Manish Tewari: Centre can't use 'COVAXIN' rollout as phase 3 trial, Indians are not guinea pigs

Congress MP Manish Tewari has raised concern over the efficacy & reliability of coronavirus vaccine 'Covaxin' which is developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Tewari said,"Covaxin was licensed by Govt for emergency use. Now Govt is saying that the recipient won't be able to pick and choose the vaccine which he's administered to. When phase 3 trials of Covaxin is not complete, it raises various concerns on its efficacy"

He further said,"Either govt shouldn't roll out Covaxin till its efficacy & reliability is completely established & phase 3 trials are over. It should act in a manner whereby there's complete confidence in people. You can't use rollout as phase 3 trial, Indians are not guinea pigs"

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan was asked at a press conference yesterday whether the beneficiaries would have the option to choose between Covishield and Covaxin vaccine and whether they would have the freedom to choose one of the two vaccines. 

In many countries, more than one vaccine is being used. There is no such option available to any of the beneficiaries in these countries, replied Rajesh Bhushan. 

'More than one vaccine is being used in many countries. However, the beneficiary has not been given such an option there, 'said Bhushan. Therefore, there is a strong possibility that the beneficiary will not be able to choose the vaccine even in India.

Either govt shouldn't roll out Covaxin till its efficacy & reliability is completely established & phase 3 trials are over. It should act in a manner whereby there's complete confidence in people. You can't use rollout as phase 3 trial, Indians are not guinea pigs: Manish Tewari https://t.co/WpOXyE3nW1

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2021