Weeks after the WHO suspended the supply of Covaxin through UN procurement agencies, the MEA suggested that vaccine-maker Bharat Biotech addresses the issue immediately to avoid cancellation of the world health body's emergency use approval for the jab.
In a communication to Dr V K Paul, the convenor of a key empowered group on COVID vaccination, on Tuesday the Ministry of External Affairs said many issues about vaccines and international travel by Indians have arisen and these must be addressed immediately.
"The issues pertain to m-RNA based booster dose requirement by countries which, in effect, negates our effort to obtain recognition of Covishield and Covaxin, suspension of supply of Covaxin by WHO, acceptance of Corbevax and Covaxin-based vaccination certificates for children and international travel by Indians vaccinated with Sputnik-V," Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.
Also Read
| Gap between 2nd dose of COVID vaccine, precaution dose to be reduced to 6 months soon, says report
In his communication, Shringla said following an inspection of the Bharat Biotech premises on March 14 for Covaxin's emergency use listing (EUL), WHO has announced the suspension of the vaccine's supply through UN procurement agencies owing to deficiencies in good manufacturing practices.
Although WHO maintained that the vaccine is effective and there is no safety concern, it has recommended that countries using the vaccine take action as appropriate. "This situation further complicates the acceptance of Covaxin-based Indian vaccination certificates by other countries, especially by European Union member states such as Germany and France," the communication said.
It stated that a proper response or policy from the government needs to be formulated on the issue and on further pursuance of recognition of Covaxin and Covaxin-based certificates by other countries. "Bharat Biotech must address the matter immediately through DCGI and WHO and avoid any situation that may lead to cancellation of WHO's EUL for Covaxin in future," Shringla said, requesting that a meeting of the empowered group-five be convened to address the issues.
In the communication, he also mentioned some authorities abroad, such as in Hong Kong, have begun demanding vaccination certificates for children and only accept m-RNA based jabs for them.
It is necessary to quickly initiate the process of recognition of the Corbevax vaccine and its certificate by other countries while Biological E continues to pursue WHO's EUL for it, Shringla said. As for Sputnik V, the foreign secretary pointed out that those who have taken the vaccine are unable to international travel abroad as most countries do not accept Sputnik V which does not have WHO's emergency use listing.
First Published: Apr 28, 2022 8:50 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Extended bank holiday this week: How to plan your work in advance
May 22, 2024 1:17 PM
Lok Sabha polls: From inheritance tax to Modi successor debate — issues that made headline in each phase
May 22, 2024 11:58 AM
Lok Sabha Election 2024: BJP suspends Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh for contesting polls as independent candidate
May 22, 2024 11:53 AM
Work, wealth, welfare — Jairam Ramesh lists Congress' three promises to voters
May 21, 2024 6:33 PM