Covovax To Be Launched For Adults in October, For Children In Q1 2022

Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) said on Monday that he and his organization is hopeful of launching Covovax vaccine for adults in October this year and for children in Quarter 1 of 2022.

He said it is subject to approval by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). He further said that by October, the vaccines for children aged above 12 could be launched and for those below 12 are likely by the first quarter of 2022.

The cost of the vaccines will be known at the time of launch. He expressed his gratitude to the government for its support and clarified that the previous financial crisis during the procurement of raw materials is no more an issue.

He says he is thankful to PM Modi for always helping SII with his relentless support and cooperation. Poonawalla met Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Delhi and held a discussion over the supply of the Covishield vaccine.

The meeting had discussions over ramping up vaccine production. Currently, more than 17 countries in Europe have already approved Covidshield and a few other countries are in queue to give a green signal.

As per a government note, the vaccine projection of Covaxin will be 2.65 crores in August, Covishield will be 23 crores and a total of 25.65 crore doses will be produced in the month.

In September the projection of Covaxin is 3.15 crore and Covishield will be 23 crores, which in total will be 26.15 crore doses. In October a total of 28.25 crore doses will be produced out of which Covaxin will be 5.25 crore and Covishield will be 23 crore doses.