Covid: From today, nasal vaccine to be part of India's programme as govt clears Bharat Biotech's booster

Days after the Indian government warned people that "Covid is not over yet", a nasal vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech has been approved by the Union Health Ministry, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI.

The intranasal vaccine, codenamed BBV154, will be added to India's vaccination programme as a booster dose for adults. It will be available at private health facilities, and available as an option on the Co-WIN online platform.

The needle-less vaccine was approved by the Drugs Controller General of India in November 2022 for restricted use in an emergency situation for adults as a heterologous booster dose.

The approval for the vaccine comes amid a spurt in Covid cases in China and some other countries.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Thursday cautioned people against complacency and urged them to wear masks in crowded places, while also directing officials to strengthen surveillance measures, especially at international airports.

(With PTI inputs)