‘Made in India’ Covaxin Gets WHO Nod

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on November 3, 2021 granted emergency use authorisation to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. This development is being welcomed by the roughly 15 crore Indians who are recipients of Covaxin, the country’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine. The extended delay over approvals for Covaxin left thousands of Indians, including students, working professionals and families divided. Over a million others were waiting for countries to recognize the jab.

The recommendation of the WHO’s Technical Advisory Committee will now speed up the process and countries will be more confident in approving Covaxin as an accepted and safe jab for international travel.

Covaxin can now be shown as an accepted vaccine on vaccine passports for the purpose of travelling abroad. The jab has been cleared for use in all age groups (18+) over two doses spaced four weeks apart.