Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN has got the WHO Approval for emergency use. Finally, the made in India vaccine will be recognised by other countries and those who have received COVAXIN need not self quarantine or face any sort of restrictions when travelling abroad.
World Health Organisation tweeted, “The Technical Advisory Group (an independent panel that provides the WHO with vaccine recommendations) has determined Covaxin meets standards for protection against COVID-19… the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks (and) the vaccine can be used.”
In another tweet, it said that, “Available data on vaccination of pregnant women with Covaxin are insufficient to assess vaccine safety or efficacy in pregnancy; studies in pregnant women are planned, including a pregnancy sub-study and a pregnancy registry.” WHO said that COVAXIN was found to have 78% efficacy against COVID-19 of any severity.
Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted that Covaxin got WHO emergency use listing. His tweet read, “Glad to see one more vaccine, Covaxin, being granted WHO emergency use listing. The more products we have to fight COVID-19, the better, but we must keep up the pressure to deliver Vaccine Equity & prioritize access to vulnerable groups who are still waiting for their 1st dose.”
After WHO’s approval, Bharat Biotech stated, “The Emergency Use Listing approval by WHO validates the international safety and quality standards of Covaxin. Bharat Biotech is motivated to mitigate the worldwide pandemic.”
It further added that, “With validation from the WHO, countries can now expedite their regulatory approval processes to import and administer Covaxin. Furthermore, UNICEF, pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), GAVI COVAX facility, will be able to procure Covaxin for distribution to countries worldwide. This will enable them to secure the critical supply needed to meet the requirements of priority populations, thereby ensuring equitable access.”
Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech, said, “We have focused on maintaining stringent quality and safety standards that meet rigorous assessment and scientific standards established by WHO.”