Serum's Covishield gets government approval in India, 1st COVID vaccine to roll out by January 10

On the recommendation of the Indian expert panel of drug regulators, the Government of India has approved the usage of Oxford-AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, Covishield, for emergency use in India, with restrictions. Becoming the first COVID-19 vaccine in India, Covishield will be manufactured in bulk, indigenously, by Pune-based Serum Insitute of India. Cited as more affordable, easier to transport and easier to store, this vaccine grants 70% efficacy against coronavirus contraction. As per reports, the first vials of the Covishield will roll out by January 10, 2021, providing immunity to around 30 crore individuals in India.

India's first COVID-19 vaccine to roll out soon

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The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in India, on Friday, approved the emergency usage of Oxford-prepared Covishield vaccine in India, bringing in new joys of people in the new year. As all state capitals are engaged in dry-runs to test their preparedness for the vaccination drive, the final nod by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is being awaited. According to statements by officials, the vaccination program will be inducted as soon as the permission is procured, and the immunisation drive will be initiated in 7 to 10 days, administering shots to about 30 crore Indians in the 1st phase.

While granting the restricted emergency use of Covishield, the expert's panel has imposed regulatory provisions, stating that no individual below 18 years of age can be involved in the initial phase of active immunisation and that it should be administered intramuscularly in two doses at an interval of 4 to 6 weeks.

Guidelines for the vaccination drive

• All individuals will be first educated and informed about the vaccine
• Two doses will be provided, in a gap of 4-6 weeks
• All vaccinated individuals will be asked to report about any adverse effect, in 15 days of each dose.

Serum Institute has pegged an approximate cost of Rs 200-225 per dose and the expenses of the 1st 10 crore doses will be borne by PM Care fund, stated reports.