The government has suggested to organize a dry run for Covid vaccine in all states on Saturday, January 2. It is planned as the authorities have hinted the approval for a vaccine was fast approaching.
A high-level meeting was chaired by The Union Health Secretary on Thursday with all states and Union Territories. The health ministry stated that this is the second dry run being conducted in the country. The first one was held on December 28 and 29 in four states and had gone off without any issues.
The process of dry run involves dummy Covid vaccines being received by the participants. This dry run is to test the procedure and divulge possible gaps in the system even before the actual vaccination drive. According to sources, the dry run will happen at selective cities or towns in each state.
The health ministry on Tuesday said the two-day mock drill showed India is ready to start inoculation. “All the four participating states are satisfied with systems put in place for COVID-19 vaccination process,” the statement said.
The dry run across the country is being conducted when athe launch of a vaccine is anticipated in the New Year. The country’s Drugs Controller General,Dr VG Somani, said that the vaccine would probably be available in the new year.
Applications from the Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech and Pfizer are being examined. Oxford-AstraZeneca’s ‘Covishield’ is being seen as the front runner, which is being manufactured by Serum Institute.
