NEW DELHI: There is good news in the offing, and a matter of pride for India, as the trials for homegrown vaccine COVAXIN booster dose have shown ‘promising’ results.
Six months after receipt of the second COVAXIN dose, participants received a third booster dose of COVAXIN which resulted in the following findings: The phase 2, double-blind, randomized controlled COVAXIN trial demonstrated long-term safety with no serious adverse events.
90% of its recipients had a detectable neutralizing antibody response against the wild-type strain. Neutralization titers against wild-type and Delta variants were 5 times higher than after a two-dose schedule.
The survey came ahead of Jan 10 schedule for seniors , 60 and above with comorbidities, which allows them to have a booster dose.
On Jan 8, this year, Bharat Biotech, developer of vaccines for infectious diseases, announced the results from the highly anticipated trial studying the immunogenicity and safety of the COVAXIN, COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose.
COVAXIN is the first vaccine (in India) to report safety and immunogenicity results from a booster clinical trial.
Dr Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, said, “These trial results provide a strong foundation towards our goal to provide COVAXIN as a booster dose. Our goals of developing a global vaccine against COVID-19 have been achieved with COVAXIN indicated for adults, children, 2 dose primary and booster doses. This enables the use of COVAXIN as a universal vaccine.”
COVAXIN is formulated uniquely such that the same dosage can be administered to adults and children alike. The same vaccine can also be used for 2 doses of primary immunization and for booster dose vaccinations, making it truly a universal vaccine.
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When it comes to getting a vaccine to protect yourself against a disease like COVID-19, booster shots can be a normal part of the vaccination process. “Booster” basically refers to an extra dose of a vaccine after the original (or primary) dose is administered.
While in some countries like the US and Israel, vaccine boosters are being administered in full swing, India is yet to consider authorizing the same in the country. The first round of booster doses is set to roll out on 10th January for healthcare and frontline workers. People above the age of 60 with co-morbidities.
This analysis re-emphasises Bharat Biotech’s continued efforts to stay ahead of COVID-19, and this update provides a comprehensive vaccine booster strategy.
A booster vaccination is safe and may be necessary to ensure persistent immunity to prevent breakthrough infections.