New Delhi: A day after Russia approved a novel coronavirus vaccine for public use, the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday sought inputs from the Standing Technical Sub-Committee of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) on the vaccine.
The decision was taken after a National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 discussed broad parameters guiding the selection of COVID-19 vaccine candidates for the country.
The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration chaired by Dr V K Paul, Member Niti Aayog along with Secretary (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) as co-chair met for the first time in New Delhi.
It may be mentioned that the NTAGI exclusively works for informing decision-making concerning the introduction of evidence based new vaccines and strengthening the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
However, there may be concern for India at present to import Russian vaccines following the fact that the vaccine was approved without the final phase of human trials.
The Russian vaccine, developed by Moscow-based Gamaleya Institute, has cleared regulatory approvals in record time, raising concerns over its safety and effectiveness.
Read: First batch of Russian COVID-19 vaccine to be out in two weeks
India's procedure of giving a go ahead to a particular vaccine also depends on the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Drug Controller General of India (DCGI's) approval.
India's apex drug controller can ask Russia to conduct late-phase human trials, usually both phase-2 and phase-3, on Indian population.
Late-phase human trials are important because the vaccine’s efficacy can differ on different population groups. Recently, the Oxford University vaccine candidate has been given the approval for Phase 3 human trials on Indian volunteers.
National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19, meanwhile, deliberated on conceptualization and implementation mechanisms for creation of a digital infrastructure for inventory management and delivery mechanism of the vaccine including tracking of vaccination process with particular focus on last mile delivery.
The group delved on the procurement mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccine, including both indigenous and international manufacturing along with guiding principles for prioritization of population groups for vaccination.
Read: Putin's daughter receives dose of world's first COVID-19 vaccine
The expert group discussed the financial resources required for procurement of COVID-19 vaccine and various options of financing the same. Available options in terms of delivery platforms, cold chain and associated infrastructure for roll out of COVID-19 vaccination were also taken up.
Further, strategy and follow-up action on all possible scenarios to ensure equitable and transparent delivery of vaccine was deliberated upon. Issues related to vaccine safety and surveillance were taken up and strategy for community involvement through transparent information and awareness creation were discussed.
India's support to its key neighbors and development partner countries for COVID-19 vaccines was deliberated upon. The expert group discussed that India will leverage domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity and will also engage with all international players for early delivery of vaccines not only in India but also in low and middle-income countries.
The Committee also advised all the States and UTs not to chart separate pathways of procurement.
Read: WHO cautious about Russia's approval of vaccine
