Covishield to be available from March-April 2021; might be priced between INR 500-600

Coronavirus cases in the country are increasing exponentially, especially after the festivals. The Central Government along with the State Government have allowed activities to resume across India, whereby officials have noted the spread of COVID19. While safety and precautionary measures are being taken, several pharmaceutical companies across the world are racing towards developing a vaccine which would become the cure for coronavirus.

As per reports, one such vaccine in the making, Covishield, developed by Oxford and Astrazeneca, will begin its distribution in India from February 2021 and it is said that once available, the vaccine might be priced between INR 500 and 600. Information regarding this was given by CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), Adar Poonawala.

This development is likely to bring great relief to Indians under stress. Poonawala gave this information in a news program and informed that the SII will apply to the Central Government next month for the immediate approval of the vaccine.  Initially, the vaccine will be given to health workers and senior citizens, and will then available to the general public from March or April 2021. 

Covishield can be stored at temperatures of 2°c to 8°c, and a single dose of this vaccine will cost INR 500 to INR 600 for the general public. However, since the government will buy the vaccine in large quantities, the price will be reduced to INR 225 to 300. With the availability of Covishield vaccine in India, the Central Government has started preparations for its distribution across the country. Work is underway and officials are planning to set up a cold chain storage system across the country. Moreover, cargo units have been deployed at major airports with the help of GMR Group which manages Delhi and Hyderabad airports, whereby cooling chambers are being set up at both the locations.

SpiceJet's cargo unit, Spice Express, has entered into an agreement with Global Cold Chain Solutions with which it will be possible to transport the coronavirus vaccine at the suggested temperature.