Novavax Vaccine Delivery Delayed as India Sees Covid-19 Surge

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - CEO of State-owned pharmacy Bio Farma, Honesti Basyir, said the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine's arrival in Indonesia will likely be delayed due to India's surge in infections. The vaccine is initially scheduled to arrive in July and will likely be postponed by one to two months.

“We are still exercising diplomacy with India. Because of an extraordinary number of cases in India, the delivery of vaccines produced in India, Novavax, will likely be delayed until August or September,” said Honesti in a working meeting with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliament building Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, May 25.

Indonesia had signed a deal or supply agreement with India to secure 50 million doses of Novavax. The collaboration was carried out by Bio Farma’s subsidiary, Indofarma, with the vaccine producer Novavax.

The emergency use authorization or EUA for Novavax, Honesti added, is still in the rolling submission stage by the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency or BPOM. Based on its type, Novavax must be stored at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius and has a shelf life of about six months.

However, Honesti ensured that the delayed delivery will not interfere with the national vaccination target until the end of next year. Bio Farma will accelerate the production and procurement of other Covid-19 vaccines, such as Sinovac and AstraZeneca.

Read: Novavax, Pfizer Vaccines to Arrive in Indonesia in July: Ministry

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA