On Friday, The World health organization approved the COVID-19 vaccine Covovax which is developed by the Serum Institute of India for emergency use.
Covovax is the version of NVX-CoV2373, the protein-based coronavirus vaccine produced by Novavax, USA. Last year, the two companies had an agreement under which Novavax had given SII the license to produce and supply the vaccine to low-income countries including India.
“Even with new variants emerging, vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to protect people against serious illness and death from Sars-Cov-2,” said Mariângela Simão, WHO assistant-director general for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “This listing aims to increase access particularly in lower-income countries, 41 of which have still not been able to vaccinate 10% of their populations, while 98 countries have not reached 40%.”
SSI started the manufacturing of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (branded as Covovax in India) on 26 May 2021 after receiving permission from the Indian government. The vaccine appeared to have effective results and received a good response. The vaccine is given in two doses administered 21 days apart