New Delhi: Minutes after the Serum Institute of India slashed the Covishield vaccine price by more than half to Rs 225 for the private hospitals, Bharat Biotech on Saturday announced the price cut of its vaccine Covaxin from Rs 1200 to Rs 225 per dose for private hospitals. This was announced by Bharat Biotech Joint Managing Director Suchitra Ella. “We have decided to revise the price of Covaxin from Rs 1200 to Rs 225 per dose for private hospitals,” Suchitra Ella, Joint Managing Director, Bharat Biotech said.
A day before Covid vaccine booster shots to be available for all Indian adults, the price of Covishield at private hospitals has been slashed by more than half to Rs 225, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla said. The decision was taken after discussions with the Centre. The Union Health Ministry on Friday said the precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all aged above 18 years at private vaccination centres from April 10th.
The precaution dose will be of the same vaccine as the first and the second dose as of now. Those above the age of 18 who have completed nine months after the administration of the second dose will be eligible for the precaution dose, the ministry said. SII CEO Adar Poonawalla welcomed the government’s move to allow the precaution dose to all aged above 18 years at private vaccination centres, saying it will further provide long-term protection against the virus and aid ease of travel. The final guidelines on the precaution dose for people above 18 will soon be issued.