Sputnik V vaccine to be available in market by next week: Centre

The Centre said that states should focus on administering the second dose of vaccine to citizens in the age group of 45 and above. Dr. V.K Paul, member of NITI Aayog, said that overall, 216 crore doses of vaccines will be manufactured in India between August-December "for India and for Indians".

"We have confirmed this data. This is responsible information," said Dr. Paul, adding there should be no doubt that vaccines will be available for all.

The Union government is also in talks with Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson for the vaccine. "We hope that they come forward to supply vaccine in India. We invite them to make vaccines here with our companies. J&J has accepted this offer as well," said Dr. Paul.

Meanwhile, the health ministry accepted the recommendation of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) to extend the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine from six-eight weeks to 12-16 weeks.

"In the beginning, it was four-six weeks and later we changed it to six-eight weeks. We have now changed it to 12-16 weeks based on the recommendation of NTAGI. The UK has also changed it to 12 weeks and WHO also has recommended 12 weeks. We have done this on the basis of data available with us," said Dr. Paul.

Also, the ministry said it welcomed the states' recommendations to give the technology of Covaxin to other pharma companies to produce more vaccines. "However, BSL-III laboratory where Covaxin is developed is only available with Bharat Biotech. If some company agrees to make available BSL-III laboratory, we are happy to transfer the technology," said Dr. Paul.