Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has said that, potentially, a Covid-19 vaccine will be ready by the first quarter of 2021. The BJP leader seems to expect one or another vaccine candidate to be successful and available for widespread immunization by March 31 next year.

"The vaccine will be made available to those who need it the most. Whether or not they can pay for it is not the issue," he has been quoted as saying.

Safety, cost of the vaccine, cold-chain infrastructure, production timelines etc have reportedly been discussed by different government departments in an integrated manner.

From the time the vaccine enters the market, it might take a year for the entire population of India to be administered. Vulnerable sections like old-age people, children, followed by those with co-morbidities, and finally the able-bodied ones will likely be administered the vaccine.