Covishield, Covaxin Prices Slashed For Pvt Hospitals Day Before Booster Drive

Bhubaneswar: A day before the opening of the ‘precaution dose’ drive for all above 18 years, the prices of Covishield and Covaxin at private hospitals were slashed by more than half on Saturday.

The vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech will now cost Rs 225 per dose. Earlier, Covishield was available at Rs 600 per dose and Covaxin at Rs 1,200 per dose.

“We are pleased to announce that after discussion with the central government, SII has decided to revise the price of COVISHIELD vaccine for private hospitals from Rs 600 to Rs 225 per dose. We once again commend this decision from the Centre to open precautionary dose to all 18+,” Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla tweeted.

Shortly afterwards, Bharat Biotech cofounder Suchitra Ella made the announcement on Twitter:

“Announcing #CovaxinPricing. We welcome the decision to make available precautionary dose for all adults. In consultation with the Central Government, we have decided to revise the price of  #COVAXIN  from Rs 1200 to Rs 225 per dose, for #privatehospitals.”

All those who are more than 18 years of age and have completed nine months after receiving the second dose of the vaccine would be eligible for the precautionary third dose. It would be available on payment at private vaccination centres, from April 10.

Earlier in the day, the government had said that private vaccination centres, including private hospitals, can charge up to a maximum of Rs 150 per dose as service charge.

Also Read: Health Secy Discusses Rollout Of Booster Jab For All Above 18 With States