Covaxin has become a universal vaccine for adults and children, as per Bharat Biotech. The pharmaceutical company’s goals of “developing a global vaccine against COVID-19 have been achieved and all product development for licensure has been completed”. 

The announcement comes after the highly anticipated trials for Covaxin booster doses yielded positive results, as reported by Bharat Biotech on January 8, 2022. It stated, “The analysis showed, six months after a two-dose BBV152 vaccination series cell-mediated immunity and neutralising antibodies to both homologous (D614G) and heterologous strains (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Delta plus) persisted above baseline, although the magnitude of the responses had declined.” 

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Dr Krishna Ella, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, commented that the trial results built a strong foundation for Covaxin to become a booster dose, and helped them achieve their goal of becoming a global vaccine. Since adults and children could take the two primary doses, followed by the booster, it helped categorize Covaxin as a “universal vaccine”. 

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The report continued “We found the vaccine induces both memory B and T cells with a distinct CD4 and CD8 phenotype. Further, reactogenicity after vaccine and placebo was minimal and comparable, and no serious adverse events were reported. While protection against the severe disease remains high across the full 6 months, a decline in efficacy against symptomatic disease over time and the continued emergence of variants are expected. Based on emerging data, Bharat Biotech believes that a third dose may be beneficial to maintain the highest levels of protection.”

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What makes Covaxin a universal vaccine? 

The vaccine is formulated in a unique manner, so the same dosage can be given to both kids and adults. It is a ready-to-use liquid vaccine, which can be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, has a 12-month shelf life, and has a multi-dose policy. Its ability to be used as a primary two-dose vaccine, and a booster dose, makes Covaxin a universal vaccine.