Fire hits factory belonging to Serum Institute of India, world’s largest vaccine maker; Covid-19 vaccine not affected

PUNE, India (AP) — At least five people have died in a fire that broke out at a building under construction at Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, but the company says it will not affect COVID-19 vaccine production. It says the fire was restricted to a new facility it is constructing to increase production of COVID-19 vaccines and ensure it is better prepared for future pandemics, but that it has other facilities available. It says the fire did not affect existing plants making COVID-19 vaccines or a stockpile of around 50 million doses. Officials say the victims were probably construction workers.