Discussions are continuously going on with Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine manufacturers to begin their vaccine supplies, though the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for these COVID-19 vaccines have been given by the government, said Dr Vinod K Paul, member of NITI Aayog.
If the vaccine may create any serious adverse reactions, the foreign vaccine manufacturers including Pfizer and Moderna have been seeking indemnity against any legal issues according to reports.
Explaining the same in a weekly press briefing on COVID-19 developments in the country, Paul informed that the option for using EUA is open for both the companies. “With regard to their import or deployment from the production of Johnson and Johnson in the country, we have been informing you that there are issues around which we still have to find a common ground with respective vaccine manufacturers and we are working in that direction.”
Paul while commenting on the vaccine administration in children, said that Zydus Cadila’s vaccine has been approved for potential use in children.
“We have information on the stockpile and our scientific bodies are discussing how and when and where to. Covaxin trial is very close to the completion of trials for children. Once we have results, that vaccine will be potentially available. Biological E has also been granted permission to complete the trial,” he said.
Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said, “We are still witnessing the second surge. It is not over. Public health response should be on the basis that the second surge is not over though the cases are coming down.”
He urged the public to be careful while celebrating the upcoming festivals in the wake of the pandemic.
