Last reviewed 2026-05-14 · How we verify

Intramuscular vaccine COVAXIN

COVAXIN is an inactivated whole-virus COVID-19 vaccine that stimulates immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 through presentation of viral antigens.

COVAXIN is an inactivated whole-virus COVID-19 vaccine that stimulates immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 through presentation of viral antigens. Used for COVID-19 prevention in adults and children.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

COVAXIN contains inactivated (killed) whole SARS-CoV-2 virus particles combined with an adjuvant (Alum and TLR 7/8 agonist) to enhance immunogenicity. Upon intramuscular injection, the vaccine triggers both humoral (antibody) and cellular (T-cell) immune responses against multiple viral epitopes, providing protection against COVID-19 infection and severe disease.

Approved indications

• COVID-19 prevention in adults and children

Common side effects

• Injection site pain/tenderness
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Myalgia
• Nausea

Key clinical trials

• Immuno-bridging and Broadening Study of a Whole, Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine BBV152 in Healthy Adults (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• BBV152/BBV154 Heterologus Prime-Boost Study (PHASE2)
• Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Immunogenicity and Safety of BBV154 Booster Dose (PHASE3)
• Phase III Study of BBV154 Intranasal Vaccine in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE3)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Intramuscular vaccine COVAXIN CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Intramuscular vaccine COVAXIN updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Bharat Biotech International Limited portfolio CI