Vaccine Passport: Those who get the vaccine will be able to go abroad from September; Expected to get approval soon for emergency use in more than 60 countries including WHO

Bharat Biotech's corona vaccine Covaxin may get emergency use approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) between July and September. Bharat Biotech, the company that made it, has applied to WHO for this. If this happens, people who have had Covaxin since September will also be able to travel abroad. The company said that regulatory approvals for Covaxin are underway in 60 countries. These include America and Brazil most affected by Corona.

So far approved in 13 countries

The company said that the application has been given to WHO-Geneva for approval. Covaxin has been approved in 13 countries so far. Most of the countries are emphasizing the vaccination of the people coming here. Those who have not been vaccinated can travel with a negative report of the RT-PCR test.

The debate begins amid discussion of vaccine passport

Recently, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson indicated that an attempt could be made to reach a consensus on a vaccine passport during the G-7 conference. He proposes to make international travel easier, but it still has many problems. There are also many countries where due to manufacturing or other problems, vaccination has not reached full speed.

Covaxin is being talked about in this because it has not been approved by WHO then. Foreign universities and many countries have made such rules that people who have got the WHO-approved vaccine will be allowed to travel abroad without restrictions. The most affected by this will be the children studying in foreign universities, who have got Covaxin installed in India.

What is the importance of HO's emergency use approval?

The WHO's Emergency Use Listing examines the safety and effectiveness of a health product in a public health emergency such as a pandemic. WHO gave emergency use approval to Pfizer's vaccine on 31 December 2020, Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine on 15 February 2021, and Johnson & Johnson's vaccine on 12 March.

According to the WHO, because of the emergency, it is necessary to develop and approve medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools as soon as possible. That too while meeting the standards of safety, efficiency, and quality. This assessment ensures the usefulness of these products to a wider range of people during the pandemic.

Center changed rules for Coveshield

Earlier on Monday, the central government had issued a new guideline regarding vaccination for people going abroad. Under the new SOP, students and professionals studying abroad will be able to take the second dose of CoveShield anytime after 28 days. Earlier this rule was of 84 days i.e. (12- 16 weeks). This rule will not apply to people living in the country.

This rule for those going abroad till August 31

According to the new guidelines of the Center, only those who have taken the Covishield vaccine for traveling abroad will be given a vaccination certificate. It will be mandatory to mention the passport number on the vaccination certificate. This facility is for those above 18 years of age who want to travel abroad till 31st August. Soon this special arrangement for those traveling abroad will also be available on the Cowin platform.