Guwahati: The Intranasal Covid-19 vaccine from Bharat Biotech has been authorised for use in emergencies by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
This will be India’s first nasal COVID-19 vaccination.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted that it was a “Big boost” for India’s fight against COVID-19.
He wrote, “Big Boost to India’s Fight Against COVID-19! Bharat Biotech‘s ChAd36-SARS-CoV-S COVID-19 (Chimpanzee Adenovirus Vectored) recombinant nasal vaccine approved by @CDSCO_INDIA_INF for primary immunization against COVID-19 in 18+ age group for restricted use in emergency situation.”
“This step will further strengthen our collective fight against the pandemic. India has harnessed its science, R&D, and human resources in the fight against COVID-19 under PM @NarendraModi Ji’s leadership,” he added.
He also said that we will defeat Covid-19 with a science-driven approach.
“With the science-driven approach and Sabka Prayas, we will defeat COVID-19,” he said.
The regulator approved the vaccine for primary immunisation of those aged 18 years and above, for restricted use in emergency situations, Mandaviya added.
The Hyderabad-based company finished clinical testing of the nasal vaccine with roughly 4,000 volunteers, and so far there have been no side effects or adverse reactions observed, company sources had said.