The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted permission yesterday for conducting the phase-III clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine Covovax as a booster dose in adults, official sources said.
The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had, on 5th March, recommended permission for conducting the phase-III clinical trial for Covovax as a booster dose in adults who have been fully vaccinated with either Covaxin or Covishield at least three months ago.
The DCGI approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on 28th December last year and for inoculating the beneficiaries in the 12-17 years age group, subject to certain conditions, on 9th March.
The vaccine has not been included in the country’s inoculation programme against COVID-19.