Covaxin

Covaxin is an inactivated vaccine used for the prevention of the COVID-19 virus. It was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). Covaxin is based on a tried and tested platform of dead viruses.

Development and Approval

Covaxin was developed using a sample of the coronavirus isolated by the National Institute of Virology. The vaccine was approved for emergency use in India in January 2021. It is the first indigenous vaccine developed by India.

Efficacy

Covaxin has demonstrated an interim vaccine efficacy of 81% in its Phase 3 clinical trial. The vaccine was found to be well-tolerated and no serious safety concerns were reported.

Dosage and Administration

Covaxin is administered in two doses, four weeks apart. The vaccine is injected into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.

Side Effects

Common side effects include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, fever, and nausea. Serious side effects are rare.

Storage

Covaxin can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius, which is compatible with all national immunization program cold chain requirements.

See Also

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Bharat Biotech
• Indian Council of Medical Research
• National Institute of Virology