The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), country’s apex regulatory authority for medicinal products, on Sunday (Jan 03) approved Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for restricted emergency use in India.
This means vaccines of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have been granted permission for restricted use in emergency situation by the drug regulator. The Drugs Controller General of India Dr VG Somani made this announcement at a press conference at 11 am today.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has called the DCGI approval of Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech vaccines, a decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight against Corona.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said: “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.”
Elaborating more on the approval, Somani said that the Subject Expert Committee has recommended allowing restricted use of COVID-19 vaccines developed by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech. So far in India, Covishield and Covaxin have received clearance from a key expert panel.
Adding further, he said, “We’ll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern. The vaccines are 100 per cent safe. Some side effects like mild fever, pain and allergy are common for every vaccine. It (people may get impotent) is absolute rubbish.”
