Bhubaneswar, Jul 22 (IANS): Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday spoke to Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive officer of Serum Institute of India (SII), and sought his cooperation to keep Odisha as a priority for early Covid-19 vaccination.

Through video-conferencing, both discussed on progress of Covid-19 vaccine.

The Chief Minister expressed happiness that Serum Institute has partnered with Oxford University to develop Covid-19 vaccine.

He also congratulated for the recent promising results published in Lancet on corona vaccine.

The Chief Minister sought his cooperation to keep Odisha as a priority for vaccination once necessary clearances are obtained.

He said that the state government will be in touch with Serum Institute for this purpose.

The Chief Minister also applauded the philanthropic activities carried out by Poonawalla and the foresight in tying up with various research institutions across globe to develop vaccine for Covid-19.

Poonawalla appreciated the Chief Minister for getting in touch with Serum Institute for knowing about the progress of vaccine and the results published in Lancet.

He said that Oxford University vaccine has shown promising results in the first phase trial.

In India, the next phase trial will start in mid August and the vaccine will be ready by October-November this year, he added.

He further said Serum Institute and state government can be in touch with each other and carry forward the collaboration once the vaccines are cleared and ready.