Almost no Covaxin available for 18+, no supply expected anytime soon

Nagpur: Though Covaxin is the costliest among the three vaccines, the fact that it offers a shorter gap between two doses means all 100 slots for it were booked as soon as they opened for the first time in private sector for 18+ age group on Thursday. The indigenous vaccine is unlikely to be available for 18+ age group at government centres anytime soon. Sputnik V – the other vaccine whose second dose is allowed after a month’s gap — won’t be procured by the government, said officials.
As per central government permitted rates, Covaxin costs Rs1,410, Covishield Rs780 and Sputnik V Rs1,145. Among the eight private hospitals, Covaxin is available only at one.
Top health and civic officials said Covaxin is still not available for the 18+ group due to insufficient stock in government vaccination centres. “The government has asked us to offer Covaxin only to 45+ age group, and only for second dose of 18+ group. The supply is erratic,” they said.
Sputnik too is available in the city but not for walk-ins, and only for corporate employees under exclusive arrangements.
If not Sputnik, at least Covaxin must be made available in the same quantity as Covishield, say activist and doctors.
Activist Anasuya Kale Chhabrani said the government projected that youths would be affected in the third wave, which is expected to hit soon. “It becomes the duty of all elected representatives and administrative authorities to ensure Covaxin is available in the city. They must use their good offices to get Covaxin like they did for others. We are also facing the threat of new variants and a vaccine having shorter gap between two doses must be procured on urgent basis,” she said.
VHA convenor Dr Anup Marar said, “The government has increased the gap between two doses of Covishield. They must have scientific reasons for prolonging the gap. However, the gap between two doses of Covaxin remains less. Regardless of the reason for the different gap, it would be prudent that Covaxin is made available at enough centres so that 18 to 45 age groups, who go out more and can cause spread of Covid, are vaccinated with both doses of Covaxin quickly within specified duration.”
Dr Marar added, “This will be of great help to control anticipated third wave as complete vaccination of 18 to 45 year age groups will go a long way in controlling spread and mortality, as this age group detests Covid-appropriate behavior and are carefree.”
Civic officials said, “State government has already conveyed that Covaxin supply will be very less. As per government orders, Sputnik won’t be covered in government supply.”
Infor
VEXING VAX
Covaxin available only at GMCH, Ambedkar Hospital at Indora and NMC Mahal Centre, and a private hospital from Thursday
NMC is giving Covaxin only to 45+ age group persons, while in private 18+ group is eligible
Shortage of stock has stalled extension of Covaxin to all centres
Major advantage of Covaxin is both doses can be completed in a month while Covishield requires three month wait to get second dose of Covishield
Sputnik V doses too can be completed in a month but govt may not offer it to citizens