The government of Patna city in Bihar, Northern India, has begun administering the Covid-19 vaccine using a DNA technology vaccine called ZyCov-D.
ZyCov-D is the world’s first DNA plasmid vaccine, developed by the vaccine manufacturer Zydus Cadila, based in Ahmedabad, India.
The government of Patna city in Bihar, Northern India, has vaccinated its citizens with the Covid-19 vaccine ZyCov-D. (Source: ANI)
Earlier this year, the Indian government approved the emergency use of the ZyCov-D vaccine. Clinical trials showed that the vaccine is approximately 66% effective against symptomatic cases.
Unlike most other Covid-19 vaccines, ZyCov-D is administered in three doses, with the second and third doses given 28 and 56 days after the first dose, respectively. Notably, this vaccine does not use needles. Doctors employ a high-pressure liquid delivery device to administer the vaccine through the skin’s surface.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has authorized the use of this vaccine for children aged 12 to 17 years.
Zydus Cadila’s vaccine is the second vaccine developed and manufactured in India to receive approval for use in the country, following the Covaxin vaccine from Bharat Biotech.
Indian authorities continue to accelerate the vaccination campaign for the population, which has been ongoing for over a year. According to data from the Indian Ministry of Health, more than 93% of the adult population has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while over 69.8% have been fully vaccinated. The national recovery rate for Covid-19 patients has improved to approximately 95%.
