The Covid booster vaccine is administered intra-dermally using a needle-free injection device system.
Gemcovac-OM had received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from Drug Control General of India (DCGI) a few days ago. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday launched the vaccine at an event.
“I take great pride in DBT fulfilling its mission yet again – enabling technology-driven entrepreneurship through creating this indigenous mRNA-platform technology. We have always supported technology-driven innovation towards the creation of a ‘future-ready’ technology platform in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbharta,” said Dr Jitendra Singh.
Gemcovac-OM does not require cold storage and is easy to deploy even in remote areas and can be administered without a needle injection.
“This innovation makes it easy for last mile deployment in our country. The existing supply chain infrastructure is sufficient to deploy this vaccine,” said Dr Jitendra Singh, adding, “Its unique feature is that this vaccine can be administered without a needle injection.”Other details about Gemcovac-OM and precautions
According to the Gennova, Omicron-specific mRNA-based booster vaccine Gemcovac-OM can be used as a booster for active immunization for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older who have received either Covaxin or Covishield as primary vaccination. Gemcovac-OM can be administered in single dose in individuals aged about 18 years at least 4 months after completion of primary vaccination with either Covaxin or Covishield.
The safety and efficacy of Gemcovac-OM has not been established in children and adolescents below 18 years of age, the company says on its website. Also, the vaccine should not be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. “There is a risk of hypersensitivity reactions due to the
constituents of Gemcovac-OM. Supervision and if needed the appropriate medical treatment should be provided to all the vaccine recipients after immunization,” the company said.
Also, “as with other vaccines, administration of Gemcovac-OM should be postponed in individuals suffering from an acute severe febrile illness. It should be given with caution to individuals with thrombocytopenia, any coagulation disorder or to persons on anticoagulation therapy,” the company said.
The safety, efficacy and immunogenicity have not been established in pregnant women and nursing mothers, the company said.
