New Delhi Zydus Cadila’s three-dose Covid vaccine ZyCoV-D is to be included in the national anti-coronavirus vaccination program this month, with the Center placing a purchase order with an Ahmedabad-based firm for one crore doses, official sources said on Sunday. Is.
The Union Health Ministry is believed to have approved the commencement of preparatory work for the introduction of the world’s first indigenously developed DNA-based COVID jab, which in all likelihood will be administered to adults initially as part of the country’s vaccination campaign . development information said.
ZyCoV-D is the first vaccine approved by India’s drug regulator for immunization of people aged 12 years and above.
“The Center has already placed a purchase order with Zydus Cadila to supply one crore doses of ZyCoV-D, each costing approx. ₹358, excluding taxes, as soon as possible. This price includes the cost of a disposable painless jet applicator that is to be used for administering each dose,” an official source said.
“In all likelihood the vaccine will be given to adults initially due to limited production capacity,” the source said.
Zydus Cadila is in a position to provide one crore doses of ZyCoV-D per month, company officials have told the ministry.
To administer to adults, frontline workers and vaccinators will be provided with a brief training on how to use the needle-free Pharma Jet application in real field settings.
Three doses of ZyCoV-D are to be administered at 28-day intervals, with each dose consisting of one shot in both arms.
ZyCoV-D received emergency use authorization from the drug regulator on August 20.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive program for pediatric immunization, including developing a priority list of comorbidities, is being worked out by NTAGI (National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization) for the launch of ZyCoV-D and Covaxin.
As far as the emergency use approval by the Drug Controller General of India for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin in the age group of 2 to 18 years is concerned, it is subject to expert opinion and evaluation, official sources said.
The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Authority on COVID-19 had on October 12 recommended granting emergency use authorization to Covaxin for children and adolescents in the age group of 2 to 18 years, subject to certain conditions.
At present, every citizen who is 18 years of age or above is eligible for the vaccination campaign.
Don’t miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint.
download
Our App Now!!
.