Sputnik V vaccine arrives in India, to reach markets by next week

Russia : Russia's Sputnik V vaccine has arrived in India and it will be available for vaccination by the next week, said Dr VK Paul, Member-Health of Niti Aayog. This is the first batch, more vaccines will be coming to India soon.

"I'm happy to say that we're hopeful that it'll be available in the market next week. We're hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from there (Russia), will begin next week," Dr VK Paul said at a press briefing.

The senior government official also mentioned that the vaccine production will begin in India from July onwards.

The country is also looking to produce 15.6 crore doses of the Russian Covid vaccine. Dr Reddy's Laboratories is the Indian partner of the Russian vaccine.

"Its production will begin in July and it is estimated that 15.6 crore doses will be manufactured in that period," Dr VK Paul added.

Currently, India has only two vaccines – Covaxin and Covishield – against coronavirus. Most states have raised alarms over its insufficient stock, making them unable to inoculate people in timely manner.

States like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have temporarily suspended vaccination for people in age group 18-44 due to shortage.

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