Covaxin Phase III trials hit halfway mark with 13K volunteers
Tuesday, 22 December 2020 Covaxin, India's first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine being developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, has been successful in roping in 13,000 volunteers for its Phase III trials, which is half the number of volunteers targeted for the efficacy studies. The Phase III human clinical trials of Covaxin began in mid-November with NIMS Hyderabad, making it the first and only Phase III efficacy studies for a Covid-10 vaccine in India.
At least 1,65,714 healthcare beneficiaries received COVID-19 jab on Saturday across India, marking it as a historic and biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About 16,755 total vaccinators involved across India during the COVID vaccination drive. There was no post adverse event reported after the vaccination was administered to the people. "Total vaccinators involved across India were 16,755. Total beneficiaries vaccinated across India--1,65,714. COVID19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1. No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far," said Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary of Union Health Ministry. "The Serum Institute of India (SII) produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States and Union Territories (UT). Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3,351 sessions were held across the country with both the vaccines, said Health Ministry on COVID19 vaccine roll-out," he added. Watch the full video for more details.
Credit: HT Digital Content Duration: 06:46Published
On Day 1 of India's Covid-19 vaccination, two doctors who took the shots shared their experience. Dr Atul Peters and Anil Dhar of Max hospital were given Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and SII-made Covishield jabs respectively. Both didn't experience any side-effects and said that doubts regarding the inoculants are unfounded. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee of Apollo hospital, who is set to receive a shot soon, also weighed in on the controversy regarding Covaxin and its third phase trials. Watch the full video for more.
Credit: HT Digital Content Duration: 08:15Published
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 17 said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is counted among those countries which have recorded fewer deaths due to COVID-19. He was speaking at a public rally in Karnataka's Belagavi. Shah is on a two-day visit to Karnataka.
Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad on January 17 informed about the current situation of the state. He said that as many as 404 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the state in past 24 hours. Whereas, 666 people have been discharged in the same duration. Active cases in the state are 8881 in which 3210 people are in home isolation.
Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy inaugurated vaccination drive at Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad on January 16. On the rumours around the efficacy of the vaccine, G Kishan Reddy said that medicines tested in other countries are considered good but when our scientists toil and develop made in India medicines, people view it like that. He further assured that vaccines have been approved only after testing."I request people to not say such things. Medicines tested in other countries are considered good but when our scientists toil and develop made in India medicines, people view it like that. I request not to discuss things like this. Vaccines have been approved only after testing. I say this confidently that the vaccines will benefit everyone," said MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy.
The mega COVID-19 vaccination drive began in India on January 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the drive and around 100 healthcare workers will get vaccinated at each session site on the inaugural day. Manish Kumar, a sanitation worker, became the first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS. In the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive, healthcare workers will receive the vaccine. The beneficiaries reached to their respective health centres. Two COVID vaccines have been approved in India- Pune-based SII's 'Covishield' and Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech's 'Covaxin'.
The mega COVID-19 vaccination drive will begin in India on January 16. The preparations are underway at health centres across the country. Hyderabad's Nampally area hospital is all decked up to begin the drive today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the vaccination drive today via video-conferencing.
Urging the people to have faith in India's researchers, scientists, regulatory authorities, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Singh Guleria on Saturday reassured the nation that Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN vaccine is safe. Dr Guleria along with NITI Aayog member VK Paul were administered the COVID-19 vaccine shot at AIIMS Delhi on the inaugural day of the nationwide roll-out of vaccination on Saturday. Talking about the experience, he said, "I am humbled to get vaccinated in the first slot and feel so proud. I hope more and more people come forward when it comes to getting vaccinated so that we can reduce mortality and prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection." Dr VK Paul said that the vaccine is safe and people should trust the scientific process. Watch the full video for more details.
Credit: HT Digital Content Duration: 03:41Published
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