Covaxin may get approval in 24 hours: WHO official

New Delhi: A technical committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) could recommend emergency use approval to Covaxin withing 24 hours, the global health body's spokesperson said. Margaret Harris told journalists that the technical advisory group is currently reviewing data on India's indigenously-made vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

"If all is in place and all goes well and if the committee is satisfied, we would expect a recommendation within the next 24 hours or so," news agency Reuters quoted Harris as saying at a UN press briefing in Geneva.

Millions of Indians have taken a Covaxin shot but many have been unable to travel pending the WHO approval.

The vaccine has been developed by Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company Bharat Biotech. It had submitted the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the emergency use approval as far back as April 19, but WHO has said it needs more data from the company before showing the green light.

Without a WHO nod, the two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted as a valid vaccine globally. Last Friday, a top official of the WHO said the process of thoroughly evaluating a vaccine for use and recommending it sometimes takes a long time but it has to be ensured that the right advice is given to the world.