Needle-free intranasal Covid vaccination from Bharat Biotech is authorised for use in emergencies.

• Image Credit: Internet

• Sep 6, 2022 | Sourav Boruah

 Digital Desk: According to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya,
Bharat Biotech's needle-free intranasal vaccination against Covid-19 has
received approval for use in emergencies in India. The new vaccination can be
administered via the nasal route, making it a more advantageous and safe
choice.

"India's Fight
Against COVID-19 Gets a Big Boost! The @CDSCO INDIA INF has authorised Bharat
Biotech's ChAd36-SARS-CoV-S COVID-19 (Chimpanzee Adenovirus Vectored)
recombinant nasal vaccine for primary COVID-19 immunisation in the 18+ age
category for limited usage in emergency situations, the minister tweeted.

"This action will
support our group's overall effort to combat the pandemic. Under the direction
of PM @NarendraModi Ji, India has utilised its scientific, R&D, and human
resources in the fight against COVID-19. We will beat COVID-19 with a science-driven
strategy and Sabka Prayas, he asserted in another tweet.

The rationale behind
the intranasal route platform is that both influenza and Covid-19 follow the
same pattern of infection, via the nose and mouth into the lungs, which is why
mucosal immunity is crucial. The vaccine will also employ this nasal (drop)
route.

The intranasal vaccine
has a number of advantages, according to the manufacturer, including the fact
that it is non-invasive (needle-free), simple to administer, and does not need
trained medical personnel. It also has higher compliance (suits both children
and adults well) and is scalable in terms of manufacturing.

The study sites included Prakhar Hospital in Kanpur, Rana
Hospital in Gorakhpur, Aatman Hospital in Ahmedabad (Gujarat), PGIMS in Rohtak
(Haryana), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi and Patna
(Bihar) (Uttar Pradesh).