National Vaccination Day 2023: All you need to know about Covid-19 vaccines in India

National Vaccination Day is celebrated every year in India on March 16. This day is marked to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in preventing deadly diseases and to encourage everyone to get vaccinated

Vaccination is a crucial part of public health and has been instrumental in eradicating many diseases that were once considered deadly. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that vaccination saves approximately 2–3 million lives worldwide each year. On National Vaccination Day, we bring to you all the Covid-19 vaccines available in India.

Here is the list of COVID-19 vaccines available in India:

Sputnik V
Sputnik V is the first registered vaccine against Covid-19. This vaccine was developed by Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Sputnik V is administered in two doses, with a gap of three weeks between the doses. The age criteria for the Sputnik V vaccine is 18 years of age and above. This vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in several countries, including India.

Covishield
The Covishield vaccine is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII), a company based in Pune that has been approved by the WHO. Covishield is administered in two doses, with a gap of four to six weeks between the doses. The age criteria for the Covishield vaccine is 18 years of age and above. This vaccine has been authorized for emergency use around the globe, including India.

COVAXIN
Covaxin is an indigenous vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Covaxin is administered in two doses, with a gap of four weeks between the doses. People under the age of 18 can get themselves vaccinated with Covaxin. The Indian regulatory authority has granted Covaxin emergency use authorization, and it is now being used in the country's vaccination campaign.

Zydus Cadila Vaccine (ZyCoV-D)
The ZyCoV-D vaccine is developed by the Indian pharmaceutical company Cadila Healthcare Limited. ZyCoV-D is administered in three doses, with a gap of four weeks between the doses. The age criteria for the ZyCoV-D vaccine is 12 years of age and older. It has received emergency use authorization from the Indian regulatory authority.

Covovax
Covovax, also known as Novavax, is a vaccine developed by Novavax Inc., an American biotechnology company. Covovax is administered in two doses, with a gap of three weeks between the doses. The age criteria for the Covovax (Novavax) vaccine is 12 years of age and above.

BBV154 - intranasal Vaccine (iNCOVACC)
Bharat Biotech has developed a nasal vaccine for COVID-19. This vaccine works as a nasal spray. The iNVOCACC vaccine is administered through the nose in two separate doses. The Government of India has approved this vaccine, which is available at government and private hospitals. The iNCOVACC vaccine is only available to people over the age of 18.

In conclusion, India has a wide range of Covid-19 vaccines available for public use, ranging from indigenous vaccines to those developed by foreign companies. These vaccines have shown varying efficacy rates, but all of them have undergone rigorous testing and have received emergency use authorization from the Indian regulatory authority.

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