The intranasal Covid vaccine iNCOVACC from Bharat Biotech will be available in the fourth week of January for Rs 325 in public hospitals and Rs 800 in private hospitals. The vaccine has been authorized to be distributed as a booster dosage for people above the age of 18 and will be listed on the CoWin app.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) gave Bharat Biotech permission to employ heterologous booster dosages of iNCOVACC earlier this month. Following booster dose tests with 875 participants at 9 trial sites across India, the national drug regulatory agency granted its approval. A heterologous booster is when a person receives a third dose of a different vaccination from the one that was given as the initial dose.
Mucosal IgA antibody levels were significantly elevated in the iNCOVACC recipients (measured in the saliva). According to the press release, mucosal IgA antibodies in the upper respiratory tract may help prevent infections and transmission. In comparison to injections, nasal vaccinations offer a number of advantages. In addition to blocking the virus’ entry routes, nasal vaccines are simple to store, produce little waste and are simple to administer.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union’s health minister, will meet virtually with state health ministers to discuss the Covid-19 situation and preparation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting earlier on Monday to assess the condition and readiness of the public health response to Covid-19.