Sinovac’s global trial will enrol a total of 14 000 participants across 5 countries. These countries are Chile, the Philippines, Malaysia, Kenya and South Africa.
According to Sinovac, the aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of the CoronaVac vaccine. The age group that will be taking part in the study falls between 6 months to 17 years.
“The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of two doses of CoronaVac against confirmed symptomatic Covid-19 cases in children and adolescents. Efficacy will also be evaluated against hospitalisation and severe Covid-19,” Sinovac said.
SAHPRA approved Sinovac’s trial
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved the trial to take place. The first child will be vaccinated at the MeCRU Clinical Research Unit today, 10 September. The research unit is based at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University today.
Even though vaccinations are open to citizens over the age of 18, South Africa does not accept children and adolescents in its vaccine programme.
In this week, 7 338 new Covid-19 cases have been reported, taking the total reported cases to 2 836 773.
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