New Delhi (NVI): The Union Health Ministry today said that there are multiple vaccine candidates in different stages of development in India and some of them may get licensed in the next few weeks.
“Vaccines require 2-3 doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart. Even after vaccination, COVID precautions must be undertaken,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said during a media briefing on Covid-19 here.
The Secretary noted that while the Covid situation around the world is deteriorating, India has seen a steady and continuous decline in new cases since mid-September.
“The active cases have drastically declined to 3.83 lakh. The total positive cases of the country are 3,83,866. Case Per Million at 7,031 is amongst the lowest in the world. Death Per Million at 102 is also amongst the lowest globally,” he said.
Pertinent to mention here that the Vaccine Task Force, constituted by Central Government on April 14 is co-chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor to GOI and Member (Health), NITI Aayog.
The Secretary further said that the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have applied for emergency use approval (EAU) of their respective vaccine candidates against coronavirus in India.
“Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have applied to Emergency Use Approval. PM Modi has interacted with all vaccine manufacturers and scientists. 6 vaccine candidates in clinical trial stage in India,” he said
Notably, Astra Zeneca and Pfizer have already applied for emergency use approval in India. Six vaccines, including Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Astra Zeneca’s Covidshield, are in trial stages, Bhushan added.
The remarks from the top Health Ministry official came four days after PM Modi said that as per experts, a vaccine is expected to be ready in the next few weeks. He said this during an all-party meet today to take stock of the Covid-19 situation in the country.
-ARK
