DELHI TO GET SPUTNIK V AFTER JUNE 20, SAYS CM KEJRIWAL

NEW DELHI: Delhi is likely to receive the first consignment of Sputnik V, the Russian Covid-19 vaccine, in June, Delhi chief mminister Arvind Kejriwal said on Monday, while stressing that vaccination is key to the fight against coronavirus.

Kejriwal said Delhi is likely to get a consignment of the Sputnik V vaccine that will be imported by the firm concerned after June 20. “Sputnik will probably offer vaccines after June 20. They will start the vaccine production from the month of August. They are importing the vaccines right now, and they will allot a section of their imported vaccines to the Delhi government,” he said.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission for restricted emergency use of Sputnik V with certain conditions. Dr Reddy’s Laboratories will import the vaccine in the country. The CM said the city currently has around 944 cases of mucormycosis or black fungus, including 300 at the central government-run hospitals.

He inaugurated a free walk-in vaccination facility for journalists and their families at Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya at DDU Marg in ITO. “We have started this vaccination facility for journalists and their families. There was a demand from journalists to start a special vaccination facility for them. The vaccines are being administered to those who are in the 18-44 age group as well as those aged above 45.