WHO finally recognises India-made Covaxin; USA also approves the vaccine for travel

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation finally approved the India-made Covaxin. Soon after the WHO’s approval, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) too recognised the vaccine. The US gave its green light to travellers fully vaccinated with Covaxin to enter the country from November 8.

The WHO took to Twitter and tweeted, "WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to COVAXIN®[?] (developed by Bharat Biotech), adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of #Covid19".

The Technical Advisory Group, convened by WHO and made up of regulatory experts from around the world, has determined that the #Covaxin vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against #COVID19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks & the vaccine can be used 🌍.

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 3, 2021

India’s indeginious vaccine, Covaxin has been cleared for use in all age groups (18+) over two doses. WHO, the global health body said, "The Technical Advisory Group (an independent panel that provides the WHO with vaccine recommendations) has determined Covaxin meets standards for protection against COVID-19... the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs risks (and) the vaccine can be used".
The CDC press officer, Scott Pauley said, "CDC's travel guidance applies to FDA approved or authorised and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines and encompasses any new vaccines that may be added to either of those lists over time."

In May, Bharat Biotech had said that according to a study Covaxin is effective against Coronavirus strains first found in India (B.1.617) and the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7).