Covaxin, Covishield get final nod by drug regulator for emergency use

Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin get final approval by drug regulator for emergency use.

All the risks @SerumInstIndia took with stockpiling the vaccine, have finally paid off. COVISHIELD, India’s first COVID-19 vaccine is approved, safe, effective and ready to roll-out in the coming weeks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “It would make every Indian proud that the two vaccines that have been given emergency use approval are made in India! This shows the eagerness of our scientific community to fulfil the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, at the root of which is care and compassion.

He further expressed his gratitude to doctors, medical staff, scientists, police personnel, sanitation workers and all Corona warriors for the outstanding work done, that too in adverse circumstances. We will remain eternally grateful to them for saving many lives.

“A decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight! DCGI granting approval to vaccines of @SerumInstIndia and @BharatBiotech accelerates the road to a healthier and COVID-free nation. Congratulations India. Congratulations to our hardworking scientists and innovators,” Mr. Modi tweeted.

However, former Minister and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted that approving Covaxin before Phase 3 trials could be dangerous. He urged Central Health Minister Dr. Harshvardhan to clarify. “Its use should be avoided till full trials are over. India can start with the AstraZeneca vaccine in the meantime.