The long and short of how coronavirus vaccine might reach you

Covid-19 vaccination could be around the corner. The CEO of Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker, told ET on Friday India can start a vaccination drive by January and normalcy could return by October, provided approvals come soon enough. But administering a vaccine across the country will be a mammoth task.

India has an effective polio vaccine delivery network but no experience with mass adult immunisation. Other major challenges include storing and transporting the doses in optimum temperatures and making sure they are administered properly even in remote areas. A look at how a vaccine might reach your arm:

Maker’s Market

Around 3 billion doses are made in India.

Batch Processing
The output of vaccine markers in India can be divided into two batches — for exports and for domestic use.

Packaging
Manufacturer puts a 2D barcode (looks like a QR code) on each vaccine vial.

Firming Up
SII, Bharat Biotech, Pfizer, Zydus Cadila, Dr Reddy’s and Gennova Biopharma are working on vaccines for use in India. While the Centre has approved the indigenously made mRNA vaccine, developed by Pune-based Gennova for human trials, it wants SII and Bharat Biotech to give more data on its trials. SII, Bharat Biotech and Pfizer have sought nod for emergency use.

Cost Matrix

Rollout Scenario
Phase one of vaccination is likely to run from January-July 2021. Experts say 700-750 mn would have to be vaccinated, and that would require around 1.5 bn doses if each needs 2 shots.