Serum Institute of India, Pune, to manufacture Astra-Oxford vaccine.
Britain today became the first country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca. Famous Pharmaceutical AstraZeneca today announced that the Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for emergence use in the United Kingdom and first doses are being released today so that vaccinations can begin early in the new year.
The United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) sanctioned authorization for Oxford Covid-19 vaccine for active immunisation of individuals 18 years or older for emergency supply.
AstraZeneca recommends two doses administered with a gap of four to 12 weeks. The company stated that the vaccine has proved to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 in the clinical trials and has not reported any severe cases and no hospitalization more than 14 days after the second dose. It also said that the Oxford vaccine can be stored, transported, and handled at normal refrigerated conditions.
Earlier this month, the Serum Institute of India also sought approval for the Covid vaccine for use in India. The Subject Expert Committee under the Drugs Controller of India will meet shortly to decide.
