France has reversed its stance on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine jab for people aged over 65 with existing health problems can now be given the COVID-19 vaccine.

France eases ban on Oxford-AstraZeneca jab for people over 65

The UK will receive 10 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses made by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the UK government said on Tuesday.

SII is mass producing the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with Oxford University, for dozens of poor and middle-income countries.

"The UK has ordered 100 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, of which 10 million doses will come from the Serum Institute of India," a UK government spokesperson told Reuters.

Reuters reported in February that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was auditing the manufacturing processes at SII to pave the way for the AstraZeneca vaccine to be shipped from there to the UK.

The move is likely to stir concerns that wealthy Western countries are procuring vaccine doses at the expense of poor countries.

A slew of low-and middle-income countries ranging from Bangladesh to Brazil are dependent on SII's AstraZeneca vaccine, branded COVISHIELD, but demand has been growing from Western countries.

It is also providing doses to the COVAX programme backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and GAVI vaccine alliance.

The UK government said the agreement followed assurances from the SII that providing doses to the UK would not impact its commitment to provide vaccines to poorer countries.

Britain has inoculated most of its population -- with nearly 20.5 million residents receiving the first dose of a Covid vaccine so far.

Also, the European Union's drug regulator is auditing the manufacturing site of SII. AstraZeneca has committed to delivering 180 million doses in the second quarter to the EU. 
&nbsp;

The UK will receive 10 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses made by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the UK government said on Tuesday. SII is mass producing the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with Oxford University, for dozens of poor and middle-income countries.

The UK will receive 10 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses made by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the UK government said on Tuesday. SII is mass producing the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with Oxford University, for dozens of poor and middle-income countries. "The UK has ordered 100 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, of which 10 million doses will come from the Serum Institute of India," a UK government spokesperson told Reuters. Reuters reported in February that Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was auditing the manufacturing processes at SII to pave the way for the AstraZeneca vaccine to be shipped from there to the UK. The move is likely to stir concerns that wealthy Western countries are procuring vaccine doses at the expense of poor countries. A slew of low-and middle-income countries ranging from Bangladesh to Brazil are dependent on SII's AstraZeneca vaccine, branded COVISHIELD, but demand has been growing from Western countries. It is also providing doses to the COVAX programme backed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and GAVI vaccine alliance. The UK government said the agreement followed assurances from the SII that providing doses to the UK would not impact its commitment to provide vaccines to poorer countries. Britain has inoculated most of its population -- with nearly 20.5 million residents receiving the first dose of a Covid vaccine so far. Also, the European Union's drug regulator is auditing the manufacturing site of SII. AstraZeneca has committed to delivering 180 million doses in the second quarter to the EU.

UK to receive 10M AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses from India's Serum Institute

Why are Rich countries wasting vaccines? Over 130 countries do not have Wuhan Virus vaccines. While the E.U. is not using 4 out of every 5 AstraZeneca vaccine shots.

Gravitas: Do E.U. nations not trust AstraZeneca?

South Korea reported 444 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, up from 344 on Monday, raising the country’s tally to 90,816 infections.

South Korea: 2 patient dies after receiving AstraZeneca vaccine

Germany's vaccine commission is considering reversing course and recommending AstraZeneca's Covid-19 jab for those over 65 after a study showed it to be effective among the elderly, its chairman has said.

"It is possible and we will do it," Thomas Mertens, who heads the commission known as STIKO, told public television ZDF Friday evening when asked if the British-Swedish firm's shot could be approved for all following the latest research.

The commission "will very soon publish a new updated recommendation", he said, adding he was awaiting details from the authors of the study that was carried out in Scotland.

A month ago, the commission said it was recommending the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine only for under-65-year-olds due to insufficient data on its effectiveness on older people.

The European Medicines Agency, the regulator for the EU, has recommended the AstraZeneca jab for adults of all ages.

After muddled communication about the efficacy of the British-made jabs hit demand, doctors and public health officials have pleaded with Germans to take up AstraZeneca vaccines.&nbsp;

AstraZeneca has been shown to be about 60 percent effective in trials, while studies point to around 95 percent efficacy for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

However the British jab has the advantage of not requiring deep-freeze storage, with a regular refrigerator sufficing.

"It all turned out badly," Mertens said while justifying the decision not to recommend the vaccine to the elderly due to a lack of data at the time.&nbsp;

"We have never criticised the vaccine," which is "very good," he said.&nbsp;

The recent study led by the University of Edinburgh found that by the fourth week after receiving the initial dose, the Pfizer vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 percent.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine reduced the risk by 94 percent.

It also found that vaccination was associated with an 81 percent reduction in hospitalisation risk in the fourth week among those aged 80 years and over, when the results for both vaccines were combined.

Germany's vaccine commission is considering reversing course and recommending AstraZeneca's Covid-19 jab for those over 65 after a study showed it to be effective among the elderly, its chairman has said.

Germany's vaccine commission is considering reversing course and recommending AstraZeneca's Covid-19 jab for those over 65 after a study showed it to be effective among the elderly, its chairman has said. "It is possible and we will do it," Thomas Mertens, who heads the commission known as STIKO, told public television ZDF Friday evening when asked if the British-Swedish firm's shot could be approved for all following the latest research. The commission "will very soon publish a new updated recommendation", he said, adding he was awaiting details from the authors of the study that was carried out in Scotland. A month ago, the commission said it was recommending the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine only for under-65-year-olds due to insufficient data on its effectiveness on older people. The European Medicines Agency, the regulator for the EU, has recommended the AstraZeneca jab for adults of all ages. After muddled communication about the efficacy of the British-made jabs hit demand, doctors and public health officials have pleaded with Germans to take up AstraZeneca vaccines. AstraZeneca has been shown to be about 60 percent effective in trials, while studies point to around 95 percent efficacy for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. However the British jab has the advantage of not requiring deep-freeze storage, with a regular refrigerator sufficing. "It all turned out badly," Mertens said while justifying the decision not to recommend the vaccine to the elderly due to a lack of data at the time. "We have never criticised the vaccine," which is "very good," he said. The recent study led by the University of Edinburgh found that by the fourth week after receiving the initial dose, the Pfizer vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by up to 85 percent. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine reduced the risk by 94 percent. It also found that vaccination was associated with an 81 percent reduction in hospitalisation risk in the fourth week among those aged 80 years and over, when the results for both vaccines were combined.

