The World Health Organisation on Tuesday warns South Africa to not dismiss the rollout of Astrazeneca vaccine. Yesterday, South Africa's Health Minister put a hold over the use of the vaccine as the new variant of virus proved out inevitable against the vaccine.

W.H.O warns South Africa against dismissing Astrazeneca vaccine

Right after South Africa's decision to halt AstraZeneca's vaccine roll-out, several western governments have rushed to offer support to the halted vaccination. Health Minister of France took the first jab of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Paris.

Countries voice support over AstraZeneca efficacy

South Africa faces a serious setback as scientists and experts announced that AstraZeneca vaccine is less effective against 501.Y.V2 covid variant first found in South Africa.&nbsp;

In a virtual briefing, health Minister Zweli Mkhize alongside South Africa’s top scientists and experts announced that the rollout of the 1 million AstraZeneca vaccine bought from India will be kept on hold until a committee of scientists decides on a way forward.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxfordastrazeneca-jab-fails-to-prevent-coronavirus-from-south-african-strain-study-361874" hreflang="en">Oxford/AstraZeneca jab fails to prevent coronavirus from South African strain: Study</a>

“AstraZeneca rollout on temporary hold. Awaiting clinical efficacy information,” the briefing presentation slide read.&nbsp;

Instead, Minister Mkhize said, there will be an expedited rollout of the Johnson &amp; Johnson&nbsp;vaccine for health workers in the next four weeks.&nbsp;

Minister also clarified on why South Africa bought AstraZeneca vaccine. He said, they had some data that it could work well and the company could provide with jabs before it received its Covax jabs.&nbsp;

Prof Abdool Karim also added that the only Covid-19 vaccine they had clinically tested is for Johnson &amp; Johnson. He said they don’t yet have clinical data to show AstraZeneca vaccine can protect against severe disease caused by 501.Y.V2.&nbsp;

South Africa received its first batch of one million AstraZeneca vaccine from Serum Institute of India on February 1.&nbsp;

Mkhize said the AstraZeneca vaccine (bought from India) will not be sent back. Scientists will be concluding studies linked to the efficacy. They might be swapped out for newer stock as they expire in April, he added.&nbsp;

South Africa faces a serious setback as scientists and experts announced that AstraZeneca vaccine is less effective against 501.Y.V2 covid variant first found in South Africa.

South Africa faces a serious setback as scientists and experts announced that AstraZeneca vaccine is less effective against 501.Y.V2 covid variant first found in South Africa. In a virtual briefing, health Minister Zweli Mkhize alongside South Africa’s top scientists and experts announced that the rollout of the 1 million AstraZeneca vaccine bought from India will be kept on hold until a committee of scientists decides on a way forward. Also read: Oxford/AstraZeneca jab fails to prevent coronavirus from South African strain: Study “AstraZeneca rollout on temporary hold. Awaiting clinical efficacy information,” the briefing presentation slide read. Instead, Minister Mkhize said, there will be an expedited rollout of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for health workers in the next four weeks. Minister also clarified on why South Africa bought AstraZeneca vaccine. He said, they had some data that it could work well and the company could provide with jabs before it received its Covax jabs. Prof Abdool Karim also added that the only Covid-19 vaccine they had clinically tested is for Johnson & Johnson. He said they don’t yet have clinical data to show AstraZeneca vaccine can protect against severe disease caused by 501.Y.V2. South Africa received its first batch of one million AstraZeneca vaccine from Serum Institute of India on February 1. Mkhize said the AstraZeneca vaccine (bought from India) will not be sent back. Scientists will be concluding studies linked to the efficacy. They might be swapped out for newer stock as they expire in April, he added.

South Africa halts AstraZeneca vaccinations over variant data

South Africa has halted the roll-out of AstraZeneca vaccine in fight against COVID-19 on a temporary basis, as the study showed minimal protection against Coronavirus.

South Africa halts the roll-out of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on temporarily basis

Spain on Friday set a maximum age limit to receive Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine. Now the vaccine will only be administered to those aged 55 and below. Spain has joined the growing list of countries who are restricting the vaccine's use. European Medicines Agency has allowed use of the vaccine for all adults.

"The public health commission, at a meeting on Friday and following scientific evidence, has approved setting as 55 the maximum age for people to get the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19," Spanish health ministry said in a statement.

Spain will receive its first shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines this weekend, it added.

Last week, Germany's vaccine authority advised against use of Astrazeneca COVID vaccine for people more than 65 years old. It said that enough data on its effectiveness in the age group was not available.

France followed suit on Tuesday and Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands and Sweden have taken similar steps, while Switzerland has called for "additional studies" and although Italy approved the jab, it recommended using an alternative vaccine for the over-55s.

The Dutch Health Council said Thursday that the vaccine's efficacy in people aged over 55 was unclear because only a small number of that age took part in clinical trials.

The age controversy compounds a row over a shortfall in deliveries from AstraZeneca that has forced the EU to recalibrate its vaccination strategy.

Spain has so far vaccinated just under two million people and plans to have covered 70 per cent of its population by the summer's end, a goal reaffirmed on Wednesday by the government despite shortages and delays in vaccine supplies.&nbsp;

Also on Wednesday, Health Minister Carolina Darias said Spain was "open" to the idea of using Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as long as it was approved by European regulators.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Spain on Friday set a maximum age limit to receive Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine. Now the vaccine will only be administered to those aged 55 and below. Spain has joined the growing list of countries who are restricting the vaccine's use.

Spain on Friday set a maximum age limit to receive Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine. Now the vaccine will only be administered to those aged 55 and below. Spain has joined the growing list of countries who are restricting the vaccine's use. European Medicines Agency has allowed use of the vaccine for all adults. "The public health commission, at a meeting on Friday and following scientific evidence, has approved setting as 55 the maximum age for people to get the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19," Spanish health ministry said in a statement. Spain will receive its first shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines this weekend, it added. Last week, Germany's vaccine authority advised against use of Astrazeneca COVID vaccine for people more than 65 years old. It said that enough data on its effectiveness in the age group was not available. France followed suit on Tuesday and Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands and Sweden have taken similar steps, while Switzerland has called for "additional studies" and although Italy approved the jab, it recommended using an alternative vaccine for the over-55s. The Dutch Health Council said Thursday that the vaccine's efficacy in people aged over 55 was unclear because only a small number of that age took part in clinical trials. The age controversy compounds a row over a shortfall in deliveries from AstraZeneca that has forced the EU to recalibrate its vaccination strategy. Spain has so far vaccinated just under two million people and plans to have covered 70 per cent of its population by the summer's end, a goal reaffirmed on Wednesday by the government despite shortages and delays in vaccine supplies. Also on Wednesday, Health Minister Carolina Darias said Spain was "open" to the idea of using Russia's Sputnik V vaccine as long as it was approved by European regulators.

Spain puts maximum age limit for receiving Astrazeneca vaccine

The vaccine that has been developed by oxford university AstraZeneca remains effective against the COVID-19 new variant that has been found in the United Kingdom.

