ZyCov-D, developed by Ahmedabad-based Zydus-Cadila, uses plasmid DNA to instruct human cells to make SARS-CoV-2 antigen, eliciting an immune response. Therefore, it can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius.
Emergency Use Authorisation is not actually an authorisation of the vaccine but authorisation of a temporary use of a vaccine under specific conditions in an emergency situation, as long as the emergency circumstances apply.
Most countries have now started some form of vaccination programmes, and a number of vaccines have either been developed or are in different stages of development.
A “recombination” of two mutations has been detected in a sample from California while a city in South Africa has lost a large chunk of adult population to a mutant strain.
If the private players get involved, India will need a clear road map, with the public sector leading the way.
The recent report of 103 cases detected from a single society in Bengaluru after a party indicates a heavy spread, typical of mutant strains. Maharashtra has again shown a surge in cases.
A growing worry amongst scientists is that the African continent and some other financially unstable countries might not be able to procure the requisite number of vaccine doses, leading to blind spots of vaccination.
