The first phase of clinical trials on humans of India’s first indigenously developed vaccine ‘Covexin’ for the prevention of Novel Corona virus began in AIIMS here on Friday and the first injection was given to a person between 30 and 40 years old. More than 3,500 people have registered themselves for testing at AIIMS since last Saturday, out of which at least 22 are under screening. This information was given by Dr. Sanjay Rai, Professor and Chief Studies, Community Medicine Center at AIIMS.

“The first person from Delhi was examined two days ago and all his health parameters were found to be at normal level,” said Rai. He does not have any other disease. The first dose of 0.5 ml from the injection was given to him around 1.30 pm. No side effects have appeared yet. He was under observation for two hours and will be monitored for the next seven days. “

They will be vaccinated on Saturday after screening reports of some more participants involved in the clinical trial. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has selected 12 institutes including AIIMS for the first and second phase clinical trials of ‘Covexin’. The first phase will test 375 people and maximum of these will be from 100 AIIMS.

According to Rai, in the second phase, a total of around 750 people from all 12 institutions will be involved. In the first phase, the vaccine will be tested on healthy people between 18 and 55 years who do not have any other disease.

According to AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria, in the second phase, this test will be done on 750 people between the ages of 12 and 65 years. So far, the first phase of human trials has started in AIIMS Patna and some other institutes. Guleria said, “In the first phase we look at vaccine safety which is most important and the dose range is also measured.”