Delhi, Jan 03: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday trashed media reports that claimed that expired coronavirus vaccines are being administered in India.

Some media allegedly reported 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.

Almost a year ago, the coronavirus vaccination drive began in full swing for people aged 65 and above. Over time, adults 18 and beyond were prioritized for the same and many have received one or both doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Finally now, after a year of worry and anxiety, parents breathe a sigh of relief as their children are set to receive their first dose of vaccine shot. Teens falling in the 15-17 age groups are eligible for vaccination in the country from today. As per the guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry, “all those whose birth year is 2007” or before, shall be eligible for the vaccines.

As soon as the vaccines for teenagers began, parents claimed that the kids have been administrated with the expired vaccines.

The Union Ministry further clarified that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on 25th October 2021, in response to M/s Bharat Biotech International Limited’s letter no: BBIL/RA/21/567 has approved the extension of the shelf life of Covaxin (Whole Virion, Inactivated Coronavirus Vaccine) from 9 months to 12 months. Similarly, the shelf life of Covishield has been extended by the National Regulator from 6 months to 9 months on 22nd February 2021.

Expired Vaccines

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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.