Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) on Wednesday announced the price that it would sell the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is known as Covishield in India.
The Covishield vaccine will be sold at Rs 400 a shot to states and Rs 600 to private hospitals. This announcement from the firm came days ahead of a fresh round of vaccinations from May 1 that will cover all above 18.
However, the central government will continue to receive the vaccine doses at Rs 150 each. Considering the prices, it will be most economical to get a vaccine shot from central government hospitals or institutions.
While announcing the prices, the SII said its Covishield will still be cheaper than foreign jabs, which cost anywhere from Rs 750 to Rs 1,500 a shot.
Notably, the Centre in its new policy said 50% of the vaccine doses will be reserved for it, while the rest will be distributed between states and private hospitals.