Reopening of schools: Wait for 2-3 months till children get vaccinated against Covid-19, says Dr Trehan

Coronavirus India Update: Stating that India approved Zydus Cadila's DNA vaccine for emergency use in adults and children, Medanta Chairman and Managing Director Dr Naresh Trehan on Sunday cautioned against the reopening of schools and said that since the vaccine is around the corner, the government should wait for two-three months till the children get vaccinated against Covid-19.

Dr Trehan said, "I believe that we should be a lot more cautious. And the fact is that the vaccine is now around the corner because the drug controller just approved the Zydus vaccine."

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"So even if people get one dose, we know that the protection goes up 30 per cent to 50 per cent," he said.

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"So, we should be patient for another two-three months till the vaccine arrives, children get vaccinated, and then they should be allowed to go to school but it seems we are in a rush right now to open schools." Dr Naresh Trehan's said as the Delhi government announced the reopening of schools in the national capital from September 1 for classes 9-12.

However, students will need parents consent and no one will be forced to attend the classes. Some groups of doctors, academicians called for an immediate resumption of in-person classes in schools.

On August 23, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved Zydus Cadila's DNA vaccine for emergency use in adults and children aged 12 years and above.

It is considered a timely move amid warnings of an upcoming third wave in the country. Recently, a committee of experts under the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) warned of the third COVID-19 wave that could peak around October and sought better preparedness for children.

-PTC News