Oxford releases new data on AstraZeneca, protective against new variant

AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine has similar efficacy against the variant first identified in Kent, southern England, as previously circulating strains,&nbsp;the university said on Friday.

The findings, released in a preprint paper on Friday, also detailed recent analysis showing that vaccination with the shot results in a reduction in the duration of shedding and viral load. This, in turn, may translate into a reduced transmission of the disease, Oxford University said.

"Data from our trials of the ChAdOx1 vaccine in the United Kingdom indicate that the vaccine not only protects against the original pandemic virus, but also protects against the novel variant, B.1.1.7, which caused the surge in disease from the end of 2020 across the UK," said Andrew Pollard, Chief Investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial.

Sarah Gilbert, co-developer of the vaccine, said that, although the vaccine had efficacy against the UK variant, it might need to be adapted for a future variant.

Earlier in the day, British regulators also received extra trial data from AstraZeneca that supports their view that the vaccine was effective in the elderly.

Britain has been rolling out the shot among all age groups after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was the first regulator to approve it in December, but some other European countries have said more data is needed before it is given to those over 65.

The variant, first identified in Kent, southern England, is more easily transmissible, prompting many countries to restrict travel to Britain.

AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine has similar efficacy against the variant first identified in Kent, southern England, as previously circulating strains, the university said on Friday.

AstraZeneca and Oxford University's COVID-19 vaccine has similar efficacy against the variant first identified in Kent, southern England, as previously circulating strains, the university said on Friday. The findings, released in a preprint paper on Friday, also detailed recent analysis showing that vaccination with the shot results in a reduction in the duration of shedding and viral load. This, in turn, may translate into a reduced transmission of the disease, Oxford University said. "Data from our trials of the ChAdOx1 vaccine in the United Kingdom indicate that the vaccine not only protects against the original pandemic virus, but also protects against the novel variant, B.1.1.7, which caused the surge in disease from the end of 2020 across the UK," said Andrew Pollard, Chief Investigator on the Oxford vaccine trial. Sarah Gilbert, co-developer of the vaccine, said that, although the vaccine had efficacy against the UK variant, it might need to be adapted for a future variant. Earlier in the day, British regulators also received extra trial data from AstraZeneca that supports their view that the vaccine was effective in the elderly. Britain has been rolling out the shot among all age groups after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was the first regulator to approve it in December, but some other European countries have said more data is needed before it is given to those over 65. The variant, first identified in Kent, southern England, is more easily transmissible, prompting many countries to restrict travel to Britain.

Oxford confirms COVID-19 vaccine with AstraZeneca works against UK variant

AstraZeneca has filed for approval of its coronavirus vaccine in Japan, and has become the second major pharmaceutical firm to ask Tokyo to authorise its jabs.

Japan has reached deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna to buy enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for its population of 126 million. But it is yet to approve any inoculations with less than six months before the Tokyo Olympics.

The Pfizer jab will likely be the first to get the go-ahead later this month after the US firm filed for approval in December. Moderna is yet to formally file for approval. The Pfizer jab is likely to be approved in Japan on February 15, Kyodo News reported Thursday.

Olympic chiefs insist the Tokyo Games will begin in July, despite new waves of Covid infections in Japan and worldwide.

Participants will be encouraged to be vaccinated against Covid-19, organisers have said, but there will be no obligation.

Japan is yet to announce an official schedule for vaccinations, but after targeted jabs for healthcare workers, it is expected to begin inoculating the elderly from April.

AstraZeneca said it will file data of a clinical trial involving 256 patients in Japan in March. The UK drugmaker plans to produce 90 million shots in Japan, of the 120 million it has agreed to provide to the country.

AstraZeneca has filed for approval of its coronavirus vaccine in Japan, and has become the second major pharmaceutical firm to ask Tokyo to authorise its jabs. Japan has reached deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna to buy enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for its population of 126 million.

AstraZeneca has filed for approval of its coronavirus vaccine in Japan, and has become the second major pharmaceutical firm to ask Tokyo to authorise its jabs. Japan has reached deals with Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna to buy enough Covid-19 vaccine doses for its population of 126 million. But it is yet to approve any inoculations with less than six months before the Tokyo Olympics. The Pfizer jab will likely be the first to get the go-ahead later this month after the US firm filed for approval in December. Moderna is yet to formally file for approval. The Pfizer jab is likely to be approved in Japan on February 15, Kyodo News reported Thursday. Olympic chiefs insist the Tokyo Games will begin in July, despite new waves of Covid infections in Japan and worldwide. Participants will be encouraged to be vaccinated against Covid-19, organisers have said, but there will be no obligation. Japan is yet to announce an official schedule for vaccinations, but after targeted jabs for healthcare workers, it is expected to begin inoculating the elderly from April. AstraZeneca said it will file data of a clinical trial involving 256 patients in Japan in March. The UK drugmaker plans to produce 90 million shots in Japan, of the 120 million it has agreed to provide to the country.

AstraZeneca files vaccine for approval in Japan

As several countries grapple with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-recommends-giving-covid-vaccine-at-12-week-interval-361110">vaccine</a> shortages, British researchers said today that they will study immune response to coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer-BioNtech and AstraZeneca combining it in a two-shot schedule.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-vaccine-scandal-erupts-in-china-361172/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inoculation-may-provide-protection-from-severe-diseases-says-oxfords-vaccine-head-361067">Oxford</a> researchers added that combining the vaccines would help them to identify whether it can be rolled out with greater efficiency. The study will involve doses of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine followed by AstraZeneca with intervals of 4 and 12 weeks. The data is set to be published in June this year with at least 800 participants set to take part who are already being recruited.

The researchers will measure antibody and T-cell responses, including possible side effects. The researchers plan to have over 50 year-olds in greater numbers who are reportedly more susceptible to the virus.

British government's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan van-Tam said: "Given the inevitable challenges of immunising large numbers of the population against COVID-19 and potential global supply constraints, there are definite advantages to having data that could support a more flexible immunisation programme."

"It is also even possible that by combining <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-shows-variant-spreading-in-britain-could-become-resistant-to-vaccines-360831">vaccines</a>, the immune response could be enhanced giving even higher antibody levels that last longer," Tam added.

Britain was the first western nation to kick off the vaccination drive in early December with the European Union starting its drive on December 27. However, there has been a shortage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-promises-extra-doses-of-astrazeneca-and-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-360683">Pfizer</a> vaccines in Europe in recent weeks leading several nations to temporarily halt operations.

Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe with over 3.8 million COVID-19 cases and 109, 547 fatalities with most of the country in a partial lockdown.

The coronavirus crisis deepened over Christmas in England after the British government announced the arrival of South African variant which it said was 70 per cent more transferable.

As several countries grapple with vaccine shortages, British researchers said today that they will study immune response to coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer-BioNtech and AstraZeneca combining it in a two-shot schedule.

