Bengaluru, Dec 02 : Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa virtually inaugurated phase-3 clinical trials of ‘Covaxin’ (COVID-19 vaccine), which is being developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The trials are conducted at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Bengaluru. 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.

‘Covaxin’ is India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine and has been approved for phase-3 clinical trials on 26,000 participants in over 25 centres across India. The hospital has roped in Clintrac International Ltd for the trials, which will involve about 1,000 volunteers. 

Earlier, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre official K. Ravi Babu told “The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) has permitted our hospital to conduct the third phase trial for Covaxin developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech. Though the volunteers need not stay in the hospital,  they would be monitored daily through phone/video call for feedback and updates.

Karnataka is fully prepared for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccine

Karnataka Health Minister Sudhakar K said, “It’s a happy day for Karnataka as ICMR gave permission to Vydehi institution. I think they are doing clinical trial on about 1600-1800 people in Karnataka. Chief Minister has officially announced and given first dose today through Vydehi institution. I hope 3rd phase will be very successful and will be devoid of adverse effects on any individual and Karnataka is fully prepared for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccine”.

People should be wary of rumours and misinformation during this trial period, there may be side effects of vaccination and experts will be observing it carefully and there was no need for panic at this stage, Sudhakar said. 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 Rs 300 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 storage of vaccines.

Regional centres are being set up in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Ballari, he said, adding that Healthcare workers will be given vaccination in the first phase followed by frontline warriors, people aged above 50 and those with comorbidities.

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