‘Coronavirus vaccine to cover 70% of world population, but only by 2022’

Soumya Swaminathan

, WHO’s chief scientist, discusses prevention measures, risks from cold weather, and vaccine availability with TOI’s Nisha Nambiar


When will Covid vaccines begin to arrive?

Nearly 40 clinical vaccine trials are going on across the world. Nine candidates are in the late stages of testing — either phase-2 or phase-3. India is undertaking clinical trials of three vaccines and planning more. But efficacy and safety data are key. Companies that started phase-3 trials between July and September should begin to publish results by later this year or early 2021. The first beneficiaries will be frontline workers and other high-risk groups. If we were to set a target to cover at least 60 to 70% of the population in all countries, it likely not be before the end of 2022.

Will they be cheap?

Indian companies have perfected the art and science of affordable vaccine production. I am optimistic that once a vaccine is ready, it should be available for a few dollars.

What do we do till vaccines are available?

The world is at a precarious stage. Winter in the northern hemisphere will increase risk of indoor spread. People will need to use masks, practice physical distancing, wash hands and avoid crowded, poorly ventilated settings for the foreseeable future.

What can India do to boost emergency response?

We should focus on the implementation of

National Health Policy 2017

, which prioritised strengthening of public health systems, including the need for a public health cadre... Responses to local health problems should be tackled by local leadership.


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