News: Central Drugs and Standards Committee(CDSCO) has approved the COVID-19 vaccines COVISHIELD and COVAXIN for restricted use in emergency situations. Initially, the 3 crore medical personnel considered at the highest risk for COVID-19, would be given the vaccine for free. Facts: Source: The Hindu COVISHIELD: It is a vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India… Continue reading India approves two COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use
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Approval to Covaxin, and Covishield Vaccines: Concerns and way forward
This article has been developed based on the Indian Express article “Turning point”. Synopsis- The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved two vaccines — the indigenously developed Covaxin, and Covishield. There are several concerns associated with the hasty approval of vaccines. About Vaccines COVISHIELD: This vaccine is incubated in the laboratories of Oxford University and… Continue reading Approval to Covaxin, and Covishield Vaccines: Concerns and way forward
Concerns of hasty approval to COVID-19 vaccine
Synopsis- Concerns regarding hasty approval granted to the COVID-19 vaccines despites the lack of adequate efficacy data. Background- The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the Subject Expert Committee’s recommendation for emergency use of Serum Institute of India’s Covishieldand Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. Covishieldis the same vaccine as developed by Oxford- AstraZeneca, which has got emergency use approval in the… Continue reading Concerns of hasty approval to COVID-19 vaccine
Expert panel grants emergency use authorisation for Oxford vaccine
News: The subject expert committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO) has recommended COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield for emergency use authorisation. Facts: COVISHIELD: The Oxford vaccine “AZD1222” is being called Covishield in India. Serum Institute of India(SII) has entered into a manufacturing partnership with Oxford University and Pharma major AstraZeneca to produce this vaccine in India. Technology: Covishield… Continue reading Expert panel grants emergency use authorisation for Oxford vaccine
Health Ministry plans communication strategy
News: Union Health Ministry has released a communication strategy to support the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in India that seeks to disseminate accurate and transparent information by alleviating apprehensions and ensuring its acceptance. Facts: About the strategy: The key areas that will be addressed as part of interventions under the strategy are: Giving information on Covid-19 vaccines Addressing… Continue reading Health Ministry plans communication strategy
Government launches Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia(INSACOG) Group
News: Government of India has launched the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia Group(INSACOG). Facts: INSACOG: It has been established to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network. Composition: It comprises 10 labs (NIBMG Kolkata, ILS Bhubaneswar, NIV Pune, CCS Pune, CCMB Hyderabad, CDFD Hyderabad, InSTEM Bengaluru, NIMHANS Bengaluru, IGIB Delhi… Continue reading Government launches Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia(INSACOG) Group
More genome sequencing to study the spread of the variants
Synopsis- There is need for more genome sequencing from samples from all over the world in order to come up with effective approaches to control and prevent COVID-19 infections. Background- A new variant of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Britain and prompting high levels of concern. Six samples of the recent U.K. returnees have been found… Continue reading More genome sequencing to study the spread of the variants
Mutated virus does not cause more fatalities: report
Source: The Hindu News: According to a study by Public Health England, the new mutated variant of the novel coronavirus does not appear to cause more severe illness than other variants. Facts: About the Study: Under the study, researchers compared 1,769 people infected with the new variant with the same number of people who had different… Continue reading Mutated virus does not cause more fatalities: report
Dry Run and Challenges of Vaccines distribution in India
Synopsis: Indian is one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturer, thus will have better access to vaccines, but the distribution of manufactured vaccine will prove to be a formidable task. Dry run to test preparedness for the nationwide roll-out of a COVID-19 vaccine kicked off in four States — Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab.… Continue reading Dry Run and Challenges of Vaccines distribution in India
Essentiality of Dry run for COVID vaccines
Synopsis: Dry runs aimed at testing the planned operations are essential for Covid 19 vaccination process. Background In the coming weeks, the Phase-3 data of two COVID-19 vaccines tested by Indian manufacturers are expected to be submitted for emergency use approval. A countrywide rollout to immunize the four high-risk groups will begin soon in India if any of the vaccines gets… Continue reading Essentiality of Dry run for COVID vaccines
