Covaxin is a whole virion-inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, developed in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology, Pune.
It has been granted EUL for use in persons 18 years and above, over two doses spaced four weeks apart.
It has been formulated to enable shipping and long-term storage at 2-8ºC.
It is also formulated to adhere to a multi-dose vial policy, thereby reducing open vial wastage, saving money to procurement agencies and governments.
Key takeaways
The EUL is a prerequisite for the COVAX initiative in vaccine supply, and allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines.
With validation from WHO, countries can now expedite their regulatory approval processes to import and administer Covaxin.
UNICEF, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), GAVI COVAX facility, will be able to procure Covaxin for distribution to countries worldwide
The move is expected to ease international travel for Indians who have opted for the vaccine
