More than 40 lakh teenagers in the 15-18 age group received their first dose of #Covid19 vaccines on Monday. Some concerns were raised about ‘expired’ #Covaxin being administered to this younger group, leading to the Health Ministry issuing a clarification. 
The Ministry described these claims as “false and misleading” and said these were based on “incomplete information”. It pointed out that the shelf life of #Covaxin, the only vaccine being given to the people below 18 years of age, had been extended: indianexpress.com/article/india/…
The Health Ministry said the shelf life of #vaccines is extended by the national regulator, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, or CDSCO, based on a comprehensive analysis and examination of stability study data furnished by the vaccine manufacturers.
With the shelf-life extension, hospitals could utilise the stock that was nearing expiry and avoid vaccine wastage. An estimated 20 crore vaccine doses are required to fully vaccinate the nearly 10 crore people in the 15-18 age group.
#vaccine #Covaxinapproval
#vaccine #Covaxinapproval
What are ‘stability’ and ‘shelf life’ of a #vaccine?
How is shelf life calculated?
Shelf life is calculated by storing the product at different temperatures for various lengths of time and then testing its effectiveness, leading virologist Dr Shahid Jameel said.
Shelf life is calculated by storing the product at different temperatures for various lengths of time and then testing its effectiveness, leading virologist Dr Shahid Jameel said.
The WHO had said that any extension in the shelf life will only apply to vaccines not yet labelled and distributed. Hence the expired or near-to-expire doses in distribution for use will not be affected by any future decision of shelf life extension.
#vaccine #Covaxinapproval
#vaccine #Covaxinapproval
Is this extension of date a special favour given to #Covaxin? Read here: indianexpress.com/article/explai…
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