German commission may do U-turn on AstraZeneca jab for elderly

Canadian regulators on Friday authorised its third coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, for all adults.

''This is very encouraging news. It means more people vaccinated, and sooner," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding that the nation of 38 million people will now get 6.5 million vaccines in total before the end of March, 500,000 more now with the new approval.

Health Canada approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in people 18 and over, expressing confidence it would work for the elderly even though some countries, including France, have authorised it only for use in people under 65, saying there is not enough evidence it works in older adults.

With trials showing about 62 per cent efficacy, the vaccine appears to offer less protection than those already authorised, but experts have said any vaccine with an efficacy rate of over 50 per cent could help stop the outbreak.&nbsp;

Health Canada's chief medical adviser, Dr Supriya Sharma said ''It's a good option.''

Sharma said no one has died or become severely ill in trials of the vaccines now approved by Canada or in those of Johnson &amp; Johnson and Novavax shots, which could be approved soon.

It is previously given the green light to&nbsp;Pfizer and Moderna's coronavirus vaccine.

Health authorities in Germany and other countries have raised concerns that AstraZeneca didn't test the vaccine in enough older people to prove it works for them, and indicated they would not recommend it for people over 65.&nbsp;

Belgium has authorized it only for people 55 and under Health Canada said its decision was based on pooled analyses from four ongoing clinical studies trials as well as data in countries where it has been approved.

''Based on the totality of the information, the benefit-risk profile of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine is positive for the proposed indication in adults 18 years and over," Health Canada said in information posted online.

''We're starting to get real-world evidence. There is evidence that in older age group it would be effective,'' Sharma said.

Canada has now ordered 22 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot, which was co-developed by researchers at the University of Oxford. It will also receive up to 1.9 million doses through the global vaccine-sharing initiative known as COVAX by the end of June.

Trudeau said 2 million of those doses will come from the Serum Institute of India, which Sharma said uses the same recipe but a slightly different method and was also approved.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep-cold storage that is not widespread in many developing nations. Both vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart.

Canada and many European countries have been struggling to vaccinate people as quickly as Britain, Israel, the US and elsewhere. Canada does not have domestic production and Trudeau's government has been accused of not obtaining vaccines fast enough even while also being criticized for ordering enough doses overall to supply its population 10 times over.

The AstraZeneca vaccine forms the bulk of COVAX's stockpile and concerns were recently raised by an early study that suggested it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first seen South Africa.&nbsp;

Last week, South Africa scaled back its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, opting instead to use an unlicensed shot from Johnson &amp; Johnson for its health care workers.&nbsp;

Canadian regulators on Friday authorised its third coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, for all adults. ''This is very encouraging news. It means more people vaccinated, and sooner," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding that the nation of 38 million people will now get 6.

Canadian regulators on Friday authorised its third coronavirus vaccine, AstraZeneca, for all adults. ''This is very encouraging news. It means more people vaccinated, and sooner," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, adding that the nation of 38 million people will now get 6.5 million vaccines in total before the end of March, 500,000 more now with the new approval. Health Canada approved the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in people 18 and over, expressing confidence it would work for the elderly even though some countries, including France, have authorised it only for use in people under 65, saying there is not enough evidence it works in older adults. With trials showing about 62 per cent efficacy, the vaccine appears to offer less protection than those already authorised, but experts have said any vaccine with an efficacy rate of over 50 per cent could help stop the outbreak. Health Canada's chief medical adviser, Dr Supriya Sharma said ''It's a good option.'' Sharma said no one has died or become severely ill in trials of the vaccines now approved by Canada or in those of Johnson & Johnson and Novavax shots, which could be approved soon. It is previously given the green light to Pfizer and Moderna's coronavirus vaccine. Health authorities in Germany and other countries have raised concerns that AstraZeneca didn't test the vaccine in enough older people to prove it works for them, and indicated they would not recommend it for people over 65. Belgium has authorized it only for people 55 and under Health Canada said its decision was based on pooled analyses from four ongoing clinical studies trials as well as data in countries where it has been approved. ''Based on the totality of the information, the benefit-risk profile of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine is positive for the proposed indication in adults 18 years and over," Health Canada said in information posted online. ''We're starting to get real-world evidence. There is evidence that in older age group it would be effective,'' Sharma said. Canada has now ordered 22 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot, which was co-developed by researchers at the University of Oxford. It will also receive up to 1.9 million doses through the global vaccine-sharing initiative known as COVAX by the end of June. Trudeau said 2 million of those doses will come from the Serum Institute of India, which Sharma said uses the same recipe but a slightly different method and was also approved. The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been authorized in more than 50 countries. It is cheaper and easier to handle than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which needs deep-cold storage that is not widespread in many developing nations. Both vaccines require two shots per person, given weeks apart. Canada and many European countries have been struggling to vaccinate people as quickly as Britain, Israel, the US and elsewhere. Canada does not have domestic production and Trudeau's government has been accused of not obtaining vaccines fast enough even while also being criticized for ordering enough doses overall to supply its population 10 times over. The AstraZeneca vaccine forms the bulk of COVAX's stockpile and concerns were recently raised by an early study that suggested it might not prevent mild and moderate disease caused by the variant first seen South Africa. Last week, South Africa scaled back its planned rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine, opting instead to use an unlicensed shot from Johnson & Johnson for its health care workers.

