With heartening news of the coronavirus vaccine coming from different parts of the world, the Indian government is trying to understand which one would be the most feasible for the country.
Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine is on the list and so is Biotech’s COVAXIN.
Here are more details.
India is also pinning hopes on Russia’s Sputnik V
Oxford’s potential COVID-19 vaccine is being manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), making it one of the most viable options.
Separately, COVAXIN, which is an indigenous vaccine, went into phase three trials recently. The results from the earlier stages were encouraging.
Russia’s Sputnik V, whose phase two/three trials will start next week, is also on the list.
Government is also watching Pfizer and Moderna’s candidates
The Centre is also learned to be watching the vaccines being developed by Pfizer and Moderna Inc. This month it was revealed that Pfizer’s doses have over 90% efficacy, while Moderna’s doses are 94.5% effective in beating the virus.
The biggest problem with Pfizer, though, remains its storage. The doses have to be stored at -70 degrees or -80 degrees Celsius.
NITI Aayog’s member also admitted storage would make distribution tough
NITI Aayog’s Dr. VK Paul, who also leads the national expert group on vaccine administration, said the temperature rider that comes with one vaccine candidate would make it difficult for countries to widen distribution.
“We are also aware of the fact that we won’t be able to get a large number of doses of this vaccine required for our population,” Dr. Paul reportedly added.
