Centre launches online portal about Covid-19 vaccine, availability likely in early next year

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday said that a vaccine for Covid-19 is likely to be made available in the first trimester of the year 2021.

Speaking to reporters at the ICMR premises, Vardhan said, “the first vaccine would likely be available in the first trimester of the upcoming year.”
He also launched an online portal that will provide updated information about the disease, ongoing vaccine research, its expected launch date and related information.
“An online portal about COVID-19 vaccine has been launched. Everyone will be able to go online to that portal and look up all contemporary research-development and clinical trials related information. It will also provide information about other vaccinations provided in the country,” Dr Harsh Vardhan told media persons.

The Union Minister also hailed the contribution of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in the ongoing battle against Covid-19.
“Today’s a historic day for ICMR. It’s an honour for me to release the 100-year timeline of the history of ICMR within its premises today. The contribution of scientists associated with it is commemorated and serves as an inspiration to upcoming scientists,” Vardhan said.

Meanwhile, India’s Covid-19 tally crossed the 60-lakh mark with a spike of 82,170 new cases and 1,039 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Monday.
As per the Ministry, India’s tally stands at 60,74,703 including 9,62,640 active cases. The number of cured and discharged or migrated patients is currently at 50,16,521, apart from 95,542 deaths due to the disease.