Canadian health agency authorises AstraZeneca vaccine

Bulgaria has decided to temporarily stop Covid jabs for non-priority groups due to shortages caused by AstraZeneca's failure to stick to supplies and deadlines.

"AstraZeneca won't fulfil its engagement to deliver 142,437 doses by the end of February," Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said Thursday.

"Yesterday we were surprised to find out that on March 1, Bulgaria might get 52,800 doses and not the expected 142,437 vaccines," he said, adding: "We will temporarily suspend the (vaccinations for all) until the next arrival of vaccines... expected on Saturday."

Bulgaria started vaccinating medics and others on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 at the end of December but interest was sluggish.

Its vaccination rate was the lowest in the European Union with only about 30 per cent of those listed showing up for their shots, forcing health workers to scramble for people to avoid wasting vaccines.

So far, a total of over 168,000 Bulgarians, or about 2.0 per cent of the population, have received at least one dose, compared to an average of 4.3 per cent for Europe as a whole.

(with inputs)

Bulgaria has decided to temporarily stop Covid jabs for non-priority groups due to shortages caused by AstraZeneca's failure to stick to supplies and deadlines. "AstraZeneca won't fulfil its engagement to deliver 142,437 doses by the end of February," Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said Thursday.

Bulgaria has decided to temporarily stop Covid jabs for non-priority groups due to shortages caused by AstraZeneca's failure to stick to supplies and deadlines. "AstraZeneca won't fulfil its engagement to deliver 142,437 doses by the end of February," Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said Thursday. "Yesterday we were surprised to find out that on March 1, Bulgaria might get 52,800 doses and not the expected 142,437 vaccines," he said, adding: "We will temporarily suspend the (vaccinations for all) until the next arrival of vaccines... expected on Saturday." Bulgaria started vaccinating medics and others on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 at the end of December but interest was sluggish. Its vaccination rate was the lowest in the European Union with only about 30 per cent of those listed showing up for their shots, forcing health workers to scramble for people to avoid wasting vaccines. So far, a total of over 168,000 Bulgarians, or about 2.0 per cent of the population, have received at least one dose, compared to an average of 4.3 per cent for Europe as a whole. (with inputs)

Bulgaria blames AstraZeneca for suspending Covid jabs-for-all

AstraZeneca has assured it will have no shortfall of vaccine supply in second quarter of 2021, adding it will deliver 180 million Covid vaccines to Europe, including 20 million to Italy.

But EU officials remain wary about the supply.

According to a report in Reuters, AstraZeneca is expected to deliver less than half the COVID-19 vaccines it was contracted to supply the European Union in the second quarter.

Lorenzo Wittum, CEO and chairman of AstraZeneca in Italy, told daily Il Corriere della Sera that Italy would receive more than 5 million shots by the end of March, fewer than the 8 million previously agreed, leading to a total of 25 million doses by June.

The Italian health ministry on February 12 revised its vaccination plan, lowering its expected doses from AstraZeneca in the second quarter to about 10 million from 18 million seen in a provisional plan in January.

In a statement on Tuesday the company said it aimed to deliver 180 million doses to the EU in the second quarter, half from factories outside Europe.

The EU has, however on its part, been in talks with the company to ensure "timely deliveries of sufficient number of doses."

Even if AstraZeneca delivered 180 million doses in the second quarter, it would still miss its contractual obligations to deliver 300 million shots by the end of June if it does not ramp up supplies in the first quarter which have been cut to 40 million doses from 90 million, and deliver 30 million doses due from December.

(with inputs from Reuters)

AstraZeneca has assured it will have no shortfall of vaccine supply in second quarter of 2021, adding it will deliver 180 million Covid vaccines to Europe, including 20 million to Italy.

AstraZeneca has assured it will have no shortfall of vaccine supply in second quarter of 2021, adding it will deliver 180 million Covid vaccines to Europe, including 20 million to Italy. But EU officials remain wary about the supply. According to a report in Reuters, AstraZeneca is expected to deliver less than half the COVID-19 vaccines it was contracted to supply the European Union in the second quarter. Lorenzo Wittum, CEO and chairman of AstraZeneca in Italy, told daily Il Corriere della Sera that Italy would receive more than 5 million shots by the end of March, fewer than the 8 million previously agreed, leading to a total of 25 million doses by June. The Italian health ministry on February 12 revised its vaccination plan, lowering its expected doses from AstraZeneca in the second quarter to about 10 million from 18 million seen in a provisional plan in January. In a statement on Tuesday the company said it aimed to deliver 180 million doses to the EU in the second quarter, half from factories outside Europe. The EU has, however on its part, been in talks with the company to ensure "timely deliveries of sufficient number of doses." Even if AstraZeneca delivered 180 million doses in the second quarter, it would still miss its contractual obligations to deliver 300 million shots by the end of June if it does not ramp up supplies in the first quarter which have been cut to 40 million doses from 90 million, and deliver 30 million doses due from December. (with inputs from Reuters)

AstraZeneca says it'll have no vaccine supply shortfall in second quarter. But EU is wary

Sri Lanka has ordered 13.5 million Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines in addition to the 500,000 doses gifted by India, and the country may not use Chinese vaccines in the second phase of immunisation, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Ramesh Pathirana, who is also the Minister of Plantations, said Sri Lanka is likely to go only with the AstraZeneca vaccines for the second phase of vaccination as the Chinese and Russian vaccines are not ready yet.

"The Chinese vaccine has not submitted the papers relating to phase three trials,” said Mr Pathirana.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/probe-into-sri-lanka-attacks-finds-ex-president-should-face-charges-365721" hreflang="en">Probe into Sri Lanka attacks finds ex-president should face charges</a>

For the first round of vaccinations, the government has placed an order for 10 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India at a cost of USD 52.5 million and a further 3.5 million doses directly from AstraZeneca Institute of UK under the COVAX programme, the spokesman said.

