Categories: Health

WHO approves India’s homegrown vaccine Covaxin for emergency use

<p>
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday approved Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, for emergency use which will now make it easier for Indians to travel abroad as many countries recognise only WHO cleared vaccines.</p>
<p>
"The Technical Advisory Group has determined that the Covaxin vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks and the vaccine can be used," WHO said in a tweet.</p>
<p>
Covaxin was also reviewed by WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, which recommended its use in two doses, with an interval of four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above.</p>
<p>
The approval will also pave the way for export of the vaccine to poor countries as it is affordable and does not require deep-freeze infrastructure for storage like the US-made Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. </p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>  <a href="http:// https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/zydus-cadila-s-india-made-dose-covid-vaccine-approved-for-use-by-expert-panel-109238.html">Zydus Cadila’s India-made 3-dose Covid vaccine approved for use by expert panel</a></p>
<p>
The WHO's advisory group was expected to make a decision on the shot last week, but asked for additional clarifications from Bharat Biotech before conducting a final risk-benefit assessment for the vaccine's global use.</p>
<p>
Covaxin is the seventh vaccine that has been approved by the WHO after two mRNA shots by Pfizer and Moderna, adenovirus vector vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson and China's inactivated vaccines from Sinovac Biotech and Sinopharm.</p>
<p>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also mentioned the need to expeditiously clear the India-made vaccine for emergency use, in his speech at the G20 summit in Rome, as the delay was posing a hindrance. </p>
<p>
The approval comes as a major relief as it will now be accepted as a valid vaccine for millions of Indians who have received it and want to travel abroad. Earlier they had to go through cumbersome quarantine procedures despite being fully vaccinated.</p>
<p>
Oman and Australia, however, were among the countries that had already started recognising Covaxin as a valid vaccine for travellers.</p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

New Zealand Foreign Minister arrives Kathmandu on two days’ visit, ahead Everest Day

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has arrived Kathmandu on his…

5 hours ago

Indian, Mongolian armies to hold 17th ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ joint exercise in Ulaanbaatar

The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces will commence the 17th edition of their…

7 hours ago

“Never thought this would happen…”: Pandi Ram Mandavi on receiving Padma Shri for wood craft

Pandi Ram Mandavi, a renowned artist from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, was conferred the Padma Shri award…

7 hours ago

Taiwan slams China’s Cross-Strait summits as ‘United Front Lectures,’ shuns events in Beijing

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) criticised China on Wednesday for organising two summits for Taiwanese…

9 hours ago

ETGE slams UNWTO official for endorsing China’s tourism drive amid ongoing Uyghur genocide

The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) vehemently denounces Mr. Francesco Frangialli, the Honorary Secretary-General…

9 hours ago

US lawmakers urge AI Safety Institute to counter China’s growing AI threat

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the…

10 hours ago