CDSO extends shelf life of Covaxin to 12 months, Covishield to 9

The Union ministry of health and family welfares on Monday announced that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had approved the extension of the shelf life of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines to 12 months and nine months, respectively.

This comes after many citizens alleged that expired Covaxin was being given to children to clear the stock.

A parent tweeted, "So my son went to get his first vaccine, the drive for kids begin today and realized that the vaccine had already expired in November. Then a letter was shown wherein it seems the shelf life has been extended!! How, why, on what basis? To clear stock you experiment on kids? (sic)"

The health ministry said there have been some media reports alleging that expired vaccines are being administered in India under its national COVID-19 vaccination programme. This is false and misleading and is based on incomplete information, it said.

"The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on 25 October 2021, in response to Bharat Biotech International Limited's letter has approved the extension of shelf life of Covaxin (Whole Virion, Inactivated Coronavirus Vaccine) from nine months to 12 months. Similarly, the shelf life of Covishield has been extended by the National Regulator from six months to nine months on 22 February 2021," the health ministry said.

It added that 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.

The vaccination for children in the age group of 15-18 years started in the country on 3 January.