Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech says that the nasal vaccine is being seen as a booster dose.
The ideal time for a booster dose for a COVID-19 vaccine is six months after the second dose, Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella said on Wednesday, and also stressed the importance of the nasal vaccine. He also told that his company was the first company in the world to develop Zika vaccine.
He said that the administration of Covaxin vaccine by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows the belief in Indian science.
“The ideal time for a booster dose is six months after the second dose,” Ella said.
He said Bharat Biotech is looking at the nasal vaccine as a booster dose as it has a much easier scaling potential than Covaxin.
About the importance of the nasal vaccine, he said that the whole world is looking forward to the nasal vaccine. This is the only way to stop the transmission. Everyone is trying to figure out immunology and luckily, Bharat Biotech has figured it out.
“We are coming out with the nasal vaccine, we are thinking that Covaxin can be given as the first dose, the second dose can be given through the nose, that is also very strategically, scientifically very important. Because with the second dose, if it is nasal, you stop the transmission of the virus…,” said Ella.
The nasal vaccine works well if someone has been infected or has been vaccinated with the same dose, he said.
On the Prime Minister taking the Covaxin shot, he said, “What would a scientist like? The head of a country is taking its vaccine. It is the best satisfaction a scientist can get… It gives confidence, confidence in Indian science. Reflects our belief in startups, and innovation…”.
Talking about Zika Vaccine, Ella said that Bharat Biotech is ready with Zika Virus Vaccine. Phase I is completed. The government will have to conduct more tests as there are more cases.
“We were the first company in the world to develop a Zika vaccine in 2014. We were the first to file for a global patent for a Zika vaccine,” he said.
Read more: WHO approves Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin