Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin receives approval for emergency use by WHO: Reports

The global health body’s consent will promote more convenient international travel for those who took the Covaxin vaccine, as they would not be obliged to endure the harsh travel restraints inflicted on unvaccinated passengers.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised Covaxin, the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Indian pharmaceutical firm Bharat Biotech Ltd, for emergency use, reports announced on November 3.

The Technical Advisory Group of WHO, which gathered earlier today to determine Covaxin, has approved Emergency Use Listing (EUL) status for the vaccine, news agency PTI reported citing sources. An official statement from the WHO and Bharat Biotech was anticipated by the time preliminary reports surfaced.

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Bharat Biotech had addressed the WHO on April 19 soliciting EUL status for its jab and presented data linked to its safety, efficiency and stability in July. The global health body’s consent will promote more convenient international travel for those who took the Covaxin vaccine, as they would not be obliged to endure the harsh travel restraints inflicted on unvaccinated passengers.

In the past week, the WHO had said it was anticipating one further piece of information from Bharat Biotech concerning Covaxin and stressed that it has to completely estimate to guarantee vaccines are safe and “cannot cut corners” before approving a vaccine for emergency use.

Covaxin, administered to over 1.2 million beneficiaries in India, has demonstrated 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic cases and 65.2 per cent protection against the new Delta variant.

Why is WHO approval important?

The WHO permission for Covaxin’s emergency use is essential for its extensive acceptability as a reliable and efficient vaccine. Recognition from the WHO will enable people vaccinated with Covaxin to travel abroad without constraints as various nations only acknowledge COVID-19 vaccines that WHO has recommended.

Covaxin has gained administrative clearances in Iran, Mexico, Oman, Greece, Nepal and Australia, apart from India. With the EUL status granted by WHO, more countries are assumed to add Covaxin to the list of vaccines approved under their jurisdictions.