Covaxin recognised in five more countries

After Australia, five more countries, including Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, State of Palestine, Mauritius and Mongolia, have recognised Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for allowing entry to travellers. All five have approved both the Covaxin and the Covishield.

"Mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccination certificates continues! Five more recognitions for India's vaccination certificate, including from Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, State of Palestine, Mauritius and Mongolia," the Minister of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Australia had recognised Covaxin along with Covishield for allowing the entry of travellers. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the Australian drug regulator, announced that it has recognised two more Covid-19 vaccines, Covaxin and BBIBP-CorV, not registered in Australia but used widely internationally. This means that many citizens from both India and China will now be considered fully vaccinated on entry to Australia. This will significantly impact the return of foreign students and the travel of skilled and unskilled workers to Australia, the TGA said.

"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," the TGA said in a statement.

"From 1 November 2021, vaccinated Australians and permanent residents aged 12 and over may depart Australia without the need to seek a travel exemption," the statement added.