Phase 3 results of Oxford vaccine by November-December

New Delhi: The phase three trials of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine results could be available by the "end-November-early December." The leading anti-COVID vaccine candidate is manufactured by Serum Institute in India. The vaccine may be available sooner than the expected date, Dr V K Paul, a NITI Aayog member said.

He said that the vaccine candidates are doing well in the clinical trials. The other two local vaccine candidates, developed by Bharat Biotech and Cadila Healthcare are in the advanced phase two trials. The results are expected by early November, post which the strategies for the next phase will be formulated.

Once the vaccines are approved, there would be no delay in making the vaccines available for all, said Paul. He also added that the planning for manufacturing, storage and distribution is also going on. The government ensured that there are enough resources to fund the procurement of required doses of the vaccine. Paul said that it will be irresponsible on the part of the people if they do not take care during the festive season.

The government warned that gatherings during the festive season could become 'super-spreaders' of the virus. They urged the people to use masks, maintain social distance, and wash hands.

There are chances that the pandemic may resurge with the onset of winter if proper precautions are not taken. Viruses like COVID has the tendency to thrive in the winters. Therefore, it is important to take precautions before the second wave of the virus hits India.

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