Where is znmd shot

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The ZNMD shot, referring to the Zydus Needle-Free COVID-19 vaccine, was first administered in India in August 2021 during the national vaccination drive. It was developed by Cadila Healthcare and approved for emergency use in adults and children aged 12 and above.

Key Facts

ZNMD vaccine received emergency use authorization in India on August 20, 2021
Developed by Cadila Healthcare based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
First needle-free COVID-19 vaccine approved in India
Administered via PharmaJet’s Tropis device using spring-powered pressure
Phase III trials involved over 28,000 participants across 225 sites

Overview

The ZNMD shot, officially known as ZyCoV-D, is a DNA-based, needle-free COVID-19 vaccine developed by Indian pharmaceutical company Cadila Healthcare. It marked a significant milestone as the first intradermal, needle-free vaccine approved for emergency use against SARS-CoV-2 in India.

Authorized in August 2021, ZyCoV-D targets individuals aged 12 and older and uses a novel delivery mechanism that eliminates traditional needles. The vaccine was rolled out during India’s massive national immunization campaign, aiming to increase public acceptance and reduce needle phobia.

Emergency approval: The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use authorization for ZyCoV-D on August 20, 2021, making it the fifth vaccine approved in India.
Needle-free delivery: The vaccine is administered using the PharmaJet Tropis device, which delivers the dose through a high-pressure stream into the skin without a needle.
Vaccine platform: ZyCoV-D is a plasmid DNA vaccine, a first for widespread human use, encoding the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Clinical trial scale: Phase III trials included 28,000+ participants across 225 sites in India, showing an efficacy rate of 66.6% against symptomatic disease.
Pediatric use: It became the first COVID-19 vaccine in India authorized for use in adolescents aged 12–18 years, expanding the eligible population.

How It Works

ZyCoV-D functions through a unique mechanism that leverages DNA plasmid technology and needle-free delivery to trigger an immune response. Unlike mRNA vaccines, it uses a circular DNA strand to instruct cells to produce the viral spike protein.

Mechanism:Plasmid DNA enters skin cells and directs them to produce the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, prompting the immune system to develop antibodies and T-cell responses.
Delivery method: The Tropis device uses spring-powered pressure to deliver the vaccine through a tiny orifice, penetrating the epidermis without a needle.
Dosing schedule: Administered in three doses, given 28 days apart, to ensure robust and sustained immunity.
Stability advantage: The vaccine remains stable at 2–8°C, making it suitable for India’s existing cold chain infrastructure.
Manufacturing site: Produced at Cadila’s facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, with an initial capacity of 120 million doses per year.
Target variant: Designed primarily against the original Wuhan strain but showed cross-reactivity with Delta and other variants during trials.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of ZyCoV-D with other major Indian-approved vaccines:

Vaccine	Developer	Technology	Dosing	Age Group
ZyCoV-D	Cadila Healthcare	DNA plasmid	3 doses	12+
Covishield	Serum Institute of India	Adenovirus vector	2 doses	12+
Covaxin	Bharat Biotech	Inactivated virus	2 doses	12+
Sputnik V	RDIF / Dr. Reddy’s	Aden combustible vector	2 doses	18+
Corbevax	Biolife / Haffkine	Recombinant protein	2 doses	12–18

The table highlights ZyCoV-D’s unique position as the only DNA-based and needle-free option in India’s vaccine portfolio. Its three-dose regimen contrasts with two-dose alternatives but offers advantages in safety and ease of administration, especially for needle-averse populations.

Why It Matters

The introduction of the ZNMD shot represents a leap forward in vaccine delivery technology and domestic biotech innovation in India. It underscores the country’s growing capacity to develop and deploy cutting-edge medical solutions.

Public health impact: The needle-free method can reduce fear and increase vaccine uptake, especially among children and those with needle phobia.
Manufacturing independence: ZyCoV-D is fully indigenously developed, reducing reliance on imported vaccines and technologies.
Global potential: The DNA platform can be rapidly adapted for new variants or emerging pathogens, offering a rapid-response vaccine platform.
Cost efficiency: Estimated production cost is under $2 per dose, making it affordable for low- and middle-income countries.
Regulatory milestone: Approval by Indian regulators sets a precedent for future DNA vaccine development and regulatory pathways.
Climate resilience: Refrigeration at 2–8°C avoids the need for ultra-cold storage, enhancing rural accessibility.

With its innovative delivery and domestic development, the ZNMD shot not only addressed the immediate pandemic but also laid the groundwork for future vaccine strategies in India and beyond.