Covishield received emergency use authorization in India

Covidshield vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University has received for emergency use authorization in India.  Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has recommended granting emergency use authorisation to AstraZeneca’s vaccine AZD1222. Brand name is Covishield.

AstraZeneca had signed an agreement with Serum Institute of India (SII) to produce 1 billion doses of its experimental vaccine for low- and middle-income countries. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India has filed emergency use authorisation for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Covidhield vaccine should be administered in two doses, with the second dose given between 4 and 12 weeks after the first. In India, it will be expected to price at a range of 500-600 India Rupees per vial.

AZD1222 is made of a weakened and modified version of adenovirus (a common cold virus) that causes infections in chimpanzees and contains the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein. After vaccination, the surface spike protein is produced, priming the immune system to attack the SARS-CoV-2 virus if it later infects the body. The AstraZeneca-Oxford Covid-19 vaccine can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerated conditions (2°C to 8°C) for at least six months.