The Serum Institute of India (SII) is “hopeful” of getting emergency use authorisation (EUA) for its vaccine by December-end, according to CEO Adar Poonawalla. “We might get emergency license by this month-end, but license for wider use might come at a later date. But, we are confident that if the regulators give a nod, India’s vaccination drive can start by January 2021,” said Adar Poonawalla.
He further said that the Health Ministry is planning to vaccinate 20-30% of India’s population to reach a critical mass, which once happens “will can hopefully see confidence and sentiments coming back.” The government wants 300-400 million doses by July 2021, he added.
“By September-October 2021 hopefully there will be enough vaccines for everyone and normal life can return,” Adar Poonawalla said.
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine available for emergency in USA
Soon after the US Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use across the country, President Donald Trump said that the vaccine will be administered “in less than 24 hours”.
“The FDA’s authorisation for emergency use of the first Covid-19 vaccine is a significant milestone in battling this devastating pandemic that has affected so many families in the United States and around the world,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M Hahn, MD. This move means that many highly vulnerable people will begin receiving the vaccine within days. It further called the authorisation y the FDA as a ‘historic turning point’ as the US death toll from the Wuhan-originated virus nears 300,000.
