The imminent third wave of Covid-19 is likely to come late, as per a new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research, giving a window period of six-eight months to immunise the entire population of the country. 

“The ICMR has come up with a study which says the third wave is likely to come late. We have a window period of 6-8 months to immunise everybody in the country. In the coming days, our target is to administer one crore doses every day,” Dr NK Arora, Chairman, COVID working group said on Sunday.

Dr Arora further said that the trial for Zydus Cadila vaccine is almost complete and that by July end or in August, we might be able to start administering this vaccine to children of 12-18 age group. 

Zydus is likely to soon apply to the Drugs Controller General of India for emergency use authorisation for its vaccine ZyCoV-D, which it claims can be given to both adults and children.

AIIMS Chief Dr Randeep Guleria also said that making COVID-19 vaccine available for children will be a milestone achievement and pave the way for reopening of schools and resumption of outdoor activities for them,

He said the data of Phase 2 and 3 trial of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin on 2-18 years age group is expected by September. The vaccine can be available for children in India around that time following approval from the drug regulator, he said.

“If the Pfizer vaccine gets approval before that, then it can also be an option for children,” Dr Guleria said, adding, “If the Zydus vaccine gets approval, it will be another option.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called vaccine hesitancy in some people dangerous during his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat earlier today. “I urge you all to trust science. Trust our scientists. So many people have taken the vaccine. Let us never believe in negative rumours relating to the vaccine,” he said.