ABSTRACT
COVID-19 pandemic shook the country and the world. It was evident from the beginning that effective vaccines would perhaps be the most potent counter-measure required to defeat this hitherto unknown virus. Hon'ble Prime Minister gave a call to our Scientists to create an effective vaccine against COVID-19 on 141h March, 2020. Indian R & D and industry enterprises joined hands to work relentlessly to develop multiple vaccine candidates and multiple platforms. The Government of India provided support through 'Mission COVID Suraksha', facilitated research and trials, rationalized regulatory processes and, above all, encouraged and motivated the players. Hon'ble Prime Minister personally visited major vaccine-producing hubs. On rd January 2021, India issued Emergency Use Authorization to COVAXIN and COVISHIELD vaccines. Eventually a total of 11 India- made vaccines have been given Emergency Use Authorization. Today, India has the capacity to manufacture 5 billion doses per annum should the need arise. India has administered more than 219 crore doses to its people, which is the largest vaccination programme in the world. It is estimated that over a period of one year the program. has saved 34lakh lives.