Scientists divided over restricted use approval for Covaxin

While the 3,000 sites across India readies to vaccinate 300 million high-risk individuals beginning with healthcare workers from January 16, scientists and doctors are divided over restricted use approval granted to the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine. In a tweet on January 14, the Health Ministry said both Covishield and Covaxin approved for restricted use by the Indian regulator are safe. The Health Ministry released a statement made by four-dozen scientists and doctors in India who “collectively assure” the safety of both the vaccines.