India gifted 500,000 doses of the same vaccine which kicked off Sri Lanka’s vaccine rollout in late January.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India last month for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine donated by the country under the ''Neighbourhood First'' policy.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-to-use-indian-air-space-for-travel-to-sri-lanka-365551" hreflang="en">Pak PM Imran Khan to use Indian air space for travel to Sri Lanka</a>

The government will be directed by the best medical advice on when the second dose should be given, Mr Pathirana said, adding that although initially it was believed that the booster jab should be given after four weeks.

In recent weeks, health experts have said that delaying the second dose by three months could increase the efficacy of the vaccine.

Last month, India announced it will send COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Sri Lanka and seven other countries - Bhutan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, Afghanistan and Mauritius.

India is one of the world's biggest drug-makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines.

Sri Lanka has recorded more than 80,500 coronavirus cases so far with 450 deaths.

Sri Lanka has ordered 13.5 million Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines in addition to the 500,000 doses gifted by India, and the country may not use Chinese vaccines in the second phase of immunisation, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka has ordered 13.5 million Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines in addition to the 500,000 doses gifted by India, and the country may not use Chinese vaccines in the second phase of immunisation, a government spokesman said on Tuesday. Ramesh Pathirana, who is also the Minister of Plantations, said Sri Lanka is likely to go only with the AstraZeneca vaccines for the second phase of vaccination as the Chinese and Russian vaccines are not ready yet. "The Chinese vaccine has not submitted the papers relating to phase three trials,” said Mr Pathirana. Also read| Probe into Sri Lanka attacks finds ex-president should face charges For the first round of vaccinations, the government has placed an order for 10 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India at a cost of USD 52.5 million and a further 3.5 million doses directly from AstraZeneca Institute of UK under the COVAX programme, the spokesman said. India gifted 500,000 doses of the same vaccine which kicked off Sri Lanka’s vaccine rollout in late January. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India last month for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine donated by the country under the ''Neighbourhood First'' policy. Also read| Pak PM Imran Khan to use Indian air space for travel to Sri Lanka The government will be directed by the best medical advice on when the second dose should be given, Mr Pathirana said, adding that although initially it was believed that the booster jab should be given after four weeks. In recent weeks, health experts have said that delaying the second dose by three months could increase the efficacy of the vaccine. Last month, India announced it will send COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Sri Lanka and seven other countries - Bhutan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, Afghanistan and Mauritius. India is one of the world's biggest drug-makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines. Sri Lanka has recorded more than 80,500 coronavirus cases so far with 450 deaths.

Sri Lanka orders 13.5 million AstraZeneca doses, likely to drop Chinese COVID-19 vaccines

According to the reports, AstraZeneca has told the European Union that it expects to deliver less than half the COVID-19 vaccines it was contracted to supply in the second quarter.

EU: AstraZeneca to miss second quarter vaccine supply target

Taiwan's government on Saturday granted emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine.

Jabs of the vaccine are&nbsp;expected to be administered at soon as within seven days of arrival.

Taiwan had agreed to buy almost 20 million vaccine doses in December,&nbsp;including 10 million from AstraZeneca and 4.76 million doses from the COVAX global vaccine programme.

The emergency-use authorisation was granted on Saturday morning, and assuming the paperwork is in order, the first shots can begin with a week of arrival, Food and Drug Administration Director-General Wu Shou-mei told reporters.

The first batch of 200,000 AstraZeneca vaccines provided by COVAX could begin arriving next week.

Taiwan is also getting five million doses from U.S. drugmaker Moderna Inc. Wu said the process for granting it emergency-use approval was in full swing.

The government plans to vaccinate frontline health and quarantine workers first, and aims eventually to get 30 million vaccine doses to cover about 65% of the island's population.

Taiwan has kept the pandemic well under control thanks to early and effective prevention, with fewer than 50 active cases being treated in hospital. It has not yet received any vaccines, though with such a low rate officials have said there is no urgency to getting the shots.

Germany's BioNTech SE said this week it plans to provide COVID-19 vaccine to Taiwan, after the island complained the firm pulled out of a deal to sell it 5 million doses at the last minute, possibly due to pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.

Taiwan's government on Saturday granted emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. Jabs of the vaccine are expected to be administered at soon as within seven days of arrival.

Taiwan's government on Saturday granted emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. Jabs of the vaccine are expected to be administered at soon as within seven days of arrival. Taiwan had agreed to buy almost 20 million vaccine doses in December, including 10 million from AstraZeneca and 4.76 million doses from the COVAX global vaccine programme. The emergency-use authorisation was granted on Saturday morning, and assuming the paperwork is in order, the first shots can begin with a week of arrival, Food and Drug Administration Director-General Wu Shou-mei told reporters. The first batch of 200,000 AstraZeneca vaccines provided by COVAX could begin arriving next week. Taiwan is also getting five million doses from U.S. drugmaker Moderna Inc. Wu said the process for granting it emergency-use approval was in full swing. The government plans to vaccinate frontline health and quarantine workers first, and aims eventually to get 30 million vaccine doses to cover about 65% of the island's population. Taiwan has kept the pandemic well under control thanks to early and effective prevention, with fewer than 50 active cases being treated in hospital. It has not yet received any vaccines, though with such a low rate officials have said there is no urgency to getting the shots. Germany's BioNTech SE said this week it plans to provide COVID-19 vaccine to Taiwan, after the island complained the firm pulled out of a deal to sell it 5 million doses at the last minute, possibly due to pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.

Taiwan grants emergency use authorisation for AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

AstraZeneca is going to manufacture in Japan COVID vaccine doses enough for 40 million people, said executive director of the Japanese arm of the firm. The company told NHK that AstraZeneca had signed contract with Japan to provide it doses for 60 million people.

The doses for 40 million people will be produced at JCR Pharmaceuticals company in the prefecture of Hyogo.

