India approves COVID-19 vaccines developed by SII and Bharat Biotech
India’s 1st COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 03 January 2021. Two vaccines developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech have gained approval. DCGI VG Somani stated that CDSCO accepts the subject expert committee (SEC) reform assignments on Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech COVID-19 vaccines.
The SEC under CDSCO had actually suggested Covishield – the Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which is being produced by the SII for EUA and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for restricted usage.
DCGI stated that the Covishield COVID-19 vaccine has an overall efficiency of 70.42%. However, Covaxin is safe and offers a strong immune response.
He stated that they would never authorize anything if there is even the tiniest concern regarding safety. The vaccines approved in India is 100% safe. However, few adverse effects like moderate fever, pain, and allergy are observed in some individuals, which is common in every vaccine. Most notably, the rumor that the vaccine causes impotence is utter rubbish.
The Serum Institute of India, Pune, is locally manufacturing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. SII is the globe’s biggest vaccine producer. It claims it is
manufacturing over 50 million doses per month.Covishield vaccine will be given in 2 dosages offered between 4 and 12 weeks apart. The vaccine can be safely stored at 2-8°C, about the same as a residential refrigerator, and can be delivered in health care setups.
Who will be the first receivers of the vaccine
Initially, the whole vaccination drive will be voluntary. The Indian govt has already declared that the first set of people will be 30 million (3 crores) employees at the forefront of India’s fight against the COVID-19. 30 million people include 1 crore of health care workers and the remaining 2 crore frontline workers. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Health Minister, stated that the vaccine would certainly be given at zero cost. A third priority group, around 27 crore people over 50 years and people below 50 years but with associated comorbidities, will be receiving the vaccine in the initial phase.
India approves COVID-19 vaccines developed by SII and Bharat Biotech
