SII seeks inclusion of COVID jab Covovax in CoWIN portal, as heterologous booster dose for adults
The Hindu
It was granted emergency-use listing by the World Health Organization on December 17, 2021
The Serum Institute of India has written to the Union Health Ministry seeking the inclusion of its COVID vaccine Covovax in the CoWIN portal, as a heterologous booster dose for adults, official sources said on Wednesday.
The letter was written by Prakash Kumar Singh, director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at the Serum Institute of India (SII), they said.
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) is likely to hold a meeting soon, to decide on the matter.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on January 16 approved the market authorisation for Covovax for those who have been administered two doses of either Covishield or Covaxin.
Its approval was based on the recommendations by the subject expert committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
The DCGI approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on December 28, 2021; in the 12-17 age group on March 9, 2022; and also among children aged seven to 11 years on June 28 last year, subject to certain conditions.
Covovax is manufactured through technology transfer from Novavax.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.