The vaccination campaign in Japan started on February 17. Pfizer remains the only authorized vaccine against the coronavirus in Japan. AstraZeneca submitted documents for the registration in Japan on February 17.

The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11.&nbsp;

To date, more than 110.68 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 2.45 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Japan has confirmed more than 422,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with over 7,300 fatalities.

(With ANI inputs)

AstraZeneca is going to manufacture in Japan COVID vaccine doses enough for 40 million people, said executive director of the Japanese arm of the firm. The company told NHK that AstraZeneca had signed contract with Japan to provide it doses for 60 million people.

AstraZeneca is going to manufacture in Japan COVID vaccine doses enough for 40 million people, said executive director of the Japanese arm of the firm. The company told NHK that AstraZeneca had signed contract with Japan to provide it doses for 60 million people. The doses for 40 million people will be produced at JCR Pharmaceuticals company in the prefecture of Hyogo. The vaccination campaign in Japan started on February 17. Pfizer remains the only authorized vaccine against the coronavirus in Japan. AstraZeneca submitted documents for the registration in Japan on February 17. The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. To date, more than 110.68 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 2.45 million fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Japan has confirmed more than 422,000 COVID-19 cases so far, with over 7,300 fatalities. (With ANI inputs)

AstraZeneca to manufacture COVID vaccine doses in Japan for 40 million people

German health officials are pleading with people to accept the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after reports emerged of thousands of people turning down their jabs and full vials being left unused.

German health officials plead citizens to take Oxford-AstraZeneca jab

Argentina received 580,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Covishield on Wednesday (February 17). Manufactured by India's Serum Institute and developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, the consignment brought the country a step closer to launching a large-scale vaccination programme.

Argentina receives 580,000 doses of COVID vaccine from India's Serum Institute

The World Health Organization(WHO) granted two versions of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-use-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-for-elderly-says-south-korea-363769"> AstraZeneca-Oxford</a> COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio(Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India(SII).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-hits-an-early-target-for-vaccine-363788/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WHO's approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine is only the second after it issued approval for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December last year. Emergency Use Listing (EUL) assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of coronavirus vaccines and is a prerequisite for COVAX facility vaccine supply.

&nbsp;WHO's Dr Mariângela Simão said: “Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX facility’s goal of equitable vaccine distribution.”

According to the WHO, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is a viral vectored vaccine called ChAdOx1-S has been found to have 63.09 per cent efficacy and is suitable for low-and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements.&nbsp;

"We must keep up the pressure to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere and facilitate global access. To do that, we need two things – a scale-up of manufacturing capacity, and developers’ early submission of their vaccines for WHO review,” Simão asserted.

The vaccine was reviewed on February 8 by the UN health body's expert group which makes recommendations for vaccines’ use. The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommended the vaccine for all age groups 18 and above.

The World Health Organization(WHO) granted two versions of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio(Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India(SII).

The World Health Organization(WHO) granted two versions of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio(Republic of Korea) and the Serum Institute of India(SII). Watch: WHO's approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine is only the second after it issued approval for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in December last year. Emergency Use Listing (EUL) assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of coronavirus vaccines and is a prerequisite for COVAX facility vaccine supply. WHO's Dr Mariângela Simão said: “Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX facility’s goal of equitable vaccine distribution.” According to the WHO, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is a viral vectored vaccine called ChAdOx1-S has been found to have 63.09 per cent efficacy and is suitable for low-and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements. "We must keep up the pressure to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere and facilitate global access. To do that, we need two things – a scale-up of manufacturing capacity, and developers’ early submission of their vaccines for WHO review,” Simão asserted. The vaccine was reviewed on February 8 by the UN health body's expert group which makes recommendations for vaccines’ use. The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommended the vaccine for all age groups 18 and above.

WHO gives emergency use approval to Serum Institute of India's AstraZeneca vaccine

South Africa’s Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday clarified that the country has not returned the AstraZeneca vaccines to the Serum Institute of India (SII).

“I would like to clarify a few media reports that said we have returned the vaccines to India. We have not returned the Astra Zeneca vaccines to India,” Mkhize said at the parliament during the state of the nation address debate.&nbsp;

''The AstraZeneca doses we purchased have been offered to the African Union platform, of which we are part of, and the AU will distribute to those countries who have already expressed interest in acquiring the stock'', the minister said.&nbsp;

He reiterated,&nbsp;“I also wish to once again put it on record that the vaccines have not expired and that the expiry date of April 31 was established through our quality control processes - a wrong impression was created that the vaccines have expired - this is simply not true.”&nbsp;

Mkhize said that South Africa has managed to successfully secure 9 million doses of the Johnson&amp;Johnson vaccine, with the delivery of the first batch of 80,000 on course and the vaccination due to begin this week.

An additional 500,000 doses are expected to arrive over the next four weeks, supplemented by another 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine that is expected to be received at the end of March 2021, he added.&nbsp;

"As&nbsp; [the] government we are actively engaging manufacturers and suppliers of the COVID-19 vaccines through different but interrelated channels'', Mkhize said.

South Africa’s Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday clarified that the country has not returned the AstraZeneca vaccines to the Serum Institute of India (SII).

South Africa’s Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize on Tuesday clarified that the country has not returned the AstraZeneca vaccines to the Serum Institute of India (SII). “I would like to clarify a few media reports that said we have returned the vaccines to India. We have not returned the Astra Zeneca vaccines to India,” Mkhize said at the parliament during the state of the nation address debate. ''The AstraZeneca doses we purchased have been offered to the African Union platform, of which we are part of, and the AU will distribute to those countries who have already expressed interest in acquiring the stock'', the minister said. He reiterated, “I also wish to once again put it on record that the vaccines have not expired and that the expiry date of April 31 was established through our quality control processes - a wrong impression was created that the vaccines have expired - this is simply not true.” Mkhize said that South Africa has managed to successfully secure 9 million doses of the Johnson&Johnson vaccine, with the delivery of the first batch of 80,000 on course and the vaccination due to begin this week. An additional 500,000 doses are expected to arrive over the next four weeks, supplemented by another 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine that is expected to be received at the end of March 2021, he added. "As [the] government we are actively engaging manufacturers and suppliers of the COVID-19 vaccines through different but interrelated channels'', Mkhize said.

