Govt places orders for one crore doses of ZyCoV-D

It is the world’s first DNA-based Covid vaccine

Zydus Cadila's three-dose Covid-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D is set to be included in the national anti-coronavirus inoculation programme this month with the Union government placing a purchase order with the company for one crore doses, according to sources.

The Union Health Ministry is learnt to have given the go ahead to initiate the preparatory work for the introduction of the indigenously developed world's first DNA-based Covid jab, which in all probability will be given to adults initially under the country's vaccination drive, sources in the know of developments said.

 ZyCoV-D is the first vaccine cleared by India's drug regulator for inoculation of those aged 12 years and above.

The government has already placed a purchase order with Zydus Cadila for supply of one crore doses of ZyCoV-D, each costing around Rs 358 excluding taxes.  This price includes the cost of a disposable painless jet applicator which has to be used for administering each dose," an official source said. "The vaccine in all probability will be given to adults initially because of limited production capacity," the source said. Zydus Cadila is in a position to provide one crore doses of ZyCoV-D per month, company officials are learnt to have conveyed to the ministry.

The three doses of ZyCoV-D are to be administered 28 days apart, with each dose comprising a shot in both arms. ZyCoV-D received emergency use authorisation from the drug regulator on August 20.