India gets ready for COVID-19 Vaccine storage & distribution | Fusion - WeRIndia

India is getting ready for its mass vaccination programme to fight against COVID-19. The Union Health Ministry yesterday said that the strategy has been prepared for vaccine storage and distribution, and the country is getting ready for it.

The vaccine requires 2-3 doses and could be given in 2 to 3 weeks.

Since vaccines are temperature sensitive, cold chain systems are essential.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that around 29,000 cold chain points, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, and 41,000 deep freezers would be utilized to store the vaccine. In addition to that, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, and 300 solar refrigerators are also getting ready for this purpose.

The Centre started sending these coolers and freezers to different states and UTs. Centre said that it would take care of the additional requirement of the states and UTs if any.

While the entire world is eagerly waiting for COVID-19, it is also noteworthy that one should not ignore the adverse effects after vaccination.

Bhushan warned that there could be adverse effects on children and pregnant women. Some countries already started immunization programme where these effects were seen, particularly on the very first day.

In this regard, he quoted international cases, especially the UK and said that there were some instances where adverse effects were seen. India should also not ignore such effects.

He appealed the states and UTs to prepare for handling such situations. When asked about the coronavirus cases in the country, he said that India has the lowest number of COVID-19 cases per million people compared to other countries. The global average is 9,000 cases per million people while it is 7,178 in India.

V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog said that another vaccine candidate from India got approval from the Drugs Controller General of India for clinical trials.

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