Covid-19! State may get vaccine from the onset of 2021: Dr Sudhakar
2 min read
Bengaluru: “There are all possibilities to get Covid-19 vaccine in the beginning of 2021 itself”, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
He disclosed this at a media briefing immediately after the meeting with the officials of Astra Zeneca company which is one of the companies involved in research and trial of Covid Vaccines.
Astra Zeneca in collaboration with Serum Institute, Pune has been conducting vaccine trials. It is also conducting trials in collaboration with Oxford University at global level.
First level trial was conducted successfully 56 days before. Second and third level trails will be conducted on 1600 people. We have asked the company to conduct trails on more number of persons, said Sudhakar.
Also distribution of vaccine in the state was also discussed with Astra Zeneca. Company projects to supply vaccines for 100 Crore people, minister said.
Antibodies were produced in 28 days during first level of trials. The trials were conducted on healthy persons who are not infected. Second and third level trials involve vaccinating the persons who were recovered from Covid infection. If the trials are successful we will be issuing vaccines in the state once the central government approves it, said the Minister.
Responding to a question on whether it is a coincidence that Covid situation has improved ever since he took charge as Health Minister, Sudhakar said that “it is because of the efforts of our corona warriros under the leadership of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa the number of cases have decreased and deaths have come down”.
The government is neither hiding nor providing any wrong information about Covid data. WHO itself has appreciated state government’s transparency in providing Covid statistics, minister said.
Managing Director of Astra Zeneca Gagandeep Singh, Chairman of technical advisory committee Dr Sudarshan were present in the meeting.
Other points made by the Minister
• Vaccine is still under trials hence pricing is not discussed. Astra Zeneca has said that they are not producing it for profit.
• Technical committee will be formed in collaboration with Union Health Ministry and the distribution of vaccine will be discussed in the committee. Health workers and the persons with comorbidity will be vaccinated at the first level.
• Government is not hiding or providing wrong information regarding Covid statistics. World Health Organisation itself has appreciated the transparent manner in which data is put in public domain by our government.
• Covid safety guidelines must be followed during the upcoming winter season of November, December and January.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
