India May Permit Emergency Use Of COVID-19 Vaccine: Health Minister

New Delhi: Anticipating an increase in cases during the upcoming winter season, the Indian government is considering authorizing an emergency use of COVID-19 vaccine, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

“Adequate safety and efficacy data is required for emergency-use authorization vaccine approval for ensuring patient safety. Further course of action will depend on the data generated,” Vardhan said.

Only China and the UAE have allowed such emergency authorization, while Russia has temporarily allowed registration of its vaccine Sputnik V till January 2021 subject to phase-III trial.

The Drug Controller General of India had previously allowed emergency use of Remdesivir and Favipiravir for treatment of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

The vaccine will be rolled out by prioritizing target groups based on occupational hazard and risk of exposure to infection, and the risk of developing severe disease and increased mortality. Supply will be limited in the beginning, Vardhan said.

“India is looking at the availability of several types of vaccines, of which some may be suitable for a particular age group while others may not be,” he said.

The vaccine by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech needs two doses, while Cadila Healthcare vaccine requires three. Multiple vaccines may be introduced in India depending of availability, Vardhan added.

On the upcoming festive season, he said, “No religion or God says you have to celebrate in an ostentatious way, that you have to visit pandals and temples and mosques to pray.”

Vardhan also notified that the Tata & CSIR-developed Feluda paper strip test will be made available in the next few weeks.

Also Read: Feluda Is More Accurate & A Potential Substitute For RTPCR Test