Pfizer says its COVID vaccine is highly effective, seeks fast-track approval in India
- B.1.617.2 variant of coronavirus highly dominant in India
- Pfizer's COVID vaccine doses can be stored for a month between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius
- The pharma giant is in talks with the Indian government for the emergency approval
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has told the Indian government that its COVID vaccine is “highly effective” against the B.1.617.2 variant of coronavirus, which is highly dominant in the country, reported PTI quoting sources.
According to PTI, the pharma giant said its vaccine was suitable for everyone over the age of 12. “It can be safely stored for a month between two and eight degrees Celsius,” Pfizer told Indian government.
Also Read: Centre to outsource COVID vaccines, discuss shortage with WHO: Reports
Pfizer has rolled out its vaccine in the US in December 2020 and is in talks with the Indian government for the emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine in the country. According to the report, Pfizer will roll out 5 crore doses between July and October if it get approval, including indemnification.
The US pharma giant was last week approached by the Delhi government to procure vaccines directly. However, the company denied and told Delhi government it would only deal with central governments.
At present, India is using two ‘Made-in India’ vaccines- Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and Covaxin of Bharat Biotech to inoculate the population. The Centre also approved Russian-made Sputnik V and it is being used a smaller scale.
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