As several countries grapple with vaccine shortages, British researchers said today that they will study immune response to coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer-BioNtech and AstraZeneca combining it in a two-shot schedule. Watch: The Oxford researchers added that combining the vaccines would help them to identify whether it can be rolled out with greater efficiency. The study will involve doses of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine followed by AstraZeneca with intervals of 4 and 12 weeks. The data is set to be published in June this year with at least 800 participants set to take part who are already being recruited. The researchers will measure antibody and T-cell responses, including possible side effects. The researchers plan to have over 50 year-olds in greater numbers who are reportedly more susceptible to the virus. British government's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Jonathan van-Tam said: "Given the inevitable challenges of immunising large numbers of the population against COVID-19 and potential global supply constraints, there are definite advantages to having data that could support a more flexible immunisation programme." "It is also even possible that by combining vaccines, the immune response could be enhanced giving even higher antibody levels that last longer," Tam added. Britain was the first western nation to kick off the vaccination drive in early December with the European Union starting its drive on December 27. However, there has been a shortage of Pfizer vaccines in Europe in recent weeks leading several nations to temporarily halt operations. Britain is the worst-hit country in Europe with over 3.8 million COVID-19 cases and 109, 547 fatalities with most of the country in a partial lockdown. The coronavirus crisis deepened over Christmas in England after the British government announced the arrival of South African variant which it said was 70 per cent more transferable.

Oxford researchers to combine Pfizer, AstraZeneca vaccines in two-short doses to test efficacy

Coronavirus vaccines may be able to offer protection against severe diseases, Oxford Vaccine Group's head Andrew Pollard said on Wednesday.

Currently, COVID-19 is evolving with new variants popping across the world, including places like Britain and South Africa. These variants are reportedly more transmissible than the original variant.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-and-effective-claims-lancet-report-348584/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also said that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be effective against new variants while adding that "they are making changes that allow them to avoid human immune responses so that they can still transmit."

"So, that does mean that it's likely over time that the virus will find ways of adapting so that can continue to pass between people," he said in a conversation with BBC.

"But that doesn't mean that we won't still have protection against severe disease... The virus is much more about the virus being able to continue to survive, rather than trying to cause harm to us", Pollard added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-cost-rs200-a-vial-in-india-purchase-order-placed-with-sii-reports-356029" hreflang="en">Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports</a>

The low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 is being distributed in the UK. Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old retired maintenance manager, was the first person to receive the jab at Oxford's Churchill Hospital, NHS England said. 
 
Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being hailed as one of the cheapest and most accessible vaccines as the shots can be stored at fridge temperature, making the transportation and storage easier than the rest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-administers-first-shot-of-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine-354357" hreflang="en">UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine</a>

Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca in December said that their vaccine is safe and has an efficacy of 70.4%.

The university said the new study published in the 'Lancet' medical journal is the first peer-reviewed publication of phase 3 data from studies of a vaccine against the coronavirus.

Coronavirus vaccines may be able to offer protection against severe diseases, Oxford Vaccine Group's head Andrew Pollard said on Wednesday. Currently, COVID-19 is evolving with new variants popping across the world, including places like Britain and South Africa.

Coronavirus vaccines may be able to offer protection against severe diseases, Oxford Vaccine Group's head Andrew Pollard said on Wednesday. Currently, COVID-19 is evolving with new variants popping across the world, including places like Britain and South Africa. These variants are reportedly more transmissible than the original variant. He also said that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be effective against new variants while adding that "they are making changes that allow them to avoid human immune responses so that they can still transmit." "So, that does mean that it's likely over time that the virus will find ways of adapting so that can continue to pass between people," he said in a conversation with BBC. "But that doesn't mean that we won't still have protection against severe disease... The virus is much more about the virus being able to continue to survive, rather than trying to cause harm to us", Pollard added. Also read: Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to cost ₹200 a vial in India; purchase order placed with SII: Reports The low cost and easily transportable AstraZeneca and Oxford University COVID-19 is being distributed in the UK. Brian Pinker, an 82-year-old retired maintenance manager, was the first person to receive the jab at Oxford's Churchill Hospital, NHS England said. Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is being hailed as one of the cheapest and most accessible vaccines as the shots can be stored at fridge temperature, making the transportation and storage easier than the rest. Also read: UK administers first shot of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca in December said that their vaccine is safe and has an efficacy of 70.4%. The university said the new study published in the 'Lancet' medical journal is the first peer-reviewed publication of phase 3 data from studies of a vaccine against the coronavirus.

Inoculation may provide protection from severe diseases, says Oxford's vaccine head

About 1,500 of the initial volunteers in a late-stage clinical trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-snowstorm-disrupts-covid-19-vaccination-drive-in-new-york-360755">vaccine</a> were given the wrong dose, but weren't informed that a mistake had been made after the blunder was discovered, documents obtained by Reuters show.

The dosing mishap was presented to the trial participants in a letter dated June 8 as an opportunity for University of Oxford researchers to learn how well the vaccine works at different doses. The letter was signed by the trial's chief investigator, Oxford professor Andrew J. Pollard, and sent to the trial subjects.

As Reuters reported on December&nbsp;24, participants were given about a half dose due to a measuring mistake by Oxford researchers. The Pollard letter didn't acknowledge any error. Nor did it disclose that researchers had reported the issue to British medical regulators, who then told Oxford to add another test group to receive the full dose, in line with the trial's original plan.

There is no suggestion there was any risk to the health of trial participants.

Much is riding on the British-developed vaccine, which is being rolled out across the UK and has been touted as a low-cost weapon against the pandemic. The jab has come under scrutiny because of the dosing error in the Oxford trial and a paucity of data about its efficacy in older people who are most vulnerable to the virus.

Reuters shared the letter – which it obtained from the university through a Freedom of Information request – with three different experts in medical ethics. The ethicists all said it indicates the researchers may not have been transparent with trial participants. Volunteers in clinical trials are supposed to be kept fully informed about any changes.

"They are not clear at all about what they need to be clear about - what's going on, what they knew, the rationale for undertaking further research," said Arthur L. Caplan, founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. "It is lost in a snowstorm of verbiage."

Steve Pritchard, a spokesman for Oxford, told Reuters: "The half-dose group was unplanned, but we did know in advance that there was a discrepancy in the dose measurements and discussed this with the regulators before dosing and when the dosing was revised."

Pritchard also said, "We have not stated that a dosing error occurred."

Pollard didn't respond to a request for comment.

The spokesman's suggestion that no error was made is contradicted by documents produced last year by Oxford and its vaccine partner, drugs giant AstraZeneca PLC. In December, Reuters reported that a "Global Statistical Analysis Plan" by Oxford/AstraZeneca, dated November&nbsp;17 and later published in the scientific journal The Lancet, called the dosing discrepancy "a potency miscalculation."

A spokesman for AstraZeneca declined to comment.

The Health Research Authority, a British government agency responsible for approving medical research and ensuring it is ethical, said in a statement that changes to the study design and the letter sent to participants were approved by one of its ethics committees.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine recently has received authorization for use in a growing number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and India. The UK became the first country to approve it, and began rolling out the vaccine on January 4.

But questions surrounding the clinical trials continue to plague the vaccine. Last week, Germany's vaccine committee recommended it should only be given to people aged under 65, while the EU, which authorized it on Friday for people aged 18 and over, lowered its reported efficacy rate from 70.4% to 60%.

