Covid-19: Most vaccines may cost Rs 700-1,000 per dose

Most companies are expected to price the Covid-19 vaccines around Rs 700-1,000 per dose, when they roll out the jabs in the private market later this year, up from the government-mandated price of Rs 250 per dose.

Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla had told TOI earlier in an interview that Covishield will be priced around Rs 1,000 per jab in the private market. Dr Reddy’s, which will import Russia’s Sputnik V, is expected to price it under Rs 750, though a final decision is yet to be taken.

Companies when contacted said they were yet to firm up prices as there are multiple dynamics at play. It will also depend on the quantity which they can sell in the private market, export consideration and supply chain issues.




They are also awaiting clarity from the Centre in terms of fixing the vaccine price mandated for states.


“The government procurement price (around Rs 150 per dose) is unrealistically low. We will work out a sustainable price, keeping in mind the quantity for the private market, and those which are earmarked for state governments. We have to bear in mind that the technology platforms, cell lines and equipment of each company vary, and there is also a dependence on imported raw materials (for some companies), so prices will differ,” a player which is yet to enter the market said.


Since companies have made substantial capital investments, there will also be pressure to generate better revenue and reasonable profits both through private sale and exports. In case the vaccine is imported, there are different factors to be con-sidered. In case the vaccine is foreign-manufactured and imported into the count-ry, there are different factors to be considered.