India might be getting its first Covid-19 vaccine soon as Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation’s Subject Expert Committee (SEC) will be taking a call on emergency use authorisation of Oxford University-Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccine Covishield being developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) later in the day today.

Earlier, the vaccine was approved by the UK government following recommendation by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Expressing his delight at the development AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said it was significant in fight against Covid-19. Last week, Serum Institute of India had submitted additional data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine following Drug Controller General of India’s demand early this month.

The approval to Covishield was granted in the UK following rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data. MHRA has said the vaccine has been able to adhere to the standards set up by it for safety, quality and effectiveness.

UK has already begun vaccination drive in the country with Pfizer vaccine. Over 6 lakh people in the country have been vaccinated in the country since emergency use approval was granted to the Pfizer vaccine.

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Although Pfizer has also applied for emergency use authorization in India, big questions remain about the price, storage facility and transport feasibility of the vaccine. Covishield seems to be better alternative for India as it will be affordable and can be stored at normal fridge temperature. There are also concerns regarding the safety of Pfizer vaccine as many people who have been administered with it have reported allergic reactions. An official of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said that the reaction might be a result of  polyethylene glycol, which has been used in the manufacturing of the Covid-19 vaccine by the drugmaker.  

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