When you can get Covovax as booster dose in India and other FAQs answered
The DCGI had previously authorised Covovax for limited use in emergency cases. Photo: dailyO
With neighbour China seeing an unanticipated rise in Covid-19 cases, India is taking all necessary precautions and has recommended that Serum Institute of India's Covovax be approved for distribution as a booster dose.
Did Covovax receive the government's approval?
The government drug regulatory authority, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has recommended that the Serum Institute of India's Covid vaccine Covovax be approved for distribution as a heterologous booster dosage for people who have already had two doses of Covishield or Covaxin.
However, this is not the first time this drug has come into the picture:
- The DCGI had previously authorised Covovax for limited use in emergency cases in adults on December 28, 2021, and for those aged 12 to 17 on March 9, subject to specified conditions.
What is Covovax?
Covovax is a spike protein nanoparticle vaccine that was authorised for adult and paediatric usage last year. It is made using technology transferred from the American biotechnology company Novavax.
Can you take Covovax if you had Covishield or Covaxin?
Since the Indian administration had permitted the mixing and matching of vaccines towards the end of last year, you can get Covovax if you had either Covishield or Covaxin.
How many booster doses do you need to take?
In general, Covovax was given intramuscularly in two doses, with a three-week interval between jabs recommended by the Serum Institute of India. But now it will be given as a booster, so one dose is good enough.
PS: You don't need a Covovax booster dose if you already had taken one from the available options.
Where is the booster dose for Covid available?
You can take the booster dose at any government or private vaccination centre. Notably, you have to carry your final certificate of vaccination which includes details of both first and second doses.