Thiruvananthapuram: With the local body elections coming to an end, authorities have started preparations for the distribution of COVID vaccine in the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the vaccine will be free in the state.

Vaccine supply faces major challenges, including financial costs, manpower and infrastructure. At least Rs 6,000 crore would be needed to vaccinate 3.5 crore people. The central government has not decided to what extent this will help. The cost of the vaccine itself is at least a thousand rupees.

Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh have announced that the vaccine will be free. The states will be able to distribute the vaccine as per the provisions of the Central Government. However, it is not clear whether the Center will oppose the decision of the states to provide vaccine for free.

Other challenges include climate specificity and the cost of supply and storage. The Pfizer vaccine should be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius. Refrigerators for that are rare in India. Other vaccines do not require as much cold, but should be stored in a cool place.

Several things including, large number of staff, health workers, security cost and data setup, are required to store and deliver so many vaccines undamaged. Strict measures will have to be taken to prevent even the slightest theft of the vaccine.