As the country is gearing up for the mass inoculation drive against the Coronavirus, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Tuesday warned people not to flout the Covid-19 guidelines like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing if they get immunised.

The first phase of the mass immunisation drive is set to begin on January 16, which will be covering frontline workers. Rajesh Bhushan during a press briefing said as the inoculation course will take 14 days it is advised to maintain Covid-19 behavior.

“The inoculation effect takes 14 days to develop after the administration of the two dosages. Hence it is imperative to maintain COVID appropriate behavior,” he said.

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Bharat Biotech To Provide With 16.5 Lakh Doses For Free

As the Union Government is procuring vaccines from different manufacturers so that they may not fall for the shots, Bharat Biotech in a very special gesture will provide 16.5 lakh shots of its Covaxin for free, Bhushan confirmed.

The central government will be procuring around 55 lakh doses of the Covaxin at Rs 295 per dose, out of which they will be paying for 38.5 doses only.

“BBIL will provide 16.50 lakh doses of Covaxin free of cost to the Central govt as a special gesture,” Bhushan said.

Elaborating government plans about the first phase of the mass immunization drive, Bhushan confirmed that the Union Government has signed an agreement with the Serum Institute of India, under which it will be purchasing 1.1 crore doses of its vaccine.

“The Government of India agreed to procure 110 lakh Covishield vaccine doses from Serum Institute of India (SII) at Rs 200/dose. 55 lakh doses of Covaxin to be procured from Bharat Biotech (BBIL), of which 38.5 lakh doses priced at Rs 295/dose,” Bhushan added.

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Around 54.72 Lakhs Doses Of Vaccine Received And Delivered

According to the Union Health Ministry, for the mass inoculation, around 54,72,000 doses have been received so far and the 100% doses will be delivered to all the states and Union Territories by January 14.

IMA Supports Both Indigenously Developed Vaccine

With a number of people questioning the approval of the vaccine, regarding safety and other norms, NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul said, "The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to accept and support the two indigenously developed vaccines (Covishield & Covaxin). I would like to thank them for this."

"Both the vaccines have been authorised for emergency use and there should be no doubt about their safety. They have been tested on thousands of people and side-effects are negligible. There is no risk of any significance," he added.