Doctor’s View
Bharat Biotech’s Covid-19 nasal vaccine iNCOVACC received emergency use authorization from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on November 25, 2022.
Intranasal immunisation of ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S produces nasal and systemic immune response protecting against infection, disease and transmission.
A booster dose of nasal vaccine can be taken after six months of the second dose. The vaccine will be administered as a booster shot after Covishield and Covaxin. As this is non-invasive and needle-free, it becomes easy to administer.
Earlier on September 6, 2022, DCGI had approved iNCOVACC for restricted emergency use in adults above 18 years for primary vaccination.
Till now only a Chinese vaccine given by nebulization was available as (non-patentral) booster dose against Covid-19.
Is it necessary to get a booster dose?
Also read: The pandemic is ending- did we really need ‘Booster’ dose?
Booster dose offers enhanced protection against Covid-19. Primary series vaccination by two doses is effective in preventing severe disease, but in some cases, the immune response may wane over time, especially in senior citizens and those with comorbid conditions.
New variants, on the other hand, may also increase the risk of reinfection. As a result, these booster shots might be critical in maintaining immune protection by increasing antibody levels and preventing serious complications.
India began offering booster doses to all adults on April 10, 2022.
*Dr. Satish K Gupta is an MD in Medicines, a Visiting Senior Consultant Physician and Internist at Max Super Speciality Hospital, and a Clinical Assistant Professor at GS Medical College, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. He is the author of Journey of COVID in India: A Doctor’s Perspective.
