After Moderna, Pfizer declines Punjab request for vaccines

Pfizer in its communication said: “Pfizer is working with federal governments across the world to supply its Covid-19 vaccine for use in national immunisation programs. Our supply agreements at this time are with national governments and supra-national organisations with allocation of doses and implementation within the country being a decision that governments take based on relevant health authority guidance. This approach Pfizer has followed across the world.”

The state government is yet to hear from other manufacturers of Sputnik V and Johnson & Johnson. “We are pinning our hopes on them,” said government’ nodal officer for vaccination Vikas Garg.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu told The Indian Express that they were disappointed by the manufacturer’s refusal. “It is an inhuman approach. How does it matter to these companies whether we are a state government or a union government? It has only delayed our vaccination. Had they agreed, we would have been in a position to place an order now,” he said.