4 November 2021

 

Link to the source article >> https://healthpolicy-watch.news/who-gives-indias-covaxin-approval-opening-the-door-to-covax-distribution/

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an emergency use listing (EUL) for India’s Covaxin, making it the eighth COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the global body.

“The emergency use listing expands the availability of vaccines, the most effective medical tools we have to end the pandemic,” said Dr Mariangela Simao, WHO Assistant-Director for Access to Medicines and Health Products on Wednesday.

“But we must keep up the pressure to meet the needs of all populations, giving priority to at-risk groups who are still waiting for their first dose, before we can start declaring victory,” she added.

Covaxin has been developed by the Indian pharmaceutical company, Bharat Biotech, and is formulated from an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 antigen.

It was found to be 78% effective against COVID-19 of any severity, 14 or more days after the second dose.

The vaccine was assessed by the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which determined that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, and its benefits far outweigh the risks.

The WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), also reviewed the vaccine, and recommended it be used in two doses, with a dose interval of four weeks for people 18 and above.  However, data on vaccination of pregnant women remains insufficient, and studies in pregnant women are being planned in the future.

Return to the list of articles

We are waiting for you!

Join us, it’s really easy! Contact us, you or your Relatives and we will advise you on how you can benefit from our support.

Join us