As per official sources, the Covid-19 working group of the NTAGI has suggested including the Serum institute’s Covovax in the national vaccination program for 12 years and above children. Covovax was authorized by India’s drug regulator for restricted utilization in emergency situations in adults in December. Moreover, it was also approved for the 12-17 age groups on 9th March.
Covovax inclusion in the vaccination drive has also been advised by the director of Serum Institute of India, Prakash Kumar Singh. Recently, he solicited the Union Health Ministry to inoculate Covovax for 12-year children through his letter. Three days ago, NTAGI has held a meeting on Covid-19 circumstances while the data of Covovax was reassessed. Prakash Singh said that the Pune-based entity desires to offer Covovax to private hospitals at Rs 900 per dose along with GST and waiting for guidelines to furnish it to the Centre.
But the price details of Covovax are yet to disclose. As stated by the Union Health Secretary, private entities, educational institutions, social organizations, central government organizations, and public sector undertakings were making requests for Covovax to administer their staff, families, and children.