Tag: coronavirus vaccine

India has recorded a steady rise in the Covid-19 active cases over the past few days. On 21st Feb.2021 (Sunday), the country registered 14,199 fresh Covid-19 cases. Active cases in India have risen to 150,055, while the caseload tally has crossed the 11-million mark. The country continues to be second-most-affected globally and ranks 14th among worst-hit nations by active cases. Till February 21, a total of 11,116,854 vaccine doses have been administered through 230,888 sessions. Maharashtra, which recorded 6,900 new cases, has announced a state-wide ban on social, political, and religious gatherings, besides imposing fresh local lockdowns or curbs in districts like Pune and Amravati. The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (2,093,913), Kerala (1,034,657), Karnataka (948,149), Andhra Pradesh (889,298), and Tamil Nadu (848,275) Read more

Pfizer has indicated that it will have differential pricing for different countries. In the US, the company has priced the vaccine for government procurement at $39 for two doses. In the UK, the vaccine is estimated to cost close to $40 for two doses. A Pfizer India spokesperson said the company would price the vaccine in a way that can help governments ensure there is little or no out-of-pocket costs for their population. As such, its global pricing strategy is dependent on volumes, advance commitments, and affordability. "Our vaccine approach is based on the principle of ensuring broad access and supplies to governments,’’ the spokesperson said. He added that the company remains ‘’committed to engaging with the government of India and exploring opportunities to make this vaccine available for use in the country."

Bharat Biotech International (BBIL) had changed the dosage from 3 micrograms of antigen to 6 micrograms during its Covid-19 vaccine trial, a point that the subject expert committee (SEC) would closely examine when it meets on 9th December 2020 to review its application for an emergency use authorisation (EUA) for Covaxin. The panel would also review the applications of Pfizer-BioNTech and Serum Institute of India (SII) seeking a EUA for their vaccines. While many have raised questions over BBIL applying for a EUA during an ongoing efficacy trial, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country’s apex health research institute, has defended the move. Read more