Covishield Excluded from European Union’s Vaccine Passport

Covishield was removed from the list of EMA-approved vaccines, which will be of particular concern for Indians who hope to travel to European countries soon.

Covishield's exclusion from the European Union's approved list of COVID vaccines, has set alarm bells ringing in Africa.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate, or the “green pass” was created to restore freedom of travel for the public and remove the barriers on entry placed due to the pandemic.

‘Covishield is excluded from the vaccines which have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its “vaccine passport” programme that allows free movement of people in and out of Europe.’
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The Africa CDC (Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) expressed concern over the treatment of people vaccinated with Covishield.

"Guidelines put at risk the equitable treatment of persons having received vaccines in countries profiting from the EU-supported COVAX Facility, including the majority of the African Union (AU) Member States," the Africa CDC said.

"Under such regulations, persons who received Covishield, despite being able to demonstrate proof of vaccination, would continue to be subject to restrictions, including limitations of movement and testing requirements, with considerable administrative and financial implications," it added.

It was also been excluded from the World Health Organization.

People vaccinated with Covishield or Covaxin cant go to the EU; they will be subject to quarantine protocols and may even be blocked from entering some others.

Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla on Monday said he was "taking this up at the highest levels... with regulators and diplomats" and that he "hoped to resolve this matter soon".

Sources quoted by news agency PTI said Mr Poonawalla has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to say: "This will affect students, business travelers back and forth, and cause severe disruptions to our economy and to the global economy."

COVID-19 Vaccination in India: Issues and Challenges
India’s COVID-19 vaccination program has been launched. It currently uses the vaccines Covishield and Covaxin. There are some issues and challenges that need to be overcome in order to vaccinate all Indians.

The EMA said minor differences in manufacturing processes could result in differences in the final product, and EU law required assessments as part of the authorization process.

The Indian government opposed the idea of a 'vaccine passport'; at a meeting of health ministers from G7 countries (to which India was invited) Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan expressed "India's concern and strong opposition to 'vaccine passport' at this juncture".

Source-Medindia