Novovax Covid-19 vaccine gets emergency use nod for those aged between 12-18 years in India

Novavax has announced the first emergency use authorization for its Coovid-19 vaccine for adolescents falling in the age bracket of 12-18 years in India. According to an official statement released by Novovax, the vaccine, also known as NVX-CoV2373, is manufactured and marketed in India by the Serum Institute of India (SII) under the brand name Covovax and is the first protein-based vaccine authorized for use in this age group in India.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued permission for restricted use in an emergency situation for Covovax for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 in individuals 12 years of age and older.

"We`re proud of this first approval in adolescents given the efficacy and safety that our data show in this population and that our COVID-19 vaccine will provide an alternative protein-based vaccine option for individuals 12 years of age and older in India," said Stanley C Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax.

In addition, Covovax has also received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization.