Availability of foreign Covid vaccines to get delayed over indemnity issue
Even as foreign Covid-19 vaccines get the Indian regulator’s nod, actual availability may be still some time away. Sources claim that India is not keen to ‘bow down’ to demands related to indemnity against legal liabilities in case any vaccine recipient develops severe adverse reactions post inoculation. “Talks are on with foreign vaccine makers. However, there is a general consensus that if indemnity is given, then it will be for all vaccine players, not just a handful,” said a senior government official who added that no final decision has been taken on the matter yet. US vaccine makers including Pfizer, Moderna have sought indemnity against adverse side effects following vaccination. One source in the government pointed out that indemnity sought in the ‘current form’ may not be granted, and India has proposed some changes in the clauses. “There are enough options available before India now, and supplies are expected to increase from September-October onwards. Unless there i