Australia today announced that India's Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin, would be 'recognised' for the purpose of establishing a traveller's vaccination status. This recognition is for travellers aged 12 and over who have been vaccinated with Covaxin, the vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech.

The Australian government's regulatory agency Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which has strict requirements including a rigorous testing procedure, said on Monday that it took the decision after receiving "additional information" about the vaccine's efficacy.

"In recent weeks, the TGA has obtained additional information demonstrating these vaccines provide protection and potentially reduce the likelihood that an incoming traveller would transmit Covid-19 infection to others while in Australia or become acutely unwell due to Covid-19," a statement from the agency said today.

It added that "the supporting information has been provided to the TGA from the vaccine sponsor and/or the World Health Organisation".

Earlier last month, the WHO had said that Covaxin manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, has been submitting data to the body on a rolling basis and submitted additional info at WHO's request on September 27.

The recognition of Covaxin, and Covishield (manufactured by AstraZeneca, India) earlier, means that citizens from those regions where these vaccines have been widely deployed, will now be considered fully vaccinated on entry to Australia.

"This will have significant impacts for the return of international students, and travel of skilled and unskilled workers to Australia," said the TGA.

Australia opening up

Meanwhile, from today, vaccinated Australians and permanent residents aged 12 and over may depart Australia without the need to seek a travel exemption.

The resumption of quarantine-free travel from New Zealand to Australia also resumed from Monday.

"The resumption of quarantine free travel from New Zealand to Australia is another important marker on our road to recovery and it will encourage more Australians to dust off their passport and plan their next holiday," said Dan Tehan, Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.  

In October the Australian Passport Officer received more than 102,000 passport applications, an average of more than 5,000 every work day compared to 82,000 applications in September and 53,000 applications in August. There has also been strong demand for the new International Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate, with more than 717,500 certificates generated since it was launched on October 19.

From November 21, Australia will also welcome back fully vaccinated Singaporean travellers as another part of its step-by-step and safe reopening to the world.

The quarantine-free travel arrangements will be available for fully vaccinated Singaporeans travelling from Singapore who present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the agreement at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rome, following a meeting with the Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

"This means within weeks Australia will be welcoming tourists from two of our top 10 travel destinations. This is the billion dollar boost that Australia's tourism industry has been waiting for," said Morrison.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said this arrangement followed Singapore's recent announcement to welcome fully vaccinated Australians.

Also Read: India and Cambodia to restart direct flights to spark post-Covid regional tourism