UK approves Covaxin, no self-isolation for Indians travelling after Nov 22

After the World Health Organisation gave the approval for the Emergency Use Listing for Covaxin, the indigenous Covid-19 vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech, the government of the United Kingdom has said that it ahs will be adding Covixin to its list of approved COVID-19 vaccines for international travellers from 22 November.

This is very important because any Indian who has been inoculated with the Bharat Biotech-manufactured vaccine will not have to self-isolate after arrival in England.

Covaxin is the second most used vaccine in India and already Covishield, the India-manufactured Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, was added to the UK’s approved list last month.

‘More good news for Indian travellers to the UK. From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a COVID19 vaccine recognised by WHO for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield,’ Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, said on Twitter on Monday.

The changes will come into effect at 4 am on 22 November.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic and expand our recognition of international vaccines, today’s announcements mark the next step in our restart of international travel,” said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

“The red list and quarantine system remain vital in protecting our borders and as we’ve said, we will not hesitate to take action by adding countries to the red list if necessary,” UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.

Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.