World's First Intranasal Covid-19 Vaccine Launched, What Is Unique About This?

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Science-Technology Minister Jitendra Singh launched the world's first intranasal Covid-19 vaccine iNCOVACC on Thursday. 

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which manufactures Covaxin, has developed it in collaboration with the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). 

The intranasal vaccine will be given as a booster dose to those taking vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield. However, it can also be used as a primary vaccine.

Two doses of the vaccine are to be given 28 days apart. Booking for this vaccine will be done from Cowin portal only.

Vaccine will be available at govt hospitals for Rs 325 per dose and for Rs 800 at pvt hospitals

The vaccine will be available at the government hospitals for Rs 325 per dose, while it will cost Rs 800 to private hospitals.

The company, in December 2022, got the approval for the primary 2-dose schedule, and as a booster dose. 

Prior to that, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had approved the restricted use of the intranasal vaccine in emergency situations in the age group of 18 and above.

It does not need to be given by injection, nor is it administered like an oral vaccine. It's kind of like a nasal spray.

Dr. Krishna Ella, Managing Director and Chairman of Bharat Biotech had said some time ago that like polio, 4 drops of this vaccine is also enough. Two drops will be put in both the nostrils.

This nasal vaccine has been named iNCOVACC. Earlier it was named BBV154. Significantly, it blocks both infection and transmission of Corona as soon as it enters the body. 

This vaccine is not given by injection, so there is no risk of infection. Healthcare workers giving it will also not need any special training.

Nasal vaccines are more effective

Nasal vaccines have the potential to be more effective at preventing infections because they target the mucosal linings of the nasal airways, which is the point of entry for the coronavirus. 

By protecting these linings, the vaccine can block the infection and transmission of the virus in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. INCOVACC is recommended as the first booster shot. The vaccine will be administered to people twice with a gap of 28 days.