Covaxin

Covaxin is the first 100% Indian vaccine, developed by the biotechnology company Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Virology Institute. This vaccine is based on an inactive virus. It uses a non-infectious variant of the virus causing the disease, which is unable to infect but able to trigger an immune response.

The clinical trials started in July 2020 and the results were published on the 3rd of March 2021. A total of 25,800 people participated in phase III trials, with results showing an 81% of efficacy.

Covaxin consists of 2-dose series separated by 28 days and almost ten countries in Asia are using this vaccine to immunise their population.

The most reported side effects, according to Bharar Biotech, are pain, inflammation or redness at the vaccination site, itching, rashes, headache, fever, body discomfort, nausea, and vomit. Severe allergic reactions may occur on very rare occasions, according to the company.

Covaxin is stored at an average temperature between 2ºC and 8ºC.