Expired Vaccines Being Given To Indians? Here’s The Shocking Truth, Confirmed By Govt Of India

In the age of social media, it is very easy for fake news to spread through the masses. At times it can take the lives of people and can topple governments as well. So, it becomes natural for any authority to curb the fake news and make sure that the correct news is being passed on.

Recently, Indians witnessed a similar kind of scenario.

No expired vaccine is being administered in India, clarifies government

Media reports alleging that expired vaccines are being administered in India under its national COVID-19 vaccination program are false and misleading and based on incomplete information, said a statement by the Government of India.

It should be noted that India has started administering vaccines to children in the age group of 15-18 years, and currently it is using Bharat Biotech’s Covid vaccine – Covaxin –  for the drive.

The clarification came after some complained about social media that they were being given expired vaccines. The government, however, clarified that the vaccine was not expired as the shelf life was extended.

The shelf life of vaccines has been increased in recent times

According to the health ministry, on 25th October 2021, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had approved the extension of the shelf life of Covaxin from 9 months to 12 months. Notably, the shelf life of Covishield has been extended by the National Regulator from 6 months to 9 months on 22nd February 2021.

The shelf life of vaccines is extended by the National Regulator based on comprehensive analysis and examination of stability study data furnished by the vaccine manufacturers.

Bharat Biotech said that the approval of the shelf-life extension was based on the availability of additional stability data, which was submitted to CDSCO. The company recently also announced that the opened vials of its Covid-19 vaccine can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to 28 days and are not required to be discarded immediately in a day or at the end of the immunization session.

It should be noted that the Covaxin has been approved for use under the 28-day multi-dose vial policy from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the WHO Emergency Use Listing.