New Delhi: Wold Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday granted Emergency Use Listing (EUL) status to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, adding it to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by the UN agency for the prevention of COVID-19.
The Technical Advisory Group of WHO, that met Wednesday recommended the EUL status for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.
The decision will pave the way for the export of the indigenous vaccine to lower and middle income countries, it would also make international travel easier for those who have been vaccinated with Covaxin.
“Covaxin EUL expands the availability of the vaccines, the most effective medical tools we have to end #COVID19. It was assessed under the WHO EUL procedure based on the review of data on quality, safety, efficacy, a risk management plan & suitability in low- & middle-income countries,” according to the statement issued by WHO.
“Covaxin vaccine was also reviewed by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), and recommended use of this vaccine in two doses, with a dose interval of four weeks, in all age groups 18 and above,” the UN agency added.
The news of approval of Covaxin has brought much joy to not only to Bharat Biotech but also among the political leadership. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya thanked WHO and called this development a “win for Atmanirbhar Bharat” and PM Modi’s goodwill and determination.
WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr Poonam Singh also congratulated India for the EUL of Covaxin.
Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech also announced that India’s drug regulator has extended the shelf life of Covaxin upto 12 months from nine months earlier.
