EMA had not received Covishield approval request for 'Green Pass', says EU official | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

EMA had not received Covishield approval request for 'Green Pass', says EU official

By | Edited by Kunal Gaurav, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Jun 29, 2021 03:26 PM IST

The official clarified that the EU Digital COVID Certificate is meant to facilitate restriction-free movement with the member states and is not a pre-condition to travel.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not received an authorisation request for the Covidshield vaccine, a version of the AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), according to an EU official, reported news agency ANI. The EMA doesn't investigate new drugs on its own, unless asked by relevant companies, the official added.

Those vaccinated with Covishield may not be eligible for the EU ‘Green Pass’ that will be available to use from July 1.(AFP)
Those vaccinated with Covishield may not be eligible for the EU ‘Green Pass’ that will be available to use from July 1.(AFP)

While many EU member states have started issuing the digital “vaccine passport” that will enable travellers to move freely for work or tourism purposes, those vaccinated with Covishield may not be eligible for the ‘Green Pass’ that will be available to use from July 1.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"Concerning a possible EMA authorisation for Covishield, as of yesterday, the European Medicine Agency (EMA) stated that it had not received a request for approval. It will examine any such request when received, as per its procedures," the EU said in a statement.

The official clarified that the EU Digital Covid Certificate is meant to facilitate restriction-free movement within the member states and is not a pre-condition to travel. The certificate will serve as proof that the person was either vaccinated against the virus, received a negative test result or recovered from it.

Also Read | EU’s ‘green pass’ for Covishield: What is the document all about

Currently, individuals vaccinated with any of the four EMA-approved vaccines are eligible for the "vaccine passport". The four vaccines are Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), Moderna, Vaxzervria (AstraZeneca), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

But, for the purpose of the Digital Covid Certificate, individual member states will have the option to accept vaccinations that have been authorised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

SII's Adar Poonawalla on Monday said that he has taken the matter up at the highest levels, both with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries, assuring that it will get resolved soon. "I realise that a lot of Indians who have taken COVISHIELD are facing issues with travel to the E.U., I assure everyone, I have taken this up at the highest levels and hope to resolve this matter soon, both with regulators and at a diplomatic level with countries," Adar Poonawalla tweeted.

(With ANI inputs)


Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On