In India the covid-19 vaccine rollout is imminent and the dispatch of the same is already underway.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with the Chief Minister of all the states to discuss the immunization drive in the country.
As two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in India, many experts have raised their concern at what they term as ‘hasty approval‘.
In the middle of the discussion over efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the country’s drug regulator, the Indian Medical Association has come in their favour, saying that they have been found inducing “good protective levels of antibodies”.
In a statement issued on Friday, the association said that the vaccines shall perform great for the people and their approval has made the entire country feel proud.
As India approves 2 vaccines for COVID-19, IMA lauds contribution of Indian scientists and researchers – https://t.co/rjbNxmPMl3
— Indian Medical Association (@IMAIndiaOrg) January 9, 2021
Both Approved Vaccines Effective And Affordable
“Good protective levels of antibodies are found to develop with Indian vaccines. With great efficacy levels and affordability, these Indian vaccines shall perform great for the people of our country,” it said.
Two vaccines against the COVID-19 for restricted emergency use in the country have been recently approved by the Drug Controller General of India, which has also created a new way for a massive vaccination drive.
The Serum Institute of India has manufactured Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech, and Covishield that has been given approval. While Bharat Biotech has developed Covaxin with an entire virion inactivated virus, SII has engineered Covishield with recombinant Chimpanzee Adenovirus vector virus.
As Covaxin was granted emergency use authorisation on January 2, its Phase 3 trial remains underway, the topic Expert Committee was criticised for granting approval before an interim analysis was conducted or efficacy data made public.
Indian Scientists Lauded For Their Efforts
Meanwhile, the IMA appreciated the efforts of Indian scientists and researchers to return out with vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 stating that they have worked hard to make this a success.
“We appreciate the contributions of all Indian scientists and researchers who have relentlessly spent their time in making this dream a hit and contributing to develop Self-sufficient India,” the apex association of modern medicine doctors said. “With the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 at our doorsteps, it’s worth remembering that indigenous vaccines are developed after the tireless efforts of Indian scientists together with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV),” it added.
Appeal For Participation In Vaccination Drive
The IMA also urged all its members to actively participate in the COVID-19 vaccination process so that the same becomes a success as well.
“As you all are conscious of the COVID vaccine being made available within the immediate future, it becomes our natural responsibility to help the vaccination drive in a professional way. We should begin openly and support this programme, wherever it’s happening, both in terms of manpower and infrastructure cover,” it said.
