India approves Serum, Bharat Biotech vaccines for “restricted use”

The Oxford and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin became the first vaccines to get approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to administer against Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

DCGI VG Somani confirmed both the vaccines have been granted permission for “restricted use”.

The overall efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine was 70.42%, while Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin was “safe and provides a robust immune response”, VG Somani said.

“We’ll never approve anything if there is slightest of safety concern. The vaccines are 100% safe. Some side effects like mild fever, pain and allergy are common for every vaccine. It (people may get impotent) is absolute rubbish,” VG Somani said.

However, he also said that some side effects like mild fever, pain and allergy are common for every vaccine.

In the wake of emergency approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists and innovators in India.

“A decisive turning point to strengthen a spirited fight! DCGI granting approval to vaccines of Serum Institue of India & Bharat Biotech accelerates the road to healthier & COVID-free nation. Congratulations India. Congratulations to our hardworking scientists & innovators,” tweeted PM Modi.

In a series of tweets, PM Modi wrote, “It would make every Indian proud that the two vaccines that have been given emergency use approval are made in India! This shows the eagerness of our scientific community to fulfil the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, at the root of which is care and compassion.”

“We reiterate our gratitude to doctors, medical staff, scientists, police personnel, sanitation workers and all Corona warriors for the outstanding work done, that too in adverse circumstances. We will remain eternally grateful to them for saving many lives,” wrote the PM.