Covishield Recognised By 16 European Nations: Adar Poonawalla

The CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), Adar Poonawalla on Saturday shared a price of good news for international travellers stating that Covishield, the Indian version of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine was now recognised and accepted by 16 European countries.

Mr Poonawalla also cautioned those who are travelling abroad to adhere to travel advisories that vary from country to country. “It is indeed good news for travellers, as we see sixteen European countries recognising Covishield as an acceptable vaccine for entry. However, despite being vaccinated, entry guidelines might vary from country to country, so do read up before you travel,” tweeted Poonawalla.

It was a debatable topic on the acceptance of the Covishield vaccine as proof of immunisation for travel to the EU Member States. Earlier, a few countries in the block have refused to recognise the vaccine that triggers the discussion.

Currently, we have Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland has accepted the vaccine among European counties. Also, France became the latest to accept the vaccine and it had lifted travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers.

Covishield has an efficacy of 90% when doses are farther spaced. It is proved to be completely safe and effective. However, the serious side effect like blood clots, which happens in rare number, is still debatable.

Efficacy against the most potential Delta variant is 66% when two doses are administered. A study conducted by CMC Vellore along with Mayo clinic in the United States in 10567 health care workers endorsed its efficacy in the Indian population.