Is there a DNA based vaccine for the COVID-19 virus and its variants?

 One more arrow at the heart of this Wuhan virus.

"BENGALURU, Aug 20 (Reuters) - India's drug regulator has granted emergency use approval for Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine, the world's first DNA shot against the coronavirus, in adults and children aged 12 years and above." - Reuters

This is the second homegrown vaccine ( Zycov-D  ) made by the generic drug maker Cadila Health Care of India. The first one, also approved is the Covaxin. It is a needle-free vaccine that does not need very low temperatures. The late-stage trial had 28000 participants with about 1000 in the lower age group (12 to 18).

https://www.zyduscadila.com/

More here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57774294 

https://www.axios.com/india-first-dna-covid-vaccine-f07c5105-893c-473f-8c60-8b5aaef28e5a.html

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/india-approves-zydus-cadilas-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use-2021-08-20/

Is nasal delivery of COVID-19 vaccine available?

 Yes, it is going into Phase I and Phase II testing.

The COVAXIN vaccine developed by Bharath Biotech is now getting ready to try the nasal variant, which according to Dr. Gillurkar from a site chosen to monitor COVAXI vaccine efficacy. As COVAXIN is whole-virion inactivated, it targets all parts of the virus and makes it more effective.

Source: Gillurkar's Hospital- Facebook

The Nasal variant in a Phase I and Phase II study will start at Dr.Gillurkar's Hospital in Nagpur, India. The injectable variant Phase I and Phase II studies were completed at this hospital. According to Dr. Gillurkar, "We are all set to host the trials for nasal Covaxine in next two weeks. Enough scientific evidences are available that vaccines given through nasal route are more effective than injected ones". 

The other advantages of nasal route are no brainer. It will drive the cost so far down that it may emerge as the most preferred.

Read more at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/80127595.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst "


Also read:

https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/medical/covaxin-controversy-doctors-in-trial-sites-chosen-by-icmr-say-human-trials-cant-be-fast-forwarded-anticipate-6-month-observation-period/ar-BB16oNfo

Are you allergic to substances and vaccines?

  As I have had severe food related allergic reaction 9twice several years apart) which was diagnosed as 'anaphylaxis', this warning is very timely, although I am certain to be asked about my allergies. The reaction is nasty as it creates an obstruction to breathing and swallowing. You feel as if you have swallowed a box of stabler pins.

Severe reaction to Pfizer's vaccine was first reported in the UK. 

So far, 2 cases in Britain and one in Alaska, USA has been reported. In all these cases there was a severe anaphylaxis reaction that needed hospitalization. 

The following site may be accessed to report any such reaction:

https://coronavirus-yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

The British regulatory agency has issued the following:

"....

Any person with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not receive the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine. A second dose should not be given to anyone who has experienced anaphylaxis following administration of the first dose of this vaccine.

“Anaphylaxis is a known, although very rare, side effect with any vaccine. Most people will not get anaphylaxis and the benefits in protecting people against COVID-19 outweigh the risks...."

The above is copied from the following:

"https://www.gov.uk/government/news/confirmation-of-guidance-to-vaccination-centres-on-managing-allergic-reactions-following-covid-19-vaccination-with-the-pfizer-biontech-vaccine"

A health care worker was hospitalized after experiencing serious allergic reaction to the Pfizer vaccine in Alaska. The person is still in the hospital. It appears her allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is believed to be the similar to that suffered by the two in Britain. The patients in Britain carried with them EpiPen-like devices to counteract the allergic reaction. 

In USA, federal regulators authorized with the following warning,

"Health care providers were warned not to give the vaccine to anyone with a “known history of a severe allergic reaction” to any component of the vaccine, which they said was a standard warning for vaccines".

More here:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/health-care-worker-had-serious-allergic-reaction-after-pfizer-s-covid-vaccine/ar-BB1bYU3e?ocid=msedgntp

Anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis: First aid - Mayo Clinic

How much (number of doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine does India need?

 India needs 1.6 billion doses to cover 800 million people and achieve 'herd immunity' according to this article.

India has purchased so far,

• 500 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine
• 1 billion of US's NOVAVAX
• 100 million doses of Sputnik V from Russia's Gamaleya Laboratory

This above is as of November 30 according to data gathered by Duke University Global Health Innovation Center.

According to Aljazeera news there are three priority groups in India:

10 million healthcare workers

20 million front-line workers (police, military, Firefighters etc.)

270 million other vulnerable people (Age>50, etc.)

Is it OK to get teeth cleaned during this COVID-19 season?

 This question must be on everybody's mind. It is up to the dental service providers to help us out. They are principally guided by the 

Dental association:

https://success.ada.org/en/practice-management/patients/infectious-diseases-2019-novel-coronavirus?utm_source=adaorg&utm_medium=VanityURL

And they in turn depend on CDC and OSHA as they should be.

Despite these recommendations, patients are not too happy to walk in to get their teeth cleaned as the dentist's office are small and sealed due to weather related conditions. Also, there is the question of waiting for the dentist/hygienist to be free to attend you.

I could not get answers on the ADA site and I have sent these questions:

I will share, if I get an answer.