Experts' take on 'precautionary dose' and vaccine for kids

India's vaccination drive is set to expand from January. Prime Minister Modi announced over the weekend that a "precautionary" third dose of the vaccine will be offered to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens with co-morbidities.

The Indian government has bolstered its arsenal to fight the COVID-19 pandemic by approving 2 new vaccines and 1 new pill. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has approved the emergency use authorisation of vaccines Corbevax and Covovax. Both these vaccines are made using a new technology platform that currently existing COVID vaccines in India do not use.

The government has also approved Merck's Molnupiravir, a new pill for emergency use. The government has restricted the use of this pill only to those with a high risk of progression of the disease.