The sources said that the SEC has recommended the EUA with certain conditions. However, final assent will be given by the Comptroller General of Drugs of India (DCGI), which will likely arrive today as well.
Once approval has been obtained, the vaccination process is likely to begin in another 7 to 10 days, senior officials said.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, called Covishield in India, for emergency use on December 30.
As TOI previously reported, around 96,000 vaccinators have been trained for the Covid vaccination program that aims to cover 30 million priority residents by July.
IBS has said it has stockpiled close to 50 million doses of Covishield and added more each week.
While exports have yet to start, India is likely to receive the majority of these stocks during the initial months.
A nationwide test is scheduled for January 2 to assess readiness for the vaccination process.
The drill will be conducted in all state capitals and at at least 3 session sites. Some states will also conduct drills in districts that are in difficult terrain or have poor logistical support.
The SEC has yet to make a decision on the applications from Bharat Biotech and Pfizer seeking the US for their respective candidates.
Covishield can be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees, making it a preferred option for India in the face of hits developed by Pfizer and Moderna that require ultra-cold storage capacity.
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