Maharashtra has received 2 lakh doses of intranasal vaccine iNCOVACC from Bharat Biotech to vaccinate senior citizens who have not yet received their preventive dose.
The state government has decided to use iNCOVACC as a heterologous booster for people above 60, given the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths, especially among elderly.
According to the state Covid task force head, Dr. Shubhash Salunkhe, senior citizens are the most at risk and should complete their vaccine regimen. The state has reported 86 COVID deaths since January, with 72% of these deaths occurring in elderly people. However, only 15% of the people in Maharashtra have received the booster shot.
iNCOVACC has limited effectiveness, but it will provide some protection against the COVID virus. The vaccine was distributed by Bharat Biotech in December, and four droplets will be used on each recipient's two nostrils. Two people can receive the vaccine from each vial.
State governments and the Indian government purchased INCOVACC in huge quantities for a price of INR 325 per dose. The total purchase of vaccines is for an estimated cost of INR 6.8 crore as a temporary solution, as there are no stocks of other vaccines available.
However, of the total stock, Mumbai has received 2,000 shots of iNCOVACC. Therefore, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to soon reopen the inoculation centres in all 24 wards, which were shut owing to the lack of vaccine doses since the beginning of the year.
The civic body will ensure that there is atleast one centre open in each ward. The authorities are awaiting an update from CoWin to organise vaccination sessions, and vaccinations are expected to begin in a day or two.
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