Mixing, matching booster vaccines based on science: govt

New Delhi: The Union government said on Thursday that mixing and matching of boosters doses of Covid-19 vaccines were based on science, PTI reported.

NITI Aayog's V K Paul addressing a press conference, said that such decisions are taken based on studies that are underway and are constantly reviewed.

Paul said that the Corbevax vaccine would be included in the national vaccination programme in due time since an order for the same has been placed for a certain quantity, which has been delivered. The administration of the vaccine will also be decided on the basis of scientific data. Corbevax has been authorized for emergency use for adults and children, he said, adding that data has been seen by the drug regulator.

Corbevax is given through the intramuscular route, with two doses 28 days apart. Vaccine doses should be stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and presented as 0.5 ml (single dose) and 5 ml (10 doses) vial packs.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Indian Council for Medical Research, Balram Bhargava, said that the jury is on whether vaccines need to be made annual. He said that it is not known whether Covid-19 is endemic or is becoming endemic.