Health min dispels concerns after C’garh seeks to halt Covaxin supply

NEW DELHI: Union health minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday dispelled concerns over Covaxin, India’s indigenous Covid-19 vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech and Indian Council of Medical Research, saying it was produced after “due evaluation of pre-clinical and clinical trial data” and is “safe and immunogenic” for use.

The minister’s remarks came in response to a letter by the Chhattisgarh government who asked the Centre to halt the supply of the vaccine to the state till its efficacy was proven. In his letter to Vardhan, Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo also expressed concerns over the absence of expiry dates on the packages of the vials.

“...It has been brought to my notice that covaxin too is getting delivered to our state shortly. As far as Covaxin vaccine is concerned there is an inhibition/ concern among the community in general regarding the use of Covaxin,” the letter to the minister read. “This concern arises from the fact that clinical trials of phase 3 is yet to be completed...i would therefore request you, to kindly reconsider the decision to supply Covaxin to the state...,” it added.

Responding to the state government’s claims, Vardhan wrote: “…as per new drugs and clinical trials rules…, and in light of urgent need due to Covid pandemic… the National Regulator has granted permission to manufacture two Covid-19 vaccines based on the prescribed procedure and after due evaluation of pre-clinical and clinical trial data. Only those Covid-19 vaccines that have been granted permission for restricted use in emergency… Covishield and Covaxin are being used for Covid-19 vaccination drive… both these vaccines are safe and immunogenic…”

“...the state has been able to cover only 9.55% of its 2,09,512 frontline workers through the first dose of the vaccine. You would appreciate that this coverage needs to improve…,” the minister wrote.