Covishield is one of the vaccines in use in India, which the Serum Institute of India (SII) manufactures. It is in great use in the country. But, it did not receive the Green Card from the European Union (EU).
The European Marketing Agency (EMA) came forward to clarify the reason behind leaving Covishield from the list of such vaccines. The EMA informed that since Covishield does not own any market-related authorisation in the EU, and hence will not be the recipient of the Green Card.
However, the CEO of SII, Mr. Adar Poonawalla, said he would take the matter to higher authorities.
Earlier. Zala Grudnik, the press officer of the EMA, talked to India Today Television. He said, “In the European Union, the vaccine called Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation.” He also added that while the same may be in many ways similar to the production technology of another vaccine, Vaxzevria, both are different.
So far, four vaccines have received a Green Card from the European Union. These vaccines are- Pfizer, Janssen, Spikevaxand and Vaxzevria.
Additionally, the issuance of a Green Card will enable easy travel of people to the EU countries.
“Will Take The Matter To The Highest Levels”- CEO Adar Poonawalla On Covishield Exclusion
Almost 90% of the total vaccinated population of India has received the Covishield dose. Hence, it could be a worry for people if the vaccine does not receive the card.
Besides, Mr. Adar Poonawalla also tweeted about the situation. He shared, “I realise that a lot of Indians who have taken Covishield are facing issues with travel to the EU. I assure everyone, I have taken this up at the highest levels. And I hope to resolve this matter soon. This will be with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries.”
A senior government official also could not understand why Green Card to the vaccine was not given. He said, “The position taken by EMA is perplexing because Covishield and Vaxzevria, the AstraZeneca vaccine approved by the European agency, are qualitatively similar in nature.”
Both the vaccines of the country, Covaxin and Covishield, are in a not-so-great position. Earlier, Covaxin, manufactured by Bharat Biotech, failed to get the emergency-use listing by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Lastly, SII has requested S.Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India, to talk to the EU members. If the vaccine does not receive the card soon, it could be a massive setback to the people and the economy.
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