Serum Institute Seeks Legal Shield Against Vaccine Side Effects

New Delhi: Covishield-maker Serum Institute of India (SII) has sought indemnity from liability or legal protection from any claims linked any severe side effects from the company’s COVID-19 vaccine.

Notably, foreign vaccine-makers Pfizer and Moderna have set this as a key condition for supplies to India.

SII said such an indemnity from liability should be given to every vaccine maker.

“Not just SII, all the vaccine companies should get indemnity protection against liabilities if foreign companies are granted it,” NDTV quoted an SII source as saying. “Serum is hoping that rules should be same for everyone,” the source added.

So far, the government has not given any manufacturer protection against legal action for any severe side effects linked to their vaccine.

However, the government is reportedly agreeable to the idea.

Health Ministry sources said other countries have granted this concession and “there is no problem” in granting the same legal protection in India to vaccine makers.