New Delhi: The Serum Institute of India has sought the approval of the Drugs Regulator to provide a booster dose of the Covishield vaccine against covid. The move comes in the wake of the widespread use of covid’s new variant, Omicron. Serum Institute is the first company in India to seek approval for a booster dose.
India has not taken a policy decision on giving booster doses. The government has informed parliament that it is examining the scientific evidence in this regard. The test will be conducted by the National Technical Advisory Council on Immunization and the covid Expert Committee.
Various states have asked the Center to consider the booster dose in the context of the omicron threat. States like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka have put forward the demand. Kerala is also of the view that booster dose should be considered.
