India may get third vaccine approved within two weeks, says Naresh Trehan

India has kicked off the largest vaccination drive from 1st March 2021 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking the first jab early morning, followed by many other union ministers and chief ministers. As of 2nd March, a total of 1,48,54,136 Indians have been inoculated of which 5,52,639 were added on 1st March. For now, India’s recovery rate stands at 97.07 percent. Country’s vaccination drive might get the much needed push with one more vaccine getting approval, as has been hinted by Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman & managing director of Medanta in an interview with Money9. Read on what he has to say on India’s vaccination drive –

With leaders taking the first dose, do you think this will help people come out from their hesitancy towards the vaccine?

When leaders take the initiative and ‘walk the talk’ then definitely confidence building happens. It is a true sign of leadership and encourages people as it is in the nation’s interest. To contain the pandemic, the only way out is to vaccinate enough people, to reach herd immunity.

How effective are the vaccines on new variants?
So far, according to vaccine manufacturers, the vaccines are effective on UK and other variants. However, there are concerns with South African variant with it being susceptible to vaccines. We need to keep surveillance up to keep the checks.

Three more vaccines are in pipeline with phase-3 trials, how soon we might see one more approved?
All vaccines hold good promise – they have shown safety and efficacy in first two phases. They need to be tested on with larger population in phase-3. These are near to completing their trial. Sputnik V may get approval in a week or two, the data is being examined by the regulators.

Should states like Maharashtra, Kerala get vaccinated faster?
Vaccine is being accelerated not just for senior citizens and people above 45 years with co-morbidities. As soon the vaccine is available in larger quantity the government is planning to launch it for all citizens. So for SII is capable to produce 6 crore shots every month, while Bharat Biotech can produce 1 crore Covaxin a month. If more vaccines get approved, the process will be faster. Also, private hospitals will increase the capacity. The government may increase the private hospitals participating in the drive.

What is the opinion of private participants on the cap of Rs 250/dose?
This is national service. We need to win this war. Rs 100 allowance per shot is very reasonable – there won’t be profits but one won’t even face losses. And even if there is any, this is a contribution to the country. This should not be a money-making endeavour in anybody’s mind.

Will India be able to reach the vaccination targets?
If the government ramps-up as planned, we may reach 30 crore by July-August. Then we may reach 30 lakh doses a day – this could get up to 40-50 lakhs. If vaccinations become available we will be able to reach the target.

Could there be any more restrictions during Holi?
It should be stressed to the public to not indulge in breaking the covid-19 behaviour. No questions on flouting them, if it happens, there might be surge in cases. We are winning the battle, we must win the war by sustaining this for six months or more. Covid-19 appropriate behaviour must be maintained until we have reached herd immunity.