As India battles the second wave of coronavirus, the much-awaited first consignment of Russia-made Sputnik V vaccines arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday, the day India kicked off the nationwide vaccination drive for those in the age group between 18-44 years.
India is currently using two vaccines, including Covishield and Covaxin. Russia’s Sputnik V is going to be the third Covid vaccine which will be administered to the people. However, the final date for the launch of the Russian vaccine is yet to be decided.
Last month, the Drug Controller General (DCGI) had issued permission for Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to import the Russian vaccine to India for emergency use. The rollout of the Russian vaccine is expected to boost India’s third phase of the vaccination drive which commenced at a dismal note amid reports of shortage of vaccine in various States, prompting them to skip the vaccination programme.