The government has approved the Corona Vaccine Covishield of Pune-based Serum Institute of India (CII). This has pleased not only health workers and 'priority' populations but also private individuals. On the other hand, CII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said on Sunday that after supplying the first installment of 50-60 million (500-600 lakh) doses of the government, we can provide coils to private hospitals, companies, and private people by March.
Poonawala's statement came at a time when the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved the serum vaccine to be 'restricted use in an emergency subject to conditions'. The company will initially supply the vaccine exclusively to the government and will not sell in the private market. The vaccine is not allowed to export.
In a bid to build confidence about the vaccine, Poonawala says he plans to take the shot himself this week after getting formal permission. He said that there is a 'special' price of 200 rupees per shot for about 100 million doses (one thousand lakhs) for the government. It will cost around Rs 1,000 in the private market. Poonawala said, 'We expect delivery to start in seven to 10 days after the order. The government has indicated that they would require 50-60 million doses a month or 10-15 million (100-150 lakhs) a week. '
He said, 'A formal letter from the government with the final order is still awaited. So after the government meets the initial requirements to provide a shot to the 'weak and needy', we will provide it for private use to hospitals and companies. We would recommend a longer interval (two and a half months) between the two full doses of the shot as it takes efficacy up to the 90 percent level. ' He said that if you wait for about three months, the efficacy improves.