Covaxin vaccine, developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, got a nod from the Australian government. The vaccine has been added to the government’s list of approved vaccines for establishing a traveller’s vaccination status. Thus, Indians who received Covaxin will be allowed to enter the country.
Last month, Australia recognised the Serum Institute of India’s Covishield for travel purposes.
“Today, the TGA determined that Covaxin and BBIBP-CorV vaccines would be ‘recognised’ for the purpose of establishing a traveller’s vaccination status. This recognition is for travellers aged 12 and over who have been vaccinated with Covaxin, and those 18 to 60 who have been vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV,” a statement said.
“Recognition of Covaxin means many citizens of China and India and other countries in our region where these vaccines have been widely deployed will now be considered fully vaccinated on entry to Australia,” the statement further said.
Covaxin has shown 77.8 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic Covid-19 and 65.2% protection against the new Delta variant.