As US FDA denies nod to COVAXIN, those who took it seek explanation

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rejected the emergency authorisation of India’s first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin. Earlier, the World Health Organisation (WHO) asked vaccine makers to submit additional data for emergency use listing. The rejection delayed the drug’s launch in the US and several European countries. The move is likely to cause major inconveniences to those planning to travel the country for work or education. Many Indians, including celebrities on Friday took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the rejection and asked for an explanation from the government.

Actor-comedian Vir Das, who is known for being eloquent on social issues, wrote on Twitter how the delay in Covaxin authorisation is hampering his work plans.

Veteran actor Pooja Bhatt also highlighted her concerns and asked Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, when will the vaccine, on which she had to spend a decent amount, will be recognised by WHO.

“This is the vaccine I took. Can’t wait to find out more,” tweeted Bollywood actor Konkana Sen Sharma.

 Covaxin makers had applied for emergency use listing to WHO and European Union. The WHO has asked for more details on the vaccine, which was to be submitted in June by Bharat BioTech. 

According to PTI, the vaccine has received regulatory approval in 11 countries. The drug’s approval is under process in over 60 countries overall including the USA, Brazil and Hungary among others.