Administration of ZyCoV-D vaccine requires special training;awaiting NTAGI’s final advice: Dr VK Paul

New Delhi: Zydus Cadila’s vaccine, ZyCoV-D, is the country’s first needle-free Covid-19 vaccine approved for children over the age of 12 for emergency use. Previously, the Subject Experts Committee (SEC) recommended Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for emergency use in children.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog, stated that administering the ZyCoV-D vaccine requires special training.

“So it is a vaccine and is known by the name ZyCoV-D, the DNA vaccine, which is a three-dose vaccine. It is now licenced for children ages above 12 years. It is an extremely safe, homegrown vaccine made with fundingfrom the DBT etc. So it’s a very special vaccine. This is an achievement of India and the industry is very proud of this vaccine,” said Dr Paul.

Further explaining the ZyCoV-D vaccine application, he said, “As you know, this is a slightly different vaccine in the sense that it is not given through a syringe or needle. It is given through an applicator or a jet that impinges on theskin and the vaccine gets deposited just below the skin.”

Talking about its doses he said, “Two doses are given as the first dose and then you repeat and repeat. So it’s somewhat different and the important aspect is training, which is important for the team, state-level and sub-state level, that is one. Secondly, use an applicator and not a syringe. Provision and training to use the application are going on.”Giving insights on its current situation and how to incorporate it into the national programme,” Dr Paul said, “We are waiting for National Technical Advisory Group on immunizations (NTAGI) final advice on what is the best use of the stockpile, that is available to us to the tune of about three crore doses.”

What is the best way to use it, should we use it for children.Should we use it for adults?They know the technicality, scientific speciality specific characteristics of this vaccine.We look forward to the decision, work is in progress, but we are, we are moving forward for incorporating this vaccine into our national programme,” he added.

 

Medically Speaking

Recent Posts

Harness the Power of Rice Water

Rice water, rich in inositol, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, protects hair from sunlight damage and…

14 hours ago

“8 Powerful Herbs and Supplements to Beat Bloating and Boost Your Gut Health Naturally”

Natural Remedies for Bloating: 8 Herbs and Supplements That Work Wonders for Your Gut Health…

15 hours ago

“Unlock the Power of Oil Pulling: Discover How This Simple Practice Improves Oral Health and Freshens Your Breath”

Benefits of Oil Pulling: Stops Bad Breath, Keeps Gums Healthy, But Can't Replace Brushing Oil…

15 hours ago

WHY DO YOU EXPERIENCE RUNNY NOSE AFTER EATING SPICY FOOD?

Spicy food – whether it’s a dash of chili in your curry, a spoonful of…

15 hours ago

“4 Simple Tests to Spot Adulterated Wheat Flour: Protect Your Health with These Easy Checks”

How To Identify Adulterated Wheat Flour? Try These 4 Easy Tests Wheat flour is a…

15 hours ago

“Unlock the Power of Jaggery: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Eating It After Every Meal”

Reasons That Will Make You Eat Jaggery After Every Meal (Potential Health Benefits Inside) Jaggery,…

15 hours ago