The ZyCov-D vaccine against COVID-19, which was granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) by the drug regulator, will hit the market soon as the drug firm has started its production, Union Health Minister said.

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Talking to reporters in Botad about the Emergency Use Authorisation granted to ZyCov-D COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Zydus Cadila, he said it is the world's first plasmid DNA vaccine for COVID-19 which will be administered in three shots.

"Those above the age of 12 can take the vaccine shot", he said. He also said the company has already started production of the vaccine which will soon hit the market. The company's indigenously developed needle-free three-dose COVID-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D was granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) by the drug regulator on 20 August, making it the first vaccine to be administered to beneficiaries in the age group of 12-18 years in the country.