India on Saturday tested its coronavirus vaccine administration system with a nationwide trial as it prepares to launch an immunization campaign to curb the pandemic.
The trial included from the introduction of data in an online platform to monitor the delivery of vaccines, to cold storage tests and arrangements to transport the drug, the Ministry of Health said in a statement .
The massive exercise came a day after a government-selected committee of experts held a meeting to review two applications from potential vaccine candidates, including the favorite, Covishield, developed by Oxford University and the pharmaceutical industry. AstraZeneca, based in Great Britain, and another of Indian manufacturer Bharat Biotech.
The vaccination campaign is expected to begin in a few days, once the green light regulator to one of the candidates.
AstraZeneca hired the Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturing company, to produce BILLION doses for developing nations, including India. On Wednesday, Britain became the first to approve the treatment.
The vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech is based on an inactive form of the coronavirus. It is being carried out in collaboration with Indian government agencies. Early clinical studies showed that the vaccine has no serious side effects and produces antibodies against COVID-19. The company said in November 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 Serum Institute of India.
The one produced at the Serum Institute of India does not require deep-freezing facilities for preservation, as is the case with others, but can be stored in refrigerators. This makes it a viable candidate for both the country and others in development.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan reviewed preparations for the vaccination campaign at a government hospital in the capital, New Delhi, on Saturday, and urged the population not to heed rumors of the vaccine. “We will not commit to any protocol before a vaccine is approved,” he told reporters.
Pooja Moriya, a health worker in the capital who will be one of the first to be vaccinated, said hospital staff have had several meetings about the vaccine and how it works. “Our bosses have told us we don’t care at all,” he added.
India has more than 10.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus, the second country in the world hardest hit by the pandemic behind the United States. More than 149,000 people have died in the country due to VOCID-19.