On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an all-party meeting that India won’t have to wait for COVID-19 vaccine for long and the first shots will possibly be available in afew weeks.

The PM said that the price of the vaccine will be finalised by keeping public health interests in consideration and after discussions with state governments. He has strongly urged the political leaders who attended the meeting to disperse rumours about the vaccine and said baseless claims would harm the battle against the coronavirus. His reference was due to the recent controversy regarding an adverse event in a vaccine trial and concerns over “vaccine hesitancy” in the public.

Modi said at the meeting that the rollout of the vaccine will start as soon as the scientists give the green flag. He further said that there were 8 vaccines being developed and will be manufactured in India and also referred to three home-grown initiatives taken.

He said that the progress on the vaccine development had strengthened India’s fight against the coronavirus but highlighted that reinfection of COVID-19 in few parts of the world and the necessity to use masks and following the hygiene protocol would remain the same.

He confirmed reports on India’s plan of prioritisation for the vaccine, stating that the healthcare, frontline workers and elderly people are vulnerable to the coronavirus and would get the vaccine shots first.

Modi said the Centre and state teams are working together on vaccine strategy. During the all-party meeting, the PM said few additional cold chain equipment and logistics would be required and will be evaluated with the support of states. He once again notified against the rumours that might spread regarding vaccination, as it would be against public and national interest.

Source: ET Healthworld