IMA Endorses Safety of Two COVID Vaccines in India

India is set to start the COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16. In order to create faith among the people for the two approved vaccines in the country, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has endorsed the efficacy and safety of the vaccines.

Key Points

• The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged all its members in 1,800 local branches to voluntarily get vaccinated first with an aim to show that the COVID-19 vaccines approved by DGCI are safe as well as effective.
• IMA has 3.5 lakh members at present.
• All the branches of IMA and infrastructure facilities will be voluntarily available for the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
• All the members will provide all kinds of support in the drive.
• IMA has also formed a Pharmacovigilance Centre in Delhi with an aim to monitor and record post-vaccination reactions and to provide appropriate support.
• The association has also requested the people to follow all COVID-19 related norms and behaviors like social distancing, wearing masks, etc.

Two COVID-19 Vaccines approved in India

India will be commencing its vaccination drive with two vaccines that have received emergency use approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI). The two approved COVID-19 vaccines are- Covaxin and Covishield. The Serum Institute of India has developed Covishield. Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech.

IMA

IMA is a voluntary national organization of Modern Scientific System of Medicine Doctors in India. It looks after the well-being of doctors in the country. It was established in the year 1928.