The National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs of the Ministry of Health (Minsa) approved the use of the Covaxin vaccine against the coronavirus.

According to Minsa, the authorization was given after the portfolio presented by the manufacturer was analyzed and reviewed, detailing that Covaxin is indicated for active immunization against SARS-CoV-2 virus infection for young people from 18 years.

The entity also clarified that this biological has a complete two-dose vaccination schedule. In Panama, the complete vaccination schedule currently includes three doses from the age of 16 of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.

Covaxin, which is manufactured in India, "should be postponed in individuals suffering from acute febrile illness/acute infection."

There is also no data on its use in people who have previously received other vaccines against the virus, which has caused 8,131 deaths in the country since March 9, 2020.