In both cases, authorities cited a lack of sufficient data from the clinical trials. The EU also has sharply criticized AstraZeneca for cutting back its planned vaccine deliveries to the continent over the next few months. The company has said it is doing its best to boost supplies.

The mistaken half-dose – which prompted the letter in June to trial participants – continues to be a factor in the reported efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Oxford had reported interim results in November that showed the efficacy rate for trial subjects who mistakenly received a half-dose and a subsequent full-dose booster shot was 90 per cent, and that the rate for those who received&nbsp;two full doses was 62 per cent.&nbsp;Combining data from the two dosing regimens resulted in an efficacy of 70.4 per cent.

In authorizing the vaccine, UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), accepted the pooled results, but didn't approve administering the half-dose/full-dose regimen. "There is not persuasive evidence of a real difference in" vaccine efficacy between the two different dosing regimens, it said.

The vaccine's late-stage clinical trial began on May 28. Within days, Oxford researchers realized trial participants had been given lower doses than planned after they displayed milder than expected side effects, such as fever and fatigue. They alerted British medical regulators.

On June 5, the researchers amended the trial protocol at the request of regulators to add a new group that would receive the correct full dose of the vaccine. Three days later, they alerted trial subjects to what they called "recent changes in the study" in a two-page letter attached to an updated 13-page "Participant Information Sheet."

The letter, signed by chief investigator Pollard, stated that researchers "are not sure what dose of vaccine is most likely to be protective against COVID disease" and explained that doses "are measured using standard scientific test methods." It said the late-stage trial participants received a dose measured using one method and that another group will receive a dose measured using a different test to match the dose given in another clinical trial of the vaccine.

It said the lower dose is "still in the normal range of doses that are used in clinical trials" and "if it can provide protection, it might be better for use in vaccine programmes."

Caplan said the explanation would be of "no interest whatsoever to the subject because it's too technical. To me, that qualifies as gobbledygook. What you want to know is, why are they doing this, we made an error, it involved dosing, we're not worried about it."

He and other ethicists interviewed by Reuters said researchers are obligated to be forthcoming with test subjects when things go wrong.

"As a letter purporting to explain a) an error and b) a change of protocol I find this entirely inadequate," said Simon Woods, a professor of bioethics at Newcastle University, in an email. "It reads like a routine update (and a complex one at that)."

Emma Cave, a professor of healthcare law at Durham University's law school, said: "Presenting the dosing variation as a planned change in the study is potentially a breach of trust if in fact the dosing resulted from an error. The letter makes clear the dosing change but not the reason for the change."

About 1,500 of the initial volunteers in a late-stage clinical trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were given the wrong dose, but weren't informed that a mistake had been made after the blunder was discovered, documents obtained by Reuters show.

About 1,500 of the initial volunteers in a late-stage clinical trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were given the wrong dose, but weren't informed that a mistake had been made after the blunder was discovered, documents obtained by Reuters show. The dosing mishap was presented to the trial participants in a letter dated June 8 as an opportunity for University of Oxford researchers to learn how well the vaccine works at different doses. The letter was signed by the trial's chief investigator, Oxford professor Andrew J. Pollard, and sent to the trial subjects. As Reuters reported on December 24, participants were given about a half dose due to a measuring mistake by Oxford researchers. The Pollard letter didn't acknowledge any error. Nor did it disclose that researchers had reported the issue to British medical regulators, who then told Oxford to add another test group to receive the full dose, in line with the trial's original plan. There is no suggestion there was any risk to the health of trial participants. Much is riding on the British-developed vaccine, which is being rolled out across the UK and has been touted as a low-cost weapon against the pandemic. The jab has come under scrutiny because of the dosing error in the Oxford trial and a paucity of data about its efficacy in older people who are most vulnerable to the virus. Reuters shared the letter – which it obtained from the university through a Freedom of Information request – with three different experts in medical ethics. The ethicists all said it indicates the researchers may not have been transparent with trial participants. Volunteers in clinical trials are supposed to be kept fully informed about any changes. "They are not clear at all about what they need to be clear about - what's going on, what they knew, the rationale for undertaking further research," said Arthur L. Caplan, founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. "It is lost in a snowstorm of verbiage." Steve Pritchard, a spokesman for Oxford, told Reuters: "The half-dose group was unplanned, but we did know in advance that there was a discrepancy in the dose measurements and discussed this with the regulators before dosing and when the dosing was revised." Pritchard also said, "We have not stated that a dosing error occurred." Pollard didn't respond to a request for comment. The spokesman's suggestion that no error was made is contradicted by documents produced last year by Oxford and its vaccine partner, drugs giant AstraZeneca PLC. In December, Reuters reported that a "Global Statistical Analysis Plan" by Oxford/AstraZeneca, dated November 17 and later published in the scientific journal The Lancet, called the dosing discrepancy "a potency miscalculation." A spokesman for AstraZeneca declined to comment. The Health Research Authority, a British government agency responsible for approving medical research and ensuring it is ethical, said in a statement that changes to the study design and the letter sent to participants were approved by one of its ethics committees. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine recently has received authorization for use in a growing number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and India. The UK became the first country to approve it, and began rolling out the vaccine on January 4. But questions surrounding the clinical trials continue to plague the vaccine. Last week, Germany's vaccine committee recommended it should only be given to people aged under 65, while the EU, which authorized it on Friday for people aged 18 and over, lowered its reported efficacy rate from 70.4% to 60%. In both cases, authorities cited a lack of sufficient data from the clinical trials. The EU also has sharply criticized AstraZeneca for cutting back its planned vaccine deliveries to the continent over the next few months. The company has said it is doing its best to boost supplies. The mistaken half-dose – which prompted the letter in June to trial participants – continues to be a factor in the reported efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Oxford had reported interim results in November that showed the efficacy rate for trial subjects who mistakenly received a half-dose and a subsequent full-dose booster shot was 90 per cent, and that the rate for those who received two full doses was 62 per cent. Combining data from the two dosing regimens resulted in an efficacy of 70.4 per cent. In authorizing the vaccine, UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), accepted the pooled results, but didn't approve administering the half-dose/full-dose regimen. "There is not persuasive evidence of a real difference in" vaccine efficacy between the two different dosing regimens, it said. The vaccine's late-stage clinical trial began on May 28. Within days, Oxford researchers realized trial participants had been given lower doses than planned after they displayed milder than expected side effects, such as fever and fatigue. They alerted British medical regulators. On June 5, the researchers amended the trial protocol at the request of regulators to add a new group that would receive the correct full dose of the vaccine. Three days later, they alerted trial subjects to what they called "recent changes in the study" in a two-page letter attached to an updated 13-page "Participant Information Sheet." The letter, signed by chief investigator Pollard, stated that researchers "are not sure what dose of vaccine is most likely to be protective against COVID disease" and explained that doses "are measured using standard scientific test methods." It said the late-stage trial participants received a dose measured using one method and that another group will receive a dose measured using a different test to match the dose given in another clinical trial of the vaccine. It said the lower dose is "still in the normal range of doses that are used in clinical trials" and "if it can provide protection, it might be better for use in vaccine programmes." Caplan said the explanation would be of "no interest whatsoever to the subject because it's too technical. To me, that qualifies as gobbledygook. What you want to know is, why are they doing this, we made an error, it involved dosing, we're not worried about it." He and other ethicists interviewed by Reuters said researchers are obligated to be forthcoming with test subjects when things go wrong. "As a letter purporting to explain a) an error and b) a change of protocol I find this entirely inadequate," said Simon Woods, a professor of bioethics at Newcastle University, in an email. "It reads like a routine update (and a complex one at that)." Emma Cave, a professor of healthcare law at Durham University's law school, said: "Presenting the dosing variation as a planned change in the study is potentially a breach of trust if in fact the dosing resulted from an error. The letter makes clear the dosing change but not the reason for the change."

