(a) whether vaccine for Influenza A H1N1 has been developed in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the time by which the said vaccine is likely to be available
in the market;
(c) the price fixed for the indigenous vaccines vis-a-vis the imported vaccines;
(d) whether the Government proposes to launch any free vaccination programme for prevention of the said
Influenza; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a)& (b): Yes. Government of India encouraged indigenous vaccine manufacturers to manufacturer pandemic
vaccine. Four Indian Companies (Serum Institute, Panacea Bio-tech and Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila) have
been in the process of manufacturing the pandemic vaccine. All these companies except for Zydus Cadila
have entered into an advanced market commitment agreement and Rs.10 crores paid to each of these companies.
Zydus Cadila Healthcare Limited, Ahmedabad and Serum Institute of India Limited, Pune have been given
marketing approval by Drug Controller General of India. Their Pandemic H1N1 vaccines are available in
the market. The vaccines of the remaining two indigenous manufacturers are undergoing clinical trial.
(c): The price of imported vaccine from M/s. Sanofi Pasteur SA, Lyon, France was 5 Euro per dose. The price
of H1N1 vaccine (Brand Name : VaxiFlu S) manufactured by M/s Zydus Cadila Health Care Limited, Ahmedabad is
Rs.3910 per vial (each vial containing 10 doses).
The price of live attenuated H1N1 vaccine (Brand Name: Nasovac) manufactured by M/s. Serum Institute of India
Limited, Pune is Rs.790/- per vial (each vial containing 5 doses)
(d) & (e): Government of India has prioritized the high risk group for pandemic vaccination.
Accordingly the health care workers are being vaccinated, free of cost.