Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday sought procurement of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible to vaccinate children. This announcement comes after the US pharma company required fast-track approval for its jab in India.
According to the sources, the US major has told the Indian authorities that its vaccine is suitable for everyone aged from 12 years or above and can be stored for a month at 2-8 degrees Celsius.
“We shud procure this vaccine asap for our children,” Kejriwal tweeted, citing a news story on fast-track approval sought by the company.
We shud procure this vaccine asap for our children https://t.co/uObqQDmpn8
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 27, 2021
Citing opinions of experts that a possible third wave of Covid-19 in coming months may affect children, the Delhi chief minister has been requesting the Central government to explore suitable vaccine options.
It has been also suggested by the Delhi government that the Centre should vaccinate students and teachers if it decides to conduct class 12 Board exams delayed due to the second wave of the virus.
However, Pfizer has offered 5 crore doses to India between July and October that has recently held a series of interactions with Indian government authorities.
It has shared with authorities the most recent data points regarding efficacy trials and approvals for its vaccine in various countries and by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Meanwhile, the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country so far has reached 20,26,95,874, the health ministry said. With this, India became the second country to achieve the 20-crore vaccination mark after the US, the ministry added. Testing capacity substantially ramped up- 21.57 lakh tests conducted in last 24 hours.