Minister Sudhakar launches third phase trials of Covaxin

Bengaluru: Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K.Sudhakar has expressed the hope that the ongoing Covaxin trials in Begaluru would be successful and the State was fully prepared for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccine.

He was speaking at the launch of 3rd phase clinical trials of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin in Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre on Wednesday. Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa also joined the event via video-conference.

Dr Sudhakar said, "It is a matter of pride for Karnataka that clinical trials are happening at 25 centres of 12 States across the country. As many as 26,000 volunteers are being administered the vaccine across the country and 1600-1800 of them are from our State. People should be wary of rumours and misinformation during this trial period."

Speaking on the side effects of vaccine, the minister said that around 15%-20% Indian companies were developing vaccine globally. "There may be some side effects. Experts are observing it carefully and there is no need for panic at this stage."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set aside Rs 900 crore for vaccine research. The Prime Minister himself has visited and inspected the research centres in Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. The State government has kept aside Rs 300 crore for vaccine trials. Free of cost treatment is given to Covid patients. 1.25 lakh tests are being conducted per day in the State and 1.2 crore free Covid tests have been conducted so far," Sudhakar explained.

He further explained that Karnataka was fully prepared for vaccine distribution. The government has identified 29,451 vaccine distribution centres and 10,008 trained staff for the task. There are 2,855 cold storage centres for storage of vaccine. Regional centres are being set up in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Bellary. Healthcare workers will be given vaccination in the first phase followed by frontline warriors, people aged above 50 years and people with comorbidities.