‘Give Same Protection To All’: After Pfizer & Moderna, Serum Institute Seeks Indemnity

Mumbai: Serum Institute of India, maker of one of two indigenous vaccines against Covid-19 in India Coveshield, has sought indemnity protection against liabilities, sources say, adding that foreign manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have taken similar steps.

“Not just Serum Institute of India (SII), all the vaccine companies should get indemnity protection against liabilities if foreign companies are granted it,” Serum sources said on Thursday. The move comes after Pfizer and Moderna urged the Centre to waive off the indemnity clause to aid the vaccine process in India.

The government has so far not given any manufacturer indemnity or protection against legal action for any severe side effects.

A top government official has said that India has no problem in paying compensation to the two veterans and the approval would be in line with the approach taken by the US and other countries to administer both the vaccines.

Pfizer, which is set to deliver an undeclared dose to India between July and October, had insisted on compensation in talks with the government, shared efficacy trials and approvals for its vaccine in different countries and by the WHO. Pfizer has immunity in countries like the US where it cannot be prosecuted for any adverse effects.

Meanwhile, the Serum Institute has pledged to supply 100 million COVID-19 doses in June amid complaints of a vaccine shortage. It said that production will increase to 6.5 crores in June, 7 crores in July and 10-10 crores in August and September.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.