UK Approves Covaxin; No Quarantine For Fully Vaccinated Travellers

London: The United Kingdom said that India’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin will be included in its list of approved vaccines for international travellers from November 22. This implies that those vaccinated with the Bharat Biotech-manufactured shot will not have to self-isolate on arrival in England.

The UK’s decision came following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Emergency Use Listing for Covaxin.

The India-manufactured Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield was included in the UK’s approved list last month.

“More good news for Indian travellers to the UK. From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a COVID19 vaccine recognised by WHO for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield,” British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis tweeted on Monday.

The decision will be effective at 4 am on November 22. Covaxin apart, China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm — both on the WHO Emergency Use Listing — will be recognised by the UK government as approved vaccines for inbound travel. It will benefit the fully vaccinated individuals from the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

The fully vaccinated passengers will not be required to take a pre-departure test, day-8 test or self-isolate upon arrival.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic and expand our recognition of international vaccines, today’s announcements mark the next step in our restart of international travel,” said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.