The World Health Organization‘s (WHO) suspension of Covaxin supply through UN procurement agencies due to “process and facility upgrading” requirements will not affect travel by persons who have received the Covid-19 vaccination, according to the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (April 7, 2022).
In response to an inquiry, MEA spokeswoman Arindam Bagchi stated that the vaccine is still recognised under the WHO’s emergency use designation and that various nations have previously approved it.
“I think there has been a statement issued by Bharat Biotech as well as from World Health Organization, both of which are very clear in emphasizing that the vaccine is safe and effective. Its efficacy is not in question,” Bagchi stated at a routine press conference.
In addition, he said, “There is something about process issues that are being worked out between the company and WHO. You will have to ask them about the details.”
Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech, based in Hyderabad, produces Covaxin, an indigenous Covid-19 vaccine. “I don`t think that’s a cause for worry at all, ” Bagchi added, noting that India has the mutual acceptance of immunisation certificates with a number of countries.
WHO suspends Covaxin supply through UN Agencies
Moreover, the World Health Organization had said earlier on Saturday that it has discontinued the Covaxin supply through United Nations organisations due to the necessity for a process and facility upgrade to address recently discovered GMP (good manufacturing practice) flaws.
However, the UN body has stated that there are no concerns about the vaccine’s safety or efficacy.
Also Read: Covaxin UN supply suspended by World Health Organization, citing COVID-19 vaccine deficiencies
