<span style="color: #222222;">The Government has dismissed the media reports in which it was alleged that expired vaccines are being administered in India under its national COVID-19 vaccination programme. Union Health Ministry has termed the reports as false and misleading and based on incomplete information. The Ministry in a statement said that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on 25th October last year in response to Bharat Biotech's  letter, has approved the extension of shelf life of Covaxin  from 9 months to 12 months. It said, similarly, the shelf life of Covishield has been extended by the National Regulator from 6 months to 9 months on 22nd February 2021.<br />''<br />''The Ministry has clarified that the shelf life of vaccines is extended by the National Regulator based on comprehensive analysis and examination of stability study data furnished by the vaccine manufacturers.</span><br />