South Africa did not return AstraZeneca vaccines to India, says country's health minister

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed two additional COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use which includes India's Covishield vaccine and the other one is produced by AstraZeneca.

WHO approves Covishield vaccine for emergency use

The World Health Organization approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use. WHO cleared the vaccines manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and South Korean company SK Biopharmaceuticals.

WHO grants emergency approval to AstraZeneca vaccine

South America: Mexico has received a shipment of 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine from India, the government said.

Mexico gets over 870,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses from India

South Korea said on Monday that it will not use Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine for people aged 65 and above. This has amounted to reversal of an earlier decision. South Korea has scaled back initial vaccination targets due to delayed shipments from global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX.

The target has come down to 750,000 people from 1.3 million people to be vaccinated by first quarter of this year with Astrazeneca shots.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Monday that the decision has come largely due to adjustment in supply timetable of 2.6 million Astrazeneca doses from COVAX.

South Korea has said that it would delay inoculation of the elderly until more efficacy data on this specific vaccine becomes available.

(With Reuters inputs)

South Korea said on Monday that it will not use Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine for people aged 65 and above. This has amounted to reversal of an earlier decision.

South Korea said on Monday that it will not use Astrazeneca's coronavirus vaccine for people aged 65 and above. This has amounted to reversal of an earlier decision. South Korea has scaled back initial vaccination targets due to delayed shipments from global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX. The target has come down to 750,000 people from 1.3 million people to be vaccinated by first quarter of this year with Astrazeneca shots. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Monday that the decision has come largely due to adjustment in supply timetable of 2.6 million Astrazeneca doses from COVAX. South Korea has said that it would delay inoculation of the elderly until more efficacy data on this specific vaccine becomes available. (With Reuters inputs)

Won't use Astrazeneca COVID vaccine for elderly, says South Korea

Mexico has received a shipment of 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine from India, the government said on Sunday.

The shipment amounts to about 42 per cent of the two million doses of the AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine the country plans to import from India.

Mexico is also expecting shipments of Pfizer's vaccine to resume, with 494,000 doses due to arrive on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a news conference.

Mexico and Argentina have an agreement with AstraZeneca to produce the vaccine for eventual distribution of 250 million doses in Latin America.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mexico-to-receive-1-million-doses-of-india-made-covid-vaccine-362890">Also read |&nbsp;Mexico to receive 1 million doses of India-made Covid vaccine</a>

Mexico, which has one of the world's highest coronavirus death tolls, started vaccinating healthcare workers in December but struggled to hit its targets amid global shortages and delays of Pfizer's vaccine.

The country has so far received just 1,636,350 vaccine doses, according to government data, but has agreements for millions more, including for China's CanSino and the Russian Sputnik V.

Mexico will next vaccinate adults over the age of 60.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-covid-vaccines-to-caribbean-up-next-mexico-362734">Also read |&nbsp;India sends Covid vaccines to Caribbean, up next Mexico</a>

Mexico has received a shipment of 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine from India, the government said on Sunday. The shipment amounts to about 42 per cent of the two million doses of the AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine the country plans to import from India.

Mexico has received a shipment of 870,000 doses of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine from India, the government said on Sunday. The shipment amounts to about 42 per cent of the two million doses of the AstraZeneca and Oxford University vaccine the country plans to import from India. Mexico is also expecting shipments of Pfizer's vaccine to resume, with 494,000 doses due to arrive on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told a news conference. Mexico and Argentina have an agreement with AstraZeneca to produce the vaccine for eventual distribution of 250 million doses in Latin America. Also read | Mexico to receive 1 million doses of India-made Covid vaccine Mexico, which has one of the world's highest coronavirus death tolls, started vaccinating healthcare workers in December but struggled to hit its targets amid global shortages and delays of Pfizer's vaccine. The country has so far received just 1,636,350 vaccine doses, according to government data, but has agreements for millions more, including for China's CanSino and the Russian Sputnik V. Mexico will next vaccinate adults over the age of 60. Also read | India sends Covid vaccines to Caribbean, up next Mexico

Mexico receives AstraZeneca doses from India

The World Health Organisation's Expert panel has recommended the wide use of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. A few days back WHO warns South Africa to not halt the rollout of the vaccine that the govt found incapable of fighting new variant of the virus.

WHO experts back wide use of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is not perfect, but will have a big impact on the pandemic, its chief executive predicted on Thursday, as the drugmaker pledged to double supplies to more than 200 million doses per month by April.\

The two-dose shot, developed with Oxford University, has been hailed as a “vaccine for the world” because it is cheaper and easier to distribute than some rivals.

But its rapid approval in Europe and elsewhere has been clouded by doubts over its most effective dosage and interval between doses.

Data at the weekend also showed it was less effective against a fast-spreading South African variant of the virus, and the company has been embroiled in a row with the European Union over supply delays.

“Is it perfect? No it’s not perfect, but it’s great. Who else is making 100 million doses in February?” CEO Pascal Soriot said on a conference call about the vaccine.

“We’re going to save thousands of lives and that’s why we come to work everyday.”

AstraZeneca said it expected much-anticipated data from the U.S. trial of the vaccine before the end of March, and that it was confident the shot offered relatively good protection against severe disease and death for the South African variant. Its disappointing results were against milder cases.

However, after rising to become Britain’s most valuable company last summer, the company has now slipped to sixth, in a move some analysts attribute to doubts over the vaccine.

“In a year or two we will look back and everybody will realise we made a big impact,” Soriot said.

