Following India's warning, UK recognises Covishield as COVID- vaccine
In an official release, the UK government has stated that Covishield qualifies as an approved vaccine for all travelers.
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London, September 23: After India warned of the "reciprocal measures" against the UK in wake of its new travel restrictions for vaccinated Indians, Britain has revised its advisory and now recognised the Covishield as an approved Covid-vaccine.
However, Indians who have been vaccinated with two doses of the Covishield vaccine will still be required to quarantine on arrival. Moreover, despite the UK putting Covishield on its updated international travel advisory, India is not yet on a list of 17 approved countries.
In an official release, the UK government has stated that Covishield qualifies as an approved vaccine for all travelers. The statement issued by the government states, “Formulations of the four listed vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covishield, AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, and Moderna Takeda, qualify as approved vaccines.”
The official notice issued by the UK government also states that the person needs to have had a complete course of the approved vaccines mentioned by the administration, at least 14 days before they arrive in England.
As per the earlier rules, Indians vaccinated with the Serum Institute of India produced Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine were being considered 'unvaccinated' in the UK. Thus, upon entry, they would have to undergo relevant restrictions and quarantine.
The development comes mere hours after India raised strong objections and demanded a change in the "discriminatory" rules. India on Tuesday had warned of "reciprocal measures" if the UK does not address its concerns over the new travel rules relating to COVID-19 vaccine certification with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla describing these norms as "discriminatory".
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took up the issue of Covishield-vaccinated travelers being required to quarantine in the UK with newly-appointed British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss at a meeting in New York.
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