Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech to get Rs 45.67 billion to boost Covid-19 vaccine production capacity

"We are clear that we will give whatever support is necessary to develop and boost the availability of vaccines in the country," a government source said, declining to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.

Given the surge in domestic demand, any funding from the government is unlikely to help alleviate a slump in vaccine exports. India has delayed big shipments this month, exporting only about 2 million doses compared with 64 million doses between late January and March.

SII, which will soon also start making the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as well, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Bharat Biotech did not immediately respond outside business hours.

Since starting its immunisation campaign in mid-January, India has injected a total of 123 million vaccine doses, including nearly 11 million of a domestically developed shot known as Covaxin.

The government is also trying to boost output of Covaxin and has changed rules to fast-track imports of vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson.

Read also: Haffkine Institute secures Govt nod to manufacture Covaxin