The World Health Organization (WHO) reportedly expanded their emergency use listing (EUL) of vaccines by endorsing the use of COVAXIN (Bharat Biotech), created by India, for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 afflicted COVID-19, say sources from the organization.
COVAXIN was formulated from an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 antigen and is presented in both single-dose and multidose vials of 5, 10 and 20 doses.
WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommended using the vaccine in two doses, with an interval of four weeks. COVAXIN has been approved for all ages above 18. It has 78% efficacy against COVID-19 severity. However, the communication mentioned that the available data on vaccination of pregnant women with this specific vaccine is insufficient to assess vaccine safety or efficacy in pregnancy.
Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a team of regulatory experts from around the world organized by WHO, agreed that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19. They believe that the vaccine's benefits far outweigh the risks. Hence it can be used globally.