It is known that Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine became the first to be approved for the public, with the UK, US and Canada having launched a mass inoculation drive. Now, many in India too are looking forward to the vaccine’s entry into the sub-continent. However, the cost of Pfizer vaccine and the humongous logistic hurdles involved have made chances bleak for India to obtain the mRNA vaccine touted to 90% effective in treating Covid19. But this latest announcement by the US pharmaceutical has brought back hopes of the vaccine to India.
Actual price too expensive!
A single dose of Pfizer vaccine will cost around ₹1500. Hence, two to three doses will cost ₹3000. Apart from these, the cost of logistics which include transporting the vaccine continuously at -70°C could cost a fortune for a country like India. However, India is in the process of obtaining the vaccines and is in talks with Pfizer regarding the same. Recently, in the United States, it has been learnt that the vaccine is being stored in less than -70°C due to manufacture changes.
Shall lower prices for India, logistics sorted
Pfizer having observed India’s concerns has agreed to lower the prices of its vaccine. The US pharma company also said that they are considering reducing prices for some other nations based on the circumstances. Not only that, but even the issues pertaining to logistics will also be sorted out. Especially that the vaccine needs to be stored at a temperature below -70°C. However, Pfizer states that once the vaccine reaches the hospital it can be stored between 2-8°C in a freezer. But the most important part is that the vaccine needs to be injected within five days, else it would be useless. This means India needs to make arrangements in such a way that the vaccines are injected on a faster basis without any delay.
India looking for COVAXIN!
It is known that immediate efforts are being made by India to approve three vaccines – Covishield, Covaxin and Pfizer. Already, emergency approval for the three vaccines was sought by the respective firms from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). In its response, the DCGI has announced that the effectiveness and safety aspect of the three vaccines would be inspected on the 19th of December. In this scenario, the Indian government’s top priority is clearing the Covaxin and Covishield, than Pfizer. On the other hand, the Indian government has high hopes on Covishield which is being manufactured by the Pune based Serum Institute of India. Earlier, Adar Poonawalla the CEO of Serum Institute of India had announced to supply the Covid19 vaccine for ₹250 per dose.
