India’s drive against COVID-19 has gathered momentum with planes carrying vaccines flying across the country with the precious cargo, which were dispatched to small cities and towns in readiness for the inoculation exercise beginning January 16.

The vaccines were carefully and swiftly transported to far corners of the country, a day after the first consignment of the Covishield vaccine from the Oxford/AstraZeneca stable rolled out of the Serum Institute of India manufacturing facility in Pune. Covaxin of Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech have been dispatched to many states.

The vaccines have been allocated to all states and Union Territories in proportion to their healthcare workers database. 

In a video explainer, Dr.Mohammed Asheel, executive director of Kerala Social Security Mission, gives details on the vaccine rollout. He also explains why there is no need to vaccinate the entire population and how other countries are implementing the inoculation drive.

The key points in the explainer include:

• Process of vaccine development.

• Difference between Covishield and Covaxin.

• Concerns over approval for Covaxin.

• Vaccine storage facilities.

• Countering anti-vaccination movement. 

Click here for the video explainer.

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