PM has indicated COVID vaccine likely to be ready soon: Yediyurappa

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated that the COVID-19 vaccine was likely to be ready soon and has asked states to prepare for its quick and effective distribution, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Tuesday.

“He (PM) spoke about it (vaccine) and there are indications that it may be ready in about four weeks, we (centre) are preparing for it and asked the states to also make all the necessary arrangements,” Yediyurappa said.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said it may take time, four-five weeks, but efforts are on in this direction.

“We have been told to make necessary arrangements for the storage and distribution of vaccines once available,” he said, adding that it may take four, five or six weeks time for the vaccine to come. The Prime Minister has asked us to maintain caution regarding the spread of COVID,” he said.

Yediyurappa today attended the Prime Minister”s video conference with chief ministers of various states regarding COVID-19 situation and vaccine distribution plan, which was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, and senior officials.

The meeting comes as the central government has been putting in place measures for quick and effective distribution of coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available.

Along with Yediyurappa, Home Minister Bommai, Revenue Minister R Ashoka, Social Welfare Minister B Sriramulu, Health Minister K Sudhakar, Chief Secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

State Health Minister K Sudhakar in a statement said, as per directions of the union government, preparations are on for vaccine distribution in the state.

He said 29,451 vaccine distribution centres and more than 10,000 vaccinators have been identified.

There are about 2,855 cold chain centres in the state and cold storage facilities of the Veterinary Department and private hospitals will also be utilised, he added.