Need to find a common ground with Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for initiating vaccine supply : V K Paul

Discussions are still going on with Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine manufacturers to start their vaccine supplies, though the government has given Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for these COVID-19 vaccines, said Dr Vinod K Paul, member of NITI Aayog.

It may be noted that the foreign vaccine manufacturers including Pfizer and Moderna have been seeking indemnity against any legal issues if the vaccine may create any serious adverse reactions.

Apprising the same in a weekly press briefing on COVID-19 developments in the country, Paul informed that the option for using EUA is open for both the companies. “With regard to their import or deployment from the production of Johnson and Johnson in the country, we have been informing you that there are issues around which we still have to find a common ground with respective vaccine manufacturers and we are working in that direction.”

Commenting on the vaccine administration in children, Paul said that Zydus Cadila’s vaccine has been approved for potential use in children.

“We have information on the stock pile and our scientific bodies are discussing how and when and where to. Covaxin trial is very close to completion of trials for children. Once we have results, that vaccine will be potentially available. Biological E has also been granted permission to complete the trial,” he said.

Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said, “We are still witnessing the second surge. It is not over. Public health response should be on the basis that the second surge is not over though the cases are coming down.”

He urged the public to be careful while celebrating the upcoming festivals in the wake of the pandemic.