How India Planned Storage of Covishield And Covaxin COVID-19 Vaccines

India is currently organising one of the biggest vaccination drives in the world. Anyone who is above 18 is eligible for the vaccine and can take any of the three vaccines that are available. The vaccines are required to be stored in some particular conditions. This keeps them from getting destroyed and wasted. The proper storage of vaccines is essential for everyone to receive them. 

Which COVID-19 Vaccines Are Available in India?

The Covaxin being manufactured by Bharat Biotech and the Covishield which is being manufactured by Serum Institute in India are the two vaccines available in India at the moment. There are other vaccines that are also on the way in order to amp up the vaccination drive in India. Recently, the Sputnik V of Russia has also been authorised for emergency use. It is currently being distributed by Dr Reddy’s Labs in India. 

Conditions of Storage for the Available Vaccines in India

The vaccines for India have been kept keeping in mind the weather conditions of the country. Unlike other vaccines around the world that require colder conditions like the Moderna vaccine, the Covishield and Covaxin can go without relatively warmer conditions. This removes the need for cold storages and such, saves cost and is more effective in a country like India. While vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna have to be stored at around 70 degrees Celsius, the Covaxin and the Covishield can be stored in temperatures between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. 

Planned Storage for Covaxin and Covishield

In December last year, Rajesh Bhushan, the Secretary at the Health Ministry stated that 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators are to be used for the storage of the COVID-19 vaccines. 

Booking of COVId-19 Vaccination Slots Using Online Portals

Currently, one can get the vaccine by registering for it and booking a slot on the official government portals like CoWIN and the Aarogya Setu app. The online system will also help the government keep track of the stocks of vaccine that are currently in circulation as well as estimate what will be needed. This will also help prevent future vaccination crises. 

You May Also Check: Covid-19 Health Insurance

This is how you can register on the CoWIN website for the vaccine:

• Visit the CoWIN portal. To check the availability of the vaccine beforehand, you can type in your pin code or your district.
• Click on the “Register/Sign In Yourself” tab.
• Enter a valid phone number and register using the OTP that will be sent on the number.
• Fill in the relevant details on the “Register for Vaccination” page, enter the relevant details. This includes such information as the photo ID you will like to provide, name, age, gender, and phone number.
• Click on “Register” to receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile number.
• Book a slot among the ones that will be shown when you enter your location.
• Choose a date of your convenience at the nearest vaccination centre. A confirmation message will be sent to your registered phone number stating the date and time of your vaccine shot.

Endnotes

It is important to get the vaccine doses as soon as possible. It is one of the only available ways to combat the virus and must be administered to everyone as soon as possible. There have been steps taken to secure and store vaccines for everyone. 

Must Check:- Tips for Senior Citizens to Stay Healthy During Coronavirus Lockdown

Does Health Insurance in India Cover Diabetes?

Tips To Control Diabetes At Home

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.