Why Covaxin supply was halted by WHO, what Bharat Biotech said | Covid vaccine

The World Health Organisation has paused the supply of India's first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin, through United Nations agencies. The manufacturer of Covaxin, Bharat Biotech, has reportedly been asked to upgrade facilities and address deficiencies found during an inspection.

The WHO has reportedly asked nations which received consignments of Covaxin to take "appropriate" action. This "appropriate" action has not been described by the WHO in public domain.

Clarifying about the order, the world health body said that Covaxin is effective and safe, but the suspension occurred following an inspection conducted between March 14 and 22, as per reports.

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WHO reportedly said Bharat Biotech has "committed to comply by addressing the GMP (good manufacturing practice) deficiencies and is developing a corrective and preventive action plan, for submission to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and WHO".

Bharat Biotech, while announcing a slowing down of production for facility optimisation, reportedly said, "For the millions who have received Covaxin, the vaccine certificates issued still stand valid as there is no impact on efficacy and safety of the vaccine."