NEW DELHI: National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) chairman Dr. NK Arora said that the Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine for children above 12 years is expected to be available by August as its trials are likely to be completed by the end of next month.

"Trial will almost complete till July-end and in August, we will be able to vaccinate children aged between 12-18 years," said NTAGI chief.

He also stated that the government is planning to administer 1 crore doses every day to achieve the target of immunising everyone in the country within 6 to 8 months.

"ICMR has come up with a study which says 3rd 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 1 crore doses every day. It is important that people come forward proactively and take the vaccines, that's absolutely necessary. There are several rumours, misinformation which is spreading in the country. Similarly, people have some vague fear in their minds. They think there may be some side effect or vaccine may be unsafe," said Dr. Arora.

He further said, "Scientifically, we have been looking at adverse events during vaccination, 95-96 per cent people have only mild fever or local pain, 4-5 per cent people have been hospitalised due to an allergy or some get anxious and they have to be hospitalised but otherwise these vaccines are absolutely safe."