<h2>POSTER CHILD</h2>

AstraZeneca’s shares were up more than 2% in morning trade, after the company forecast a pick up in earnings growth this year on strong demand for its cancer and other new therapies.

It has pledged not to make any money from its COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic.

The company said it expected 2021 revenues to rise by a low teens percentage and core earnings of $4.75 to $5.00 per share, as it beat expectations for fourth-quarter sales.

The earnings guidance equates to 18-24% growth, after 15% in 2020, but was a little lower than the $5.10 per share analysts were expecting, as the company flagged more spending this year.

The COVID-19 vaccine is not included in the guidance and the company said its sales would be reported separately from the first quarter of 2021.

While public interest is focused on the vaccine, AstraZeneca’s core business of diabetes, heart, kidney, and cancer medicines has been steadily growing, helping the company to turn around years of decline.

Rounding off its third consecutive year of product sales growth, sales for the three months to December surpassed a company-compiled consensus, while core profit of $1.07 per share was in line with expectations.

Cancer drugs sales, AstraZeneca’s biggest field, jumped 28% in the quarter, led by its top-selling lung cancer drug Tagrisso.

“The company is arguably the poster child for big pharma turnarounds,” said Third Bridge senior analyst Sebastian Skeet.

&nbsp;

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is not perfect, but will have a big impact on the pandemic, its chief executive predicted on Thursday, as the drugmaker pledged to double supplies to more than 200 million doses per month by April.

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is not perfect, but will have a big impact on the pandemic, its chief executive predicted on Thursday, as the drugmaker pledged to double supplies to more than 200 million doses per month by April.\ The two-dose shot, developed with Oxford University, has been hailed as a “vaccine for the world” because it is cheaper and easier to distribute than some rivals. But its rapid approval in Europe and elsewhere has been clouded by doubts over its most effective dosage and interval between doses. Data at the weekend also showed it was less effective against a fast-spreading South African variant of the virus, and the company has been embroiled in a row with the European Union over supply delays. “Is it perfect? No it’s not perfect, but it’s great. Who else is making 100 million doses in February?” CEO Pascal Soriot said on a conference call about the vaccine. “We’re going to save thousands of lives and that’s why we come to work everyday.” AstraZeneca said it expected much-anticipated data from the U.S. trial of the vaccine before the end of March, and that it was confident the shot offered relatively good protection against severe disease and death for the South African variant. Its disappointing results were against milder cases. However, after rising to become Britain’s most valuable company last summer, the company has now slipped to sixth, in a move some analysts attribute to doubts over the vaccine. “In a year or two we will look back and everybody will realise we made a big impact,” Soriot said. POSTER CHILD AstraZeneca’s shares were up more than 2% in morning trade, after the company forecast a pick up in earnings growth this year on strong demand for its cancer and other new therapies. It has pledged not to make any money from its COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic. The company said it expected 2021 revenues to rise by a low teens percentage and core earnings of $4.75 to $5.00 per share, as it beat expectations for fourth-quarter sales. The earnings guidance equates to 18-24% growth, after 15% in 2020, but was a little lower than the $5.10 per share analysts were expecting, as the company flagged more spending this year. The COVID-19 vaccine is not included in the guidance and the company said its sales would be reported separately from the first quarter of 2021. While public interest is focused on the vaccine, AstraZeneca’s core business of diabetes, heart, kidney, and cancer medicines has been steadily growing, helping the company to turn around years of decline. Rounding off its third consecutive year of product sales growth, sales for the three months to December surpassed a company-compiled consensus, while core profit of $1.07 per share was in line with expectations. Cancer drugs sales, AstraZeneca’s biggest field, jumped 28% in the quarter, led by its top-selling lung cancer drug Tagrisso. “The company is arguably the poster child for big pharma turnarounds,” said Third Bridge senior analyst Sebastian Skeet.

Not perfect, but saves lives, AstraZeneca says of Covid vaccine

South African health experts have suggested vaccinating several thousand people with AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine to assess whether it protects against severe cases of a virus variant that emerged in the country.

Authorities delayed the start of a much-anticipated vaccination campaign -- expected to begin this week with the first batch of one million AstraZeneca/Oxford doses -- after a study showed the jabs failed to prevent mild and moderate infection from the South African variant.

The temporary suspension, announced late on Sunday, put a damper on the imminent rollout and stoked criticism of the coronavirus response in Africa's hardest-hit nation.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-patients-on-ventilators-show-severe-symptoms-of-ptsd-study-362493">Coronavirus patients on ventilators show severe symptoms of PTSD: Study</a>

Top government advisor and leading epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim said his team had suggested still using the AstraZeneca shots in a more staggered manner -- starting with a smaller population group and closely studying their response.

"We would (first) vaccinate about 100,000 people or so to monitor hospitalisation (rates)," Karim told AFP on Monday, adding that the process would take "a few weeks".&nbsp;

"While we are rolling out the vaccine and collecting that information... we will be able to assess whether to continue."

Karim explained it was "prudent" to push back the wider distribution of AstraZeneca shots until scientists ascertain whether they could still prevent severe disease, hospitalisation and death.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxfordastrazeneca-jab-fails-to-prevent-coronavirus-from-south-african-strain-study-361874">Oxford/AstraZeneca jab fails to prevent coronavirus from South African strain: Study</a>

He assured delay would be "partially compensated" by another batch of vaccines developed by US drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson expected to land next week.

Vaccine 'portfolio'

The proposal will be fine-tuned with the government over the coming days.

South Africa's Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told local media on Monday that an "implementation study" of AstraZeneca would take place alongside the rollout of Johnson &amp; Johnson jabs.

Tests will be done "on the people that are getting the (AstraZeneca) vaccination," Mkhize said on SAFM radio.

South Africa has lagged behind the global vaccination race and only received its first vaccines on February 1.

The one million AstraZeneca shots were produced by the Serum Institute of India, from which an additional 500,000 doses are expected this month.