Volunteers in AstraZeneca trial given wrong dose, documents reveal

After weeks of worrying and extended talks, the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will be delivering 30 per cent extra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> to the EU.

She also added that the company will be starting the deliveries a week earlier than planned and will also extend its production capacity in Europe.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-90-coronavirus-vaccinations-administered-in-rich-countries-360660" hreflang="en">WHO says 90% coronavirus vaccinations administered in rich countries</a>

The EU chief took to Twitter to make the announcement. "@AstraZeneca will deliver 9 million additional doses in the first quarter (40 million in total) compared to last week’s offer &amp; will start deliveries one week earlier than scheduled," she said. "The company will also expand its manufacturing capacity in Europe."

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Step forward on vaccines.<a href="https://twitter.com/AstraZeneca?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AstraZeneca</a> will deliver 9 million additional doses in the first quarter (40 million in total) compared to last week’s offer &amp; will start deliveries one week earlier than scheduled. 
 
The company will also expand its manufacturing capacity in Europe.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1355942468001411072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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AstraZeneca had earlier announced a cut of three-quarters in the deliveries of the vaccine that it had promised to deliver in the first quarter. However, the EU had refused to heed to AstraZeneca's excuse of production default and had demanded an immediate inspection into the matter.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-backtracks-on-restrictions-on-covid-vaccine-export-to-northern-ireland-360193">EU backtracks on restrictions on COVID vaccine export to Northern Ireland</a>

Hours later, she also added that extra doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine will also be provided to the EU soon.

Pfizer-BioNTech "will deliver 75 million of additional doses in the second quarter of the year - and up to 600 millions in total in 2021," she tweeted.

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We are working with pharmaceutical companies to ensure vaccines are delivered to Europeans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BioNTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BioNTech</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pfizer</a> will deliver 75 million of additional doses in the second quarter of the year - and up to 600 millions in total in 2021.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1356173223721893889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She explained that her colleagues are working with various pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the European countries get timely and needed deliveries of the coronavirus vaccines.

These announcements have come at a time when the EU has been under immense pressure to rework its aim of vaccinating the locals, with Pfizer announcing a sudden delay in deliveries of coronavirus vaccines after a few days start of the mass vaccine drives around the continent.

Despite the pressure, the EU chief has announced that the aim to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of EU adults by the end of summer is still the same and the officials are working with the pharmaceutical companies to meet the set targets.

After weeks of worrying and extended talks, the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will be delivering 30 per cent extra coronavirus vaccines to the EU.

After weeks of worrying and extended talks, the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will be delivering 30 per cent extra coronavirus vaccines to the EU. She also added that the company will be starting the deliveries a week earlier than planned and will also extend its production capacity in Europe. Also read| WHO says 90% coronavirus vaccinations administered in rich countries The EU chief took to Twitter to make the announcement. "@AstraZeneca will deliver 9 million additional doses in the first quarter (40 million in total) compared to last week’s offer & will start deliveries one week earlier than scheduled," she said. "The company will also expand its manufacturing capacity in Europe." Step forward on vaccines.@AstraZeneca will deliver 9 million additional doses in the first quarter (40 million in total) compared to last week’s offer & will start deliveries one week earlier than scheduled. The company will also expand its manufacturing capacity in Europe. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 31, 2021 × AstraZeneca had earlier announced a cut of three-quarters in the deliveries of the vaccine that it had promised to deliver in the first quarter. However, the EU had refused to heed to AstraZeneca's excuse of production default and had demanded an immediate inspection into the matter. Also read| EU backtracks on restrictions on COVID vaccine export to Northern Ireland Hours later, she also added that extra doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine will also be provided to the EU soon. Pfizer-BioNTech "will deliver 75 million of additional doses in the second quarter of the year - and up to 600 millions in total in 2021," she tweeted. We are working with pharmaceutical companies to ensure vaccines are delivered to Europeans. #BioNTech/@pfizer will deliver 75 million of additional doses in the second quarter of the year - and up to 600 millions in total in 2021. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 1, 2021 × She explained that her colleagues are working with various pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the European countries get timely and needed deliveries of the coronavirus vaccines. These announcements have come at a time when the EU has been under immense pressure to rework its aim of vaccinating the locals, with Pfizer announcing a sudden delay in deliveries of coronavirus vaccines after a few days start of the mass vaccine drives around the continent. Despite the pressure, the EU chief has announced that the aim to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of EU adults by the end of summer is still the same and the officials are working with the pharmaceutical companies to meet the set targets.

EU chief promises extra doses of AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations, a government health official said on Saturday.

About 6 million of the doses will arrive in the first quarter of 2021 under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, Faisal Sultan, special assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-travel-restrictions-on-six-countries-including-uk-till-feb-28-360266" hreflang="en">Pakistan extends travel restrictions on six countries including UK till Feb 28</a>

Pakistan signed up last year to the vaccine sharing scheme coordinated by the World Health Organization to support lower-income countries.

"We remain confident that we will meet our plan of large-scale immunisation over the coming months this year," Sultan said.

Pakistan expects to receive 500,000 doses of a vaccine made by China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm) in coming days. It will launch a vaccination drive, which will initially target health workers, next week.

The South Asian nation of 220 million people also expects China to donate a further one million doses.

Having already approved the AstraZeneca and SinoPharm vaccines, Pakistan is also likely to approve Russia's Sputnik V, officials say, adding that the authorisations will be reviewed quarterly.

Pakistan reported 2,179 new infections and 65 deaths in the latest 24-hours, taking the total number of cases to 543,214, with 11,623 deaths.

Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations, a government health official said on Saturday.

Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations, a government health official said on Saturday. About 6 million of the doses will arrive in the first quarter of 2021 under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, Faisal Sultan, special assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, said in a statement. Also read: Pakistan extends travel restrictions on six countries including UK till Feb 28 Pakistan signed up last year to the vaccine sharing scheme coordinated by the World Health Organization to support lower-income countries. "We remain confident that we will meet our plan of large-scale immunisation over the coming months this year," Sultan said. Pakistan expects to receive 500,000 doses of a vaccine made by China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm) in coming days. It will launch a vaccination drive, which will initially target health workers, next week. The South Asian nation of 220 million people also expects China to donate a further one million doses. Having already approved the AstraZeneca and SinoPharm vaccines, Pakistan is also likely to approve Russia's Sputnik V, officials say, adding that the authorisations will be reviewed quarterly. Pakistan reported 2,179 new infections and 65 deaths in the latest 24-hours, taking the total number of cases to 543,214, with 11,623 deaths.

