Soon after Russia launches Sputnik V, India debates over which COVID-19 vaccine to get first. Two by Bharat Biotech and one by Oxford University are currently under trial. By Tanvi Jain
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In a recent meeting chaired by Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul, the expert committee on vaccine administration discussed logistics and ethical aspects of procurement and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of now, three vaccine candidates are under three different stages of human clinical trials. While, two vaccines developed by Bharat Biotech, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research, and Zydus Cadila Ltd, are currently in phase one and two of the trials, Pune’s Serum Institute of India has recently been given permission to conduct phase two and three trials of the third vaccine developed by Oxford University.
In the meeting, the experts also suggested creating a digital infrastructure to manage inventory and delivery of the vaccine with the help of a tracking system focusing on last-mile delivery. “They discussed on broad parameters guiding the selection of COVID-19 vaccine candidates for the country and sought inputs from Standing Technical Sub-Committee of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI). The group delved on the procurement mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccine, including both indigenous and international manufacturing along with guiding principles for prioritisation of population groups for vaccination,” a government press release mentioned.
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Further discussions ranged from finances to delivery platforms, to infrastructure, and of course, safety and surveillance along with the strategy to ensure transparency were also discussed. “The expert group discussed that India will leverage domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity and will also engage with all international players for early delivery of vaccines not only in India but also in low- and middle-income countries. The Committee also advised all the states not to chart separate pathways of procurement,” the release added.
The meeting was held soon after Russia launched the world’s first vaccine for Coronavirus called Sputnik V, developed by the Gamaleya Institute in Moscow with assistance from Russia’s Defense Ministry. The vaccine is, however, facing backlash from experts who have raised questions on its speedy launch and lesser number of human trials, hence the safety.
Related: Here’s Why The COVID-19 Vaccine Developed By Oxford University Is Good For India
