On Saturday, India tested its coronavirus vaccine system through a nationwide study as it prepares to launch an immunization campaign to reduce the pandemic.
The process ranged from entering data into an online platform to monitor vaccine delivery, to cold storage tests and how to transport the drug, the health ministry said in a statement.
The massive exercise came a day after a government-selected committee of experts held a meeting to examine two applications for potential vaccine candidates, including leader Covishield, developed by Oxford University and the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, based in the United States. Britain and another from the Indian manufacturer Bharat Biotech.
The vaccination campaign is expected to start in a few days, once the regulator gives the green light to one of the candidates.
AstraZeneca has contracted with the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing company, to produce 1 billion doses for developing countries, including India. On Wednesday, the United Kingdom became the first to approve the treatment.
The vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech is based on an inactive form of coronavirus. It is done in collaboration with Indian government agencies. Early clinical trials have shown that the vaccine has no serious side effects and produces antibodies against COVID-19. The company said in November that it was starting late clinical trials.
The government plans to immunize 300 million people in the first phase of the plan, which will include health and front-line workers, police, the military and people over 50 with previous illnesses.
The government is expected to initially opt for the drug produced by the Indian Serum Institute.
The one produced at the Serum Institute of India does not require freezing facilities to preserve it, as it does with others, but can be stored in refrigerators. This makes it a viable candidate for both the country and other developing countries.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday analyzed preparations for the vaccination campaign at a government hospital in the capital New Delhi, urging the population to ignore rumors against the vaccine. “We will not commit to any protocol until a vaccine is approved,” he told reporters.
Pooja Moriya, a health worker from the capital, who will be one of the first to be vaccinated, said the hospital staff had several meetings about the vaccine and how it works. “Our bosses told us not to worry at all,” he added.
India has more than 10.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second country in the world most affected by the pandemic behind the United States. More than 149,000 people have died in the country due to COVID-19.