Pakistan secures 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine through COVAX

A man has been charged for allegedly sending a suspicious package to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>production plant in North Wales.

The suspicious package had arrived at a production facility in Wrexham on Wednesday. The plant is being used to put the AstraZeneca vaccine into vials.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-approves-astrazeneca-vaccine-360279" hreflang="en">Vietnam approves AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

After the suspicious package was reported, the plant was partially evacuated and the work the temporarily stopped. Several hours of work disruption was reported as the authorities had to wait for assessment from the bomb disposal units.

North Wales Police department reported that a team from the Royal Logistics Corp had "attended and examined the package to make sure it was safe to handle".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mexico-to-import-astrazeneca-vaccine-from-india-president-says-360196" hreflang="en">Mexico to import AstraZeneca vaccine from India, president says</a>

The content of the package will be taken away for further detailed analysis, although it has been concluded through initial investigation that the item was not a viable device.

It has been reported by the local media that a 53-year-old man from Kent has been charged for sending this package to the facility.

Anthony Collins has now appeared at Medway Magistrate Court where he was charged for placing the package in a way that made everyone believe it was going to explode. He has been remanded in custody now.&nbsp;

A man has been charged for allegedly sending a suspicious package to a coronavirus vaccine production plant in North Wales. The suspicious package had arrived at a production facility in Wrexham on Wednesday.

A man has been charged for allegedly sending a suspicious package to a coronavirus vaccine production plant in North Wales. The suspicious package had arrived at a production facility in Wrexham on Wednesday. The plant is being used to put the AstraZeneca vaccine into vials. Also read| Vietnam approves AstraZeneca vaccine After the suspicious package was reported, the plant was partially evacuated and the work the temporarily stopped. Several hours of work disruption was reported as the authorities had to wait for assessment from the bomb disposal units. North Wales Police department reported that a team from the Royal Logistics Corp had "attended and examined the package to make sure it was safe to handle". Also read| Mexico to import AstraZeneca vaccine from India, president says The content of the package will be taken away for further detailed analysis, although it has been concluded through initial investigation that the item was not a viable device. It has been reported by the local media that a 53-year-old man from Kent has been charged for sending this package to the facility. Anthony Collins has now appeared at Medway Magistrate Court where he was charged for placing the package in a way that made everyone believe it was going to explode. He has been remanded in custody now.

Man charged for sending suspicious package to AstraZeneca plant

European Union(EU) today approved AstraZeneca vaccine for all those over 18 years old even as the European Commission launched a scheme to monitor exports of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-publishes-redacted-astrazeneca-vaccine-contract-amid-row-360098">vaccines</a> produced in EU plants.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/astrazeneca-vaccine-shouldnt-be-given-to-over-65s-says-germanys-vaccine-commission-360109/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We paid these companies to increase production and now we expect them to deliver," EU Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said, adding, "Today's measure has been adopted with the utmost urgency. The aim is to provide us immediately with full transparency ... And if needed, it also will provide us with a tool to ensure vaccine deliveries."

The European Commission had earlier published a redacted version of its contract with AstraZeneca after row over vaccine delivery.

AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot had said deliveries of the vaccine in Europe were hit due to glitches in its Belgian plant. The row erupted after reports said Britain had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels angering EU.

Several countries in the EU have been hit with shortage of vaccines leading to a halt in vaccination drive even as the continent battles the virus.

AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine, however, last week, the firm announced production cuts of up to 60 per cent to the European body due to problems in its Belgian factory.

European Union(EU) today approved AstraZeneca vaccine for all those over 18 years old even as the European Commission launched a scheme to monitor exports of vaccines produced in EU plants.

European Union(EU) today approved AstraZeneca vaccine for all those over 18 years old even as the European Commission launched a scheme to monitor exports of vaccines produced in EU plants. Watch: "We paid these companies to increase production and now we expect them to deliver," EU Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said, adding, "Today's measure has been adopted with the utmost urgency. The aim is to provide us immediately with full transparency ... And if needed, it also will provide us with a tool to ensure vaccine deliveries." The European Commission had earlier published a redacted version of its contract with AstraZeneca after row over vaccine delivery. AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot had said deliveries of the vaccine in Europe were hit due to glitches in its Belgian plant. The row erupted after reports said Britain had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels angering EU. Several countries in the EU have been hit with shortage of vaccines leading to a halt in vaccination drive even as the continent battles the virus. AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine, however, last week, the firm announced production cuts of up to 60 per cent to the European body due to problems in its Belgian factory.

EU adopts coronavirus vaccine export control scheme; approves AstraZeneca vaccine

Germany's vaccine commission said the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine should not be given to people older than 65 years.

'AstraZeneca vaccine shouldn't be given to over-65s', says Germany's vaccine commission

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries.

Releasing the document on Friday, EU spokesman Eric Mamer said it would show that the contract covers AstraZeneca plants in the UK and that "these plants will contribute to the effort... to deliver doses to the European Union".

The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices.

"The Commission welcomes the company's commitment towards more transparency in its participation in the rollout of the EU Vaccines Strategy," the EU executive said in its statement.

AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. The firm unexpectedly announced cuts in supplies to the region last week, citing production problems at a Belgian factory, triggering a furious response from the bloc.

AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot argued in a media interview this week that deliveries of vaccine in Europe had been slowed because of glitches in its Belgian plant.

Britain, meanwhile, had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels had and the firm used the time to resolve production problems and launch deliveries. But the Europe Commission reacted angrily, insisting that its contract does not stipulate that Britain production be reserved for UK deliveries and that it was for the firm to meet its commitments.

Mamer said that the previously confidential contract would prove that AstraZeneca had signed up for a clear delivery schedule and not simply to make its "best efforts" to serve the EU contract. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries.

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries. Releasing the document on Friday, EU spokesman Eric Mamer said it would show that the contract covers AstraZeneca plants in the UK and that "these plants will contribute to the effort... to deliver doses to the European Union". The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices. "The Commission welcomes the company's commitment towards more transparency in its participation in the rollout of the EU Vaccines Strategy," the EU executive said in its statement. AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. The firm unexpectedly announced cuts in supplies to the region last week, citing production problems at a Belgian factory, triggering a furious response from the bloc. AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot argued in a media interview this week that deliveries of vaccine in Europe had been slowed because of glitches in its Belgian plant. Britain, meanwhile, had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels had and the firm used the time to resolve production problems and launch deliveries. But the Europe Commission reacted angrily, insisting that its contract does not stipulate that Britain production be reserved for UK deliveries and that it was for the firm to meet its commitments. Mamer said that the previously confidential contract would prove that AstraZeneca had signed up for a clear delivery schedule and not simply to make its "best efforts" to serve the EU contract. (with inputs from agencies)

EU publishes redacted AstraZeneca vaccine contract amid row

As Europe grapples with vaccine distribution, Hungary has become the first European Union(EU) country to approve the Chinese coronavirus<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-vaccine-not-linked-to-post-jab-deaths-eu-regulator-assures-360081"> vaccine</a> Sinopharm.

