If an individual has a choice between Covaxin and Covishield? Here is reply from Centre Govt

In a reply to the question, if the states and individuals have a choice between Covaxin and Covishield?, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Tuesday said that in many countries more than one vaccine is being used. But, there is no such option available to any of the beneficiaries in these countries. Health Secretary along with Member of NITI Aayog was chairing a weekly brief on CoVID19 situation in India.

"In many countries, more than one vaccine is being used. There is no such option available to any of the beneficiaries in these countries", said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, on being asked if the states and the beneficiaries will have a choice between Covaxin & Covishield.

In many countries, more than one vaccine is being used. There is no such option available to any of the beneficiaries in these countries: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, on being asked if the states and the beneficiaries will have a choice between Covaxin & Covishield pic.twitter.com/bF2PG2PGAB

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2021

On being asked about the side-effects and risks, Dr VK Paul, Member of NITI Aayog (Health) said that both the vaccines (Covishield & Covaxin) have been authorized for emergency use & there should be no doubt about their safety. "They have been tested on thousands of people & side-effects are negligible. There is no risk of any significance", Dr Paul adds.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to accept & support the two indigenously developed vaccines (Covishield & Covaxin). I would like to thank them for this, Secretary added.

Should Read- Covid Vaccination Programme from 16 January across India, world's largest

As per Union Health Ministry, the Government of India agreed to procure 110 lakh Covishield vaccine doses from Serum Institute of India (SII) at Rs 200 per dose. 55 lakh doses of Covaxin to be procured from Bharat Biotech (BBIL), of which 38.5 lakh doses priced at Rs 295 per dose. 

"BBIL will provide 16.50 lakh doses of Covaxin free of cost to the Central govt as a special gesture", said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.