Modi at UNGA: PM announces world’s first DNA vaccine for Covid-19 globally
Addressing the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, PM Modi said that the DNA vaccine can be given to all people above the age of 12 years.
An Ahmedabad-based drug maker- Zydus Cadila- has manufactured ZyCoV-D, the second indigenous vaccine after Covaxin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the world’s first DNA vaccine against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) from the global stage. Addressing the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, PM Modi said that the DNA vaccine can be given to all people above the age of 12 years.
In the United Nations General Assembly, Modi said, “India, living on seva paramo dharma (service is the main duty), is engaged in the development and manufacture of vaccination despite limited resources.”
“I would like to inform UNGA that India has developed the world’s first DNA vaccine, which can be given to all people above 12 years of age,” he said.
Prime Minister Zydus was referring to Cadila’s Covid-19 DNA vaccine, which received emergency use approval from the Drugs Controller General of India last month. The company expects to administer the first licensed shot from October, but according to the government, price remains a “clear issue.”
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On Thursday, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, said in a press briefing that a decision on making indigenously developed needle-free COVID-19 vaccine as a part of the country’s immunization program would be taken soon. He added that preparations are underway to bring Zydus Cadila’s DNA vaccine into practical shape and implementation and have been repeatedly discussed.
“Price is also an obvious issue. Negotiations are on and a decision will be taken soon. With all preparations, it will become part of the country’s national immunization programme. We look forward to receiving NTAGI’s recommendations on the beneficiary. OR The target group to whom the vaccine is to be given. The work is in progress and you will hear more about it in the times to come.”