Watch:

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Hungary is expected to order 500,000 doses of the vaccine. The country had approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine last week. Hungary's drug regulator earlier had approved Britain's AstraZeneca as Budapest strives to lift coronavirus lockdown to boost the economy.

Hungary completed the vaccinations of medical professionals and begun inoculating the elderly.

PM Viktor Orban said the country will begin administering the general population from next month.

Several countries in Europe including Spain have halted administering vaccines as the doses have finished with Pfizer under fire from the EU to distribute more vaccines. Spain is one of the worst-hit country in Europe with over 2.7 million cases and over 57,000 deaths.

According to Spain's health ministry, the country has administered just over 78.9 per cent of the 1.76 million vaccines received as part of the EU's vaccination plan with shortages set to continue.

Meanwhile, the WHO said vaccine manufacturers were working to plug shortfalls in supplies.

"Solidarity does not necessarily mean that each country in the world starts (vaccinating) at exactly the same moment ... The good understanding is that no one is safe before everyone is safe," Hans Kluge, WHO director said.

"The reality is there is a shortage of vaccines...we don't doubt that manufacturers and producers are working 24-7 to bridge the gap and we're confident the delays we are seeing now are going to be made up by extra production in the future," Klunge added.

As Europe grapples with vaccine distribution, Hungary has become the first European Union(EU) country to approve the Chinese coronavirus vaccine Sinopharm. Watch: Hungary is expected to order 500,000 doses of the vaccine.

As Europe grapples with vaccine distribution, Hungary has become the first European Union(EU) country to approve the Chinese coronavirus vaccine Sinopharm. Watch: Hungary is expected to order 500,000 doses of the vaccine. The country had approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine last week. Hungary's drug regulator earlier had approved Britain's AstraZeneca as Budapest strives to lift coronavirus lockdown to boost the economy. Hungary completed the vaccinations of medical professionals and begun inoculating the elderly. PM Viktor Orban said the country will begin administering the general population from next month. Several countries in Europe including Spain have halted administering vaccines as the doses have finished with Pfizer under fire from the EU to distribute more vaccines. Spain is one of the worst-hit country in Europe with over 2.7 million cases and over 57,000 deaths. According to Spain's health ministry, the country has administered just over 78.9 per cent of the 1.76 million vaccines received as part of the EU's vaccination plan with shortages set to continue. Meanwhile, the WHO said vaccine manufacturers were working to plug shortfalls in supplies. "Solidarity does not necessarily mean that each country in the world starts (vaccinating) at exactly the same moment ... The good understanding is that no one is safe before everyone is safe," Hans Kluge, WHO director said. "The reality is there is a shortage of vaccines...we don't doubt that manufacturers and producers are working 24-7 to bridge the gap and we're confident the delays we are seeing now are going to be made up by extra production in the future," Klunge added.

Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

The EU is making more comprehensive checks on vaccines before approval, which means a slower rollout of shots than former EU member Britain and growing public frustration.

The issue has been exacerbated by Anglo-Swedish&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;and Pfizer of the United States both announcing delivery hold-ups in recent weeks.

"We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a tweet.

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We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from AstraZeneca for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1. We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens.
— Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) <a href="https://twitter.com/SKyriakidesEU/status/1354525081213562882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens," she said, after&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;chief executive Pascal Soriot addressed a vaccine body made up of representatives from the EU's 27 members.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;said in a statement it had a constructive conversation with the EU about the complexities of scaling up production and had committed to closer coordination on working out deliveries in the coming months.

Earlier, Kyriakides told a news conference that two of the four factories from which&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;has committed to providing vaccines to the EU are in Britain.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would have been a "great pity" if the United Kingdom had stayed in the European Union's vaccine programme rather than set up its own plan.

"I do think that we've been able to do things differently, and better, in some ways," he said in parliament.

AstraZeneca, which partnered with Britain's Oxford University to develop its vaccine, said last week it would cut supplies to the EU in the first quarter, with an EU official saying that meant the EU would receive 31 million doses in the period, or 60% less than initially agreed, due to production issues at a Belgian factory.

The EU has been pushing the company for a week to revise these cuts, but it is unclear how it can force delivery of the agreed amounts.

Soriot told newspapers on Tuesday the EU contract was based on a best-effort clause and did not commit the company to a specific timetable for deliveries.

He said that vaccines meant for the EU were produced in four plants in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.

But EU Commission officials said on Wednesday that the contract stipulated that the company had also committed to providing vaccines from two factories in Britain.

They added the firm had not provided sufficient explanations on why doses could not be shipped from stocks at fully functioning factories.

Reuters on Tuesday exclusively reported that EU's calls to reroute doses from Britain had not been answered by&nbsp;AstraZeneca.

As an example of how the glitches are biting, delays in deliveries are forcing health authorities in Spain's wealthiest regions of Madrid and Catalonia to restrict inoculations even as the third wave of contagion rages, officials said.

Adding to the confusion, a factory in Wales that produces&nbsp;AstraZeneca's vaccine was partially evacuated on Wednesday after it received a suspicious package and police said a bomb disposal unit was dealing with the incident.

Meeting or no meeting?

The EU has also threatened to monitor future exports of COVID-19 vaccines, although the EU trade commissioner ruled out any export bans.

Fraught relations showed up in confusion about the timing of a meeting between the EU and&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;and whether the company would even attend.

The EU contract with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided the vaccine is approved as safe and effective, with doses delivered in stages. It is expected to be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Friday.

Officials added that the best-effort clause was standard in contracts with manufacturers of products in development. One EU official said best effort meant the company had to show an "overall" effort to develop and deliver vaccines.

AstraZeneca&nbsp;said on Wednesday that supply chains were developed with input from specific countries or international organisations and that each supply chain was dedicated to the relevant countries or regions, making use of local manufacturing where possible.

