Covovax, Serum Institute manufactured Covid-19 vaccine gets WHO nod

World Health Organization has issued an emergency use listing for Covovax, a Covid-19 vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India.

The vaccine is produced under licence from Novavax and is part of the COVAX facility portfolio, giving a much-needed boost to ongoing efforts to vaccinate more people in lower-income countries.

A statement by WHO said that it assessed Covovax based on the review of data on quality, safety and efficacy, a risk management plan, programmatic suitability, and manufacturing site inspections carried out by the Drugs Controller General of India.

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The statement also said that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against Covid-19, its benefit far outweighs any risks, and that the vaccine can be used globally.

Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonwalla while tweeting the news said that the vaccine showed great safety and efficacy.