Covaxin Likely To Work Against UK Strain; ICMR Study Shows A Comparable Neutralization Activity

The study conducted by ICMR showed that the vaccine has shown activities of neutralization against the UK strain.

New Delhi: A study conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Covaxin showed a comparable neutralization activity of the vaccinated individuals against UK-variant strain. Covaxin is a vaccine that has been completely indigenously developed and manufactured by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR and National Institute of Virology (NIV). 

 

Earlier, while talking to India Today, Dr Balram Bhargava, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said that the scientists deliberating emergency use authorisation to various vaccines felt that Covaxin can work better in protecting against the mutated COVID-19 strain by virtue of being a whole virus vaccine.

Covaxin was one of the vaccines which received approval for restricted use to prevent COVID-19. The Central Licensing Authority has granted permission for the sale or distribution of the antidote for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest as an abundant precaution, in clinical trial mode, the fact sheet said. Covaxin has been shown to generate immunity following two doses given four weeks apart. On January 16 a mass vaccination drive began in India after which many people reported adverse effects. The vaccine maker created a fact sheet on Covaxin and posted it in its website to explain the side effects, and advises who shouldn't be vaccinated.