transmit the virus to others, making it vital to test the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in younger age groups,” Gao said.

Only one serious adverse reaction — a case of pneumonia — was reported in the control group, however, this was unrelated to the COVID-19 vaccination, the researchers said.