Oxford University starts COVID-19 vaccine trial in children ages 6 to 17

Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-vaccine-oxford-trial-children/

Excerpt:

In a key step toward ending the coronavirus pandemic, kids as young as 6 years old will be included in the clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine. The University of Oxford has launched a new study to assess the safety and effectiveness of its vaccine with AstraZeneca in children for the first time. 

In a new statement, the university says the trial will assess immune response in kids ages 6 to 17, an age group hit hard by school closures due to the pandemic. Around 300 volunteers are enrolled, expected to get their first inoculations this month. 

In the single-blind, randomized study, up to 240 participants will receive the COVID vaccine, while the control group will receive a meningitis vaccine, which is safe for children and produces a similar reaction. 

Author(s): Sophie Lewis

Publication Date: 14 February 2021

Publication Site: CBS News