India grants emergency approval to Covishield and Covaxin vaccines for Covid-19

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In a significant development in the battle against , the Drugs Controller General of (DCGI) has granted for two vaccines—Covishield, developed by Serum Institute of India, and Covaxin, created by Bharat Biotech. This marks a major milestone in India’s effort to curb the impact of the pandemic, which has affected millions of lives across the country.

Both vaccines have been approved for “restricted use” based on the data submitted from clinical trials conducted by the manufacturers. Serum Institute of India’s Covishield, which is derived from a master seed developed at Oxford University in collaboration with AstraZeneca, has now received the green light. Likewise, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, an indigenously developed vaccine, also received approval for emergency use.

Safety and efficacy of Covishield and Covaxin confirmed by DCGI

According to VG Somani, the Drugs Controller General of India, both vaccines have met the rigorous safety and efficacy standards necessary for emergency approval. Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, Somani assured the public that both Covishield and Covaxin were “100% safe.” While he acknowledged that some mild side effects, such as fever, pain, and allergic reactions, are common with any vaccine, he emphasized that these reactions are temporary and mild.

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Somani also dismissed misleading rumors that the vaccines could cause infertility. He confirmed that the approval process had been thorough and no safety concerns had been raised. This has been a critical point for health authorities, as vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have been persistent challenges.

India’s urgent need for a vaccine: Prime Minister Modi’s response

India has been one of the most affected nations globally by the Covid-19 pandemic, with over 10 million cases and nearly 150,000 deaths. As the country continues to battle the virus, the approval of Covishield and Covaxin is seen as a crucial turning point. Responding to the vaccine approvals, Prime Minister tweeted, celebrating the achievement and highlighting the country’s strengthened resolve to combat the virus.

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Modi’s message expressed his gratitude to the scientists and innovators behind the vaccines, stating that the approvals were a decisive step in accelerating the path to a healthier, Covid-free India. He lauded the hard work of scientists at Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, reinforcing the importance of indigenous efforts in the global fight against Covid-19.

The road ahead: Vaccination rollout to begin soon

With the emergency approval of Covishield and Covaxin, the Indian government is now preparing for one of the world’s largest vaccination campaigns. The logistics involved in vaccinating over 1.3 billion people are immense, but the approval has instilled hope among citizens and health professionals alike. India’s vaccination drive is set to roll out in phases, prioritizing healthcare workers and those most at risk.

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As the country’s vaccination efforts begin in earnest, experts predict that these vaccines will play a vital role in reducing Covid-19 transmission and preventing further loss of life. With Covishield and Covaxin leading the charge, India is poised to take a major step forward in overcoming the pandemic.


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