First dose of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V was administered in Hyderabad on Friday, reported PTI quoting Drug firm Dr Reddy’s Laboratories. This is as part of a limited pilot and soft launch of the COVID vaccine Sputnik V.

The first dose was administered to Deepak Sapra, Global Head of Custom Pharma Services at Dr Reddy’s Laboratories in Hyderabad, tweeted news agency ANI.

On May1, India received first consignment of imported doses of the Sputnik V vaccine and received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, on May 13.

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According to a statement by the firm, “Further consignments of imported doses are expected over the upcoming months. Subsequently, supply of the Sputnik V vaccine will commence from Indian manufacturing partners.” 

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The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at a maximum retail price of Rs 948, with 5% GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins, it added.