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain. The EU is making more comprehensive checks on vaccines before approval, which means a slower rollout of shots than former EU member Britain and growing public frustration. The issue has been exacerbated by Anglo-Swedish AstraZeneca and Pfizer of the United States both announcing delivery hold-ups in recent weeks. "We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from AstraZeneca for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1," EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said in a tweet. We regret the continued lack of clarity on the delivery schedule and request a clear plan from AstraZeneca for the fast delivery of the quantity of vaccines that we reserved for Q1. We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens. — Stella Kyriakides (@SKyriakidesEU) January 27, 2021 × "We will work with the company to find solutions and deliver vaccines rapidly for EU citizens," she said, after AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot addressed a vaccine body made up of representatives from the EU's 27 members. AstraZeneca said in a statement it had a constructive conversation with the EU about the complexities of scaling up production and had committed to closer coordination on working out deliveries in the coming months. Earlier, Kyriakides told a news conference that two of the four factories from which AstraZeneca has committed to providing vaccines to the EU are in Britain. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it would have been a "great pity" if the United Kingdom had stayed in the European Union's vaccine programme rather than set up its own plan. "I do think that we've been able to do things differently, and better, in some ways," he said in parliament. AstraZeneca, which partnered with Britain's Oxford University to develop its vaccine, said last week it would cut supplies to the EU in the first quarter, with an EU official saying that meant the EU would receive 31 million doses in the period, or 60% less than initially agreed, due to production issues at a Belgian factory. The EU has been pushing the company for a week to revise these cuts, but it is unclear how it can force delivery of the agreed amounts. Soriot told newspapers on Tuesday the EU contract was based on a best-effort clause and did not commit the company to a specific timetable for deliveries. He said that vaccines meant for the EU were produced in four plants in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. But EU Commission officials said on Wednesday that the contract stipulated that the company had also committed to providing vaccines from two factories in Britain. They added the firm had not provided sufficient explanations on why doses could not be shipped from stocks at fully functioning factories. Reuters on Tuesday exclusively reported that EU's calls to reroute doses from Britain had not been answered by AstraZeneca. As an example of how the glitches are biting, delays in deliveries are forcing health authorities in Spain's wealthiest regions of Madrid and Catalonia to restrict inoculations even as the third wave of contagion rages, officials said. Adding to the confusion, a factory in Wales that produces AstraZeneca's vaccine was partially evacuated on Wednesday after it received a suspicious package and police said a bomb disposal unit was dealing with the incident. Meeting or no meeting? The EU has also threatened to monitor future exports of COVID-19 vaccines, although the EU trade commissioner ruled out any export bans. Fraught relations showed up in confusion about the timing of a meeting between the EU and AstraZeneca and whether the company would even attend. The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses provided the vaccine is approved as safe and effective, with doses delivered in stages. It is expected to be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Friday. Officials added that the best-effort clause was standard in contracts with manufacturers of products in development. One EU official said best effort meant the company had to show an "overall" effort to develop and deliver vaccines. AstraZeneca said on Wednesday that supply chains were developed with input from specific countries or international organisations and that each supply chain was dedicated to the relevant countries or regions, making use of local manufacturing where possible.

European Union demands AstraZeneca plan to break vaccine deadlock

&nbsp;As Europe grapples with the virus, Germany's vaccine commission STIKO said the &nbsp;AstraZeneca's coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-says-covid-vaccine-effective-against-uk-south-africa-mutations-359921">vaccine</a> should not be administered for those over 65 years of age.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-supplies-to-eu-nations-lower-than-expected-359875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There is currently insufficient data to assess the efficacy of the vaccine for persons aged 65 years and older," the German commission said, adding,"other than this limitation, this vaccine is considered appropriate."

The Standing Vaccine Commission at the Robert Koch Institute said the jabs should be allowed for people aged between 18 and 64 years old. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine has already been approved by the UK.

&nbsp;The vaccine developed by Oxford University has not been granted approval for general use in the European Union(EU). The EU has been scrambling to get its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pharma-distributors-in-talks-with-us-for-cut-of-covid-vaccine-shipping-deal-359900">vaccine</a> programme in high gear amid shortage of shots.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The EU publicly rebuked AstraZeneca for failing to deliver vaccines to the European nations and even asked if it could divert supplies from Britain. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said the EU was late in tieing up the supply contract so the company did not have enough time to iron out production problems at its vaccine factory Belgium.

Meanwhile, Britain which had stepped out of the EU on January 1 said its deliveries must be honoured.&nbsp;

Several EU nations including France, Spain and Germany have run shot of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines with several vaccination centres no longer taking appointments for the first jab due to delivery delays.

Portugal has also delayed its vaccination programme due to delays in delivery even as the EU warned AstraZeneca that it would use all legal means or even block exports unless it agreed to deliver shots.

As Europe grapples with the virus, Germany's vaccine commission STIKO said the AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine should not be administered for those over 65 years of age.

As Europe grapples with the virus, Germany's vaccine commission STIKO said the AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine should not be administered for those over 65 years of age. Watch: "There is currently insufficient data to assess the efficacy of the vaccine for persons aged 65 years and older," the German commission said, adding,"other than this limitation, this vaccine is considered appropriate." The Standing Vaccine Commission at the Robert Koch Institute said the jabs should be allowed for people aged between 18 and 64 years old. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine has already been approved by the UK. The vaccine developed by Oxford University has not been granted approval for general use in the European Union(EU). The EU has been scrambling to get its vaccine programme in high gear amid shortage of shots. The EU publicly rebuked AstraZeneca for failing to deliver vaccines to the European nations and even asked if it could divert supplies from Britain. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said the EU was late in tieing up the supply contract so the company did not have enough time to iron out production problems at its vaccine factory Belgium. Meanwhile, Britain which had stepped out of the EU on January 1 said its deliveries must be honoured. Several EU nations including France, Spain and Germany have run shot of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccines with several vaccination centres no longer taking appointments for the first jab due to delivery delays. Portugal has also delayed its vaccination programme due to delays in delivery even as the EU warned AstraZeneca that it would use all legal means or even block exports unless it agreed to deliver shots.

'Insufficient data': German board says AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should not be used for over-65s

The European Union has so far approved vaccines from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech as well as from US company Moderna.

AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine supplies to EU nations lower than expected

The European Union health commissioner said that AstraZeneca had provided insufficient clarification at a meeting on Monday (January 25) on its decision to slow down supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to the EU.

European Union reminds AstraZeneca of its contract obligations

A plant in Wales that produces AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine has been partially evacuated after a suspicious package was received.

Global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt, which plays a role in Covid-19 vaccines production, said its site there had been "partially" evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious package.

"Wockhardt UK in Wrexham this morning received a suspicious package to site. All relevant authorities were immediately notified and engaged," the company said, referring to its facility in Wales.

"Upon expert advice we have partially evacuated the site pending a full investigation. The safety of our employees and business continuity remain of paramount importance."

Wockhardt UK provides fill-and-finish capacity for AstraZeneca's UK supply chain, which is the final manufacturing step of putting vaccines into vials or syringes and packaging them.

"We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident on the Wrexham Industrial Estate," North Wales Police said in a statement.

"The roads are currently closed and we would ask the public to avoid the area until further notice."

(with inputs)

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A plant in Wales that produces AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine has been partially evacuated after a suspicious package was received. Global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt, which plays a role in Covid-19 vaccines production, said its site there had been "partially" evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious package.

A plant in Wales that produces AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine has been partially evacuated after a suspicious package was received. Global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Wockhardt, which plays a role in Covid-19 vaccines production, said its site there had been "partially" evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious package. "Wockhardt UK in Wrexham this morning received a suspicious package to site. All relevant authorities were immediately notified and engaged," the company said, referring to its facility in Wales. "Upon expert advice we have partially evacuated the site pending a full investigation. The safety of our employees and business continuity remain of paramount importance." Wockhardt UK provides fill-and-finish capacity for AstraZeneca's UK supply chain, which is the final manufacturing step of putting vaccines into vials or syringes and packaging them. "We are currently dealing with an ongoing incident on the Wrexham Industrial Estate," North Wales Police said in a statement. "The roads are currently closed and we would ask the public to avoid the area until further notice." (with inputs)

UK Covid vaccine site partly evacuated over suspect package

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