Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Monday that he had taken up the issue of the European Union’s new ‘vaccine passport’ scheme not recognising the India-made version of the Oxford jab at the “highest levels”.

Adar Poonawalla assured that the matter would be resolved soon amid complaints that Indians who had taken Covishield were facing issues in travelling to the EU.

“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.

People with Covishield, made by AstraZeneca and manufactured by the SII, are likely to be ineligible for the European Union’s (EU) ‘Green Pass’ as the vaccine has not yet been recognised by the European Medical Agency (EMA).

The ‘Green Pass’ is being launched to enable hassle-free travel into and between the EU countries. However, only the ones inoculated with EMA-recognised vaccines will be able to claim this “digital passport”.

However, according to sources, the “digital passport” scheme is only for intra-EU travel and not for people travelling from abroad, since that is still happening on an “essential travel” basis.

European version of same AstraZeneca vaccine allowed

Vaxzevria, the same AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, has been authorised by the EMA. Thus, recipients of the European version of AstraZeneca vaccine will be able to apply for the ‘Green Pass’.

Covishield has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for global use. However, the EMA, which is responsible for the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products in EU countries, has given authorisation to just four vaccines so far.Presently, 4 vaccines have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) that can be used in the EU member states. (EMA website screenshot)

The EMA has directed the EU member states to issue the ‘Green Pass’ to those with Comirnaty (BioNTech-Pfizer), Moderna, Vaxzevria (Oxford-AstraZeneca) and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). But the states are allowed to accept other vaccines as well.

It is believed that the SII will have to apply with the EMA to get either its approval or disapproval. Thus, the question of disallowing the “Made in India” AstraZeneca vaccine does not arise at the moment.

Only Iceland has decided to welcome anyone inoculated with WHO-recognised vaccines. It was also the first country to open its borders to travellers. Meanwhile, France has followed in the EU footsteps, saying those administered only EMA-approved vaccines would be allowed to enter the country. Russian-made and Indian-made doses are not allowed there.