New Delhi, May 27
Faced with an acute shortage of Covid vaccines, India on Thursday completely waived the requirement for local testing for major foreign vaccines to facilitate imports of Pfizer, Moderna and J&J quills.
Edit: cover priority groups
The move comes after the April ruling in which the government said vaccines approved by drug regulatory authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, EU, Japan and those on the WHO emergency uses would receive approvals in India without the need for prior transition testing.
“ No word from WHO on childhood immunization ”
- After Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal demanded Pfizer vaccines for children, the Center said the WHO had no recommendations on childhood immunizations.
- Children’s trials in India are due to start soon, the government said.
No items in trade, explains union government
Buying vax internationally is not the same as buying “off the shelf” items. Vaccines are in limited supply around the world and companies give preference to countries of origin. The center
Acceleration of national production
Bharat Biotech to increase monthly manufacturing capacity from 90 lakh doses to 10 cr by October
Continue with Covid standards through end of June, states said
However, these vaccines have been mandated to undergo post-approval parallel clinical trials in India – a provision the government has abandoned today.
None of the foreign companies have yet applied for a permit from the Indian regulator.
VK Paul, chairman of the National Covid Vaccine Working Group, said importation of Pfizer vaccines was likely from July and talks were underway after the company indicated the availability of vaccines for the India. Admitting that Pfizer had sought compensation for a serious adverse event among Indians, Paul said, “The matter is under review. No decision has yet been made. “
The government also said foreign vaccines were not available for free.
“Zydus Cadila, Biological E and Gennova’s Covid vaccines are in the works,” Paul said as India witnessed 3,847 deaths today, although daily cases continued to decline for the 20th day – passing from 4,14,188 on May 7 to 2,11,298 today. and active cases saw a 35% drop from the May 10 peak (37 lakh to 24.19 lakh).
The government has also published “myths and facts” about vaccines, ruling out compulsory licensing as an unattractive option.
He dismissed accusations of not helping states and said that states not sourcing directly from companies reaffirms what the Center has always said – that vaccines are in short supply around the world. – TNS
