Mixing and matching of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines show better result: ICMR

NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that a study has suggested that mixing and matching of Covid-19 vaccines - Covaxin and Covishield - show better result.
As per the ICMR, the study has also suggested that immunisation, with a combination of an adenovirus vector platform-based vaccine, followed by inactivated whole virus vaccine was not only safe, but also elicited better immunogenicity.
Earlier recommendations
An expert panel of the Drugs Controller General of India had in July recommended a study on mixing doses of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines.
The Subject Expert Committee of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had also recommended granting permission for trials of mixing Covaxin and Covishield, as per sources.
India's vaccine update
Meanwhile, India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 50.68 crore. Cumulatively, 50,68,10,492 vaccine doses have been administered through 58,51,292 sessions, stated a provisional report till 7 am on Sunday.
As many as 55,91,657 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the report said.
The Union health ministry also said that 52,37,50,890 vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far, through all sources and a further 8,99,260 doses are in the pipeline.
The new phase of universalisation of vaccination had commenced from June 21, this year. The Union government says it is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of the vaccination drive throughout the country.