Government starts preparations for third phase of vaccination drive

After Bharat Biotech announces its rates, govt will decide which vaccine it should opt for on the basis of price, says health minister Jai Pratap Singh

LUCKNOW : The Uttar Pradesh government has started preparations for the third phase of the Covid vaccination drive beginning May 1 under which everyone above 18 years of age will be eligible to get the Covid jab.

Health and family welfare minister Jai Pratap Singh said the state government was awaiting the announcement of the rate of the vaccine by Hyderabad-based company Bharat Biotech International Limited that manufactures Covaxin vaccine. The Pune-based company Serum Institute of India (SII) has already announced that it will sell Covishield vaccine to the state governments for Rs 400 per vial.

“The UP government has already announced that it will provide Covid vaccines free to all in the state. After Bharat Biotech announces its rate, the state government will decide which vaccine it should opt for on the basis of price,” the minister said.

“If the Bharat Biotech delays the announcement of rate, the state government will opt for the Covishield as it is committed to launching the third phase vaccination from May 1. According to the report from Bharat Biotech, the company is likely to announce its rate within few days,” Singh added.

“The state health and family welfare department besides the district magistrates of all 75 UP districts have been directed to prepare a work plan for the third phase vaccination. Along with increasing the vaccination centres, the state government will strengthen the cold chain too. People will be given the vaccine dose according to the guidelines announced by the central government,” he said.