Zydus vaccine: Check launch date and other details

ZyCov-D, the world’s first DNA vaccine against Covid-19 manufactured by Zydus Cadila, approved as the first vaccine for children aged 12 in the country is likely to be launched by the government on October 2, according to a report in The Economic Times. The Centre is now negotiating with Zydus on the price of the vaccine and will be decided in a meeting between the representatives of the company and the National Expert Group in Vaccine Administration for Covid (NEGVAC) headed by Niti Aayog member VK Paul and health ministry officials likely to be held this week.

The publication reported that the price of the vaccine is likely to cost more than Covishield, but will be comparable with those already approved. Presently, the government is buying Covishield at Rs 157.50 per dose and Covaxin at Rs 225.75 per dose.

Preparations in full swing to roll out vaccine

Back in August, the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) had given Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) to the three-dose ZyCoV-D to be administered to children aged 12 and above. It is expected that the government will earmark a major chunk of the vaccine for children.

With the first few batches of the vaccines cleared by the government’s drug regulator at Kasauli, preparations are in full swing to roll out ZyCoV-D.

Vaccinators are also being trained by Zydus Cadila to administer the vaccine, which is using a needle-free applicator.

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) is expected to provide guidelines on vaccinating children with underlying health conditions on Monday, the publication said.

The Covid-19 working group, which advises on vaccination to the government, is of the belief that children with underlying medical conditions should be vaccinated first, during the first phase.

Adding to that, government experts believe that there is no need for every child to be vaccinated to attend school. So, this year it is likely that healthy kids will not get their jabs.