Next step on vaccines

Nationwide roll-out needs meticulous planning

The expert committee nominated by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recommended the use of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine AZD1222 for emergency use in this country. Given AstraZeneca’s decision to license the vaccine to Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), this shot will be a primary component of the programme in India. Other vaccines in SII’s stable include the one developed by the US-based company Novavax, of which the Duke University Global Health Innovation Centre reports it will produce one billion doses, alongside 500 million of AZD1222. Novavax began Phase III trials in the UK in November and