BB’s Krishna Ella proposes a booster dose after six months of the second dose
Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella said that the ideal time for a booster dose for the COVID-19 vaccine is six months after the second jab. He added that the final decision will be taken by the government.
Hyderabad-based pharma major Bharat Biotech founder and Managing Director Dr. Krishna Ella on Wednesday said that his company was the first in the world to develop a Zika vaccine.
Bharat Biotech is also looking at nasal vaccines as a booster dose as its scaling up capacity is very easy when compared with Covaxin, he added. Bharat Biotech is also in talks with the government about using the Cowin platform for doing clinical trials.
He said that the Phase 2 trials are done and data is being analyzed. “We should expect it in 3-4 months.
Ella indicated that the nasal Covid vaccine could be taken instead of the second dose of Covaxin or to protect previously infected persons. The nasal vaccine was more effective in preventing infection than an injectable vaccine that does not reach the upper lungs and could eliminate the need for a vaccinated individual to continue wearing the mask, he said.
On bringing a vaccine for children, Ella said Bharat Biotech was the only company in the world to have done clinical trials among those between 2 and 18 years of age.
About the PM taking the Covaxin shot, he said, “What would a scientist like to have? A country head is taking his vaccine. That is the best satisfaction a scientist can get… It shows confidence in Indian science, confidence in the startup, and confidence in our innovation…”.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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