COVID Vaccine Found In a Paan Shop In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: In a strange development, a COVID-19 vaccine vial was allegedly found in a betel (paan) shop here on Thursday.

The matter is surprising because COVID vaccines are completely regulated and monitored by government agencies and any unauthorised use or access to them is illegal.

It is ensured that the vaccines are made available to only government hospitals, recognised or empanelled private hospitals and health authorities. They are allotted to vaccination camps in certain tranches and are fully accounted for. No COVID-19 vaccine can be purchased by an individual or a medical facility from the open market.

In such a situation, availability of the vaccine beyond its jurisdiction is suspicious and apparently points towards the involvement of a deeper nexus of black marketers, said experts.

The Covishield vaccine vial was found in a refrigerator at the shop located between VIP Road and CT Road, that also stored cold drinks and other stuff. It carried a valid batch number (4121MF027), manufacturing date of 20-10-2021 and an expiry date of 19-07-2022, which means it is from a fresh stock and can be used till July next year.

It must be mentioned that with the fear of a possible third wave in the country led by Omicron variant and the likelihood of booster shots, panic buying of vaccines from the black market is not impossible.

When asked, Puri DM Samarth Verma said, “Give me the evidence and details of the finding, and I will order an inquiry into the matter.”

ADMO Pranab Prakash Das said that the allegation would be probed and strict action would be taken against those found involved in illegally storing COVID-19 vaccine.