After much delay, private hospital chains Fortis Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals on Thursday started administering Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V at two hospitals in Delhi-NCR.
Indraprastha Apollo in Delhi has started administering Sputnik V in a staged manner from June 30. Around 1,000 people have been vaccinated so far, a spokesperson told PTI.
"On-spot registration and walk-in facility for Sputnik V is currently restricted, and we are encouraging beneficiaries to take appointments through the CoWin app," the spokesperson said.
According to a Fortis Healthcare official, the private hospital chain started providing Sputnik V jabs last week at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugaon, and Fortis Hospital, Mohali.
"In order to accelerate the vaccination drive, we are introducing the vaccine at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur, from Friday. We have received a good response and a total of 2,193 people have been vaccinated till now," he said.
The official said Fortis Healthcare has received fresh supplies of Sputnik V which will help it ramp up the inoculation drive.
Sputnik V uses two different viruses that cause the common cold (adenovirus) in humans. The two doses, given 21 days apart, are different and not interchangeable.
The Centre has fixed the price of the vaccine at Rs 1,145 per dose. The maximum price of Covishield for private COVID-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs) has been fixed at RS 780 per dose, while that of Covaxin is Rs 1,410 per dose.
Russia's Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has developed the vaccine and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is marketing it globally.
Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been importing the shots from Russia. Over a period of time, the vaccine is also going to be manufactured in India.
According to Gamaleya and the RDIF, Sputnik V has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 92 per cent.
Here's how and where you can book your slots:
According to reports, on-spot registration and walk-in facility for Sputnik V is currently restricted, and private hospital chains are encouraging beneficiaries to take appointments through the CoWin app.
Here's how to take appointments through the CoWin app:
Step 1: Register yourself on the Cowin website. Open the Cowin website by visiting www.cowin.gov.in. Enter your mobile number and verify it by entering the OTP received.
Step 2: Register yourself for vaccination. After registration, enter necessary details like photo ID type, name, DOB, etc and hit the Register button. An SMS will be sent to your phone number with registration details.
Step 3: Book an appointment. Now, click on the Schedule button. Enter your location details to locate the nearest vaccination centre. Once you have selected the vaccination centre, click Confirm button to book the slot.
(With inputs from PTI)
