The World Health Organization on Friday announced it has granted emergency approval to the India-manufactured coronavirus vaccine Covovax.
The jab, produced by Serum Institute of India under licence from the US-based Novavax, will now be distributed as part of global vaccine-sharing system Covax, "giving a much-needed boost to ongoing efforts to vaccinate more people in lower-income countries", WHO said in a statement.
"Even with new variants emerging, vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to protect people against serious illness and death from SARS-COV-2," said Mariangela Simao, the WHO's access to vaccines chief.
"This listing aims to increase access particularly in lower-income countries, 41 of which have still not been able to vaccinate 10 percent of their populations, while 98 countries have not reached 40 percent," she said.
Covovax requires two doses and is stable at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius refrigerated temperatures.
Freddie Mercury in the Made in Heaven music videoSimon Fowler © Mercury Songs Ltd 
Mercury Wing Catsuit and bolero ensemble (1975)Amit Roy
Designer Wendy de Smet with the spine suit or the Black Queen suit from 1975 Amit Roy
Made in Heaven music video costume (1985) David Parry/V&A 
Japanese jacket (early 1970s)Amit Roy
Japanese jacket (early 1970s) and kimono (1950-70) David Parry/ V&A 
Ensemble worn for Imperial College gig in 1973Amit Roy
Flash ensemble and half mic (Flash Gordon 1980)Amit Roy
Freddie Mercury performs wearing a 'Flash' t-shirt at Sports Arena in San Diego, California, United States, on 5th July 1980David TanShinko Music/Getty Images
Cloal and crown ensembleAmit Roy
Cloak and crown ensemble (1986)Amit Roy
Cloak and crown ensemble (1986)Amit Roy
Freddie Mercury, Magic Tour (1986) Denis O’Regan