The country aims to inoculate at least 67 per cent of its population by the end of the year, or around 40 million people.&nbsp;

Some 1.2 million health workers will be first in line.

In addition to AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson, vaccines have been secured from US drugmaker Pfizer, the WHO-backed Covax facility and the African Union. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Discussions with other producers are also ongoing, particularly Moderna, Chinese manufacturers and the makers of the Russian Sputnik V jab.

South Africa's "vaccine strategy ensures that we are going to use a diverse portfolio of vaccines," said Karim.

"It so happens that we received the AstraZeneca vaccine first."

But the Democratic Alliance main opposition party accused the government of lacking foresight.

"We should have taken into account the possibility of the changing efficacy or delays in rollout strategy," it said in a statement.

Rethinking priorities

The suspension of South Africa's vaccine rollout followed results of an AstraZeneca trial with 2,000 participants and which has not yet undergone peer review. &nbsp;

Johannesburg's University of Witwatersrand (Wits), which conducted the study, found the vaccine only "provides minimal protection against mild-moderate Covid-19 infection" from the South African variant.

Scientists believe that variant is more transmissible than its original form, fuelling an unprecedented spike in cases earlier this year.

Wits vaccinologist Clare Cutland noted the study's sample, with a median age of 31 and no co-morbidities, was too limited to assess AstraZeneca's efficacy against severe disease.

But she said a larger trial of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, which uses similar technologies, showed relatively good protection against severe disease caused by the South African variant -- suggesting there was a "good chance" the same would be observed with AstraZeneca.

"The results... mean that we need to pause to reassess," Cutland told AFP.

"Do we want it to prevent mild and moderate disease only, or... reduce and prevent severe disease?"

"We may not have herd immunity to protect against mild disease," she added. "And maybe that's not a huge issue."

South Africa has recorded almost 1.5 million coronavirus cases and over 46,200 deaths.

The mortality rate has remained relatively low, however, with at least 92 per cent of cases recovered.

"The fact that this virus has mutated faster than we have changed the vaccine to catch up is unfortunate," said Cutland. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"The great thing is that the technologies are good... so the rollout of vaccines against different variants could be a lot quicker."

Researchers at AstraZeneca are working to update the vaccine and expect to have a version tailored to the South African variant by autumn.

South African health experts have suggested vaccinating several thousand people with AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine to assess whether it protects against severe cases of a virus variant that emerged in the country.

South African health experts have suggested vaccinating several thousand people with AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine to assess whether it protects against severe cases of a virus variant that emerged in the country. Authorities delayed the start of a much-anticipated vaccination campaign -- expected to begin this week with the first batch of one million AstraZeneca/Oxford doses -- after a study showed the jabs failed to prevent mild and moderate infection from the South African variant. The temporary suspension, announced late on Sunday, put a damper on the imminent rollout and stoked criticism of the coronavirus response in Africa's hardest-hit nation. Also read| Coronavirus patients on ventilators show severe symptoms of PTSD: Study Top government advisor and leading epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim said his team had suggested still using the AstraZeneca shots in a more staggered manner -- starting with a smaller population group and closely studying their response. "We would (first) vaccinate about 100,000 people or so to monitor hospitalisation (rates)," Karim told AFP on Monday, adding that the process would take "a few weeks". "While we are rolling out the vaccine and collecting that information... we will be able to assess whether to continue." Karim explained it was "prudent" to push back the wider distribution of AstraZeneca shots until scientists ascertain whether they could still prevent severe disease, hospitalisation and death. Also read| Oxford/AstraZeneca jab fails to prevent coronavirus from South African strain: Study He assured delay would be "partially compensated" by another batch of vaccines developed by US drugmaker Johnson & Johnson expected to land next week. Vaccine 'portfolio' The proposal will be fine-tuned with the government over the coming days. South Africa's Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told local media on Monday that an "implementation study" of AstraZeneca would take place alongside the rollout of Johnson & Johnson jabs. Tests will be done "on the people that are getting the (AstraZeneca) vaccination," Mkhize said on SAFM radio. South Africa has lagged behind the global vaccination race and only received its first vaccines on February 1. The one million AstraZeneca shots were produced by the Serum Institute of India, from which an additional 500,000 doses are expected this month. The country aims to inoculate at least 67 per cent of its population by the end of the year, or around 40 million people. Some 1.2 million health workers will be first in line. In addition to AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, vaccines have been secured from US drugmaker Pfizer, the WHO-backed Covax facility and the African Union. Discussions with other producers are also ongoing, particularly Moderna, Chinese manufacturers and the makers of the Russian Sputnik V jab. South Africa's "vaccine strategy ensures that we are going to use a diverse portfolio of vaccines," said Karim. "It so happens that we received the AstraZeneca vaccine first." But the Democratic Alliance main opposition party accused the government of lacking foresight. "We should have taken into account the possibility of the changing efficacy or delays in rollout strategy," it said in a statement. Rethinking priorities The suspension of South Africa's vaccine rollout followed results of an AstraZeneca trial with 2,000 participants and which has not yet undergone peer review. Johannesburg's University of Witwatersrand (Wits), which conducted the study, found the vaccine only "provides minimal protection against mild-moderate Covid-19 infection" from the South African variant. Scientists believe that variant is more transmissible than its original form, fuelling an unprecedented spike in cases earlier this year. Wits vaccinologist Clare Cutland noted the study's sample, with a median age of 31 and no co-morbidities, was too limited to assess AstraZeneca's efficacy against severe disease. But she said a larger trial of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which uses similar technologies, showed relatively good protection against severe disease caused by the South African variant -- suggesting there was a "good chance" the same would be observed with AstraZeneca. "The results... mean that we need to pause to reassess," Cutland told AFP. "Do we want it to prevent mild and moderate disease only, or... reduce and prevent severe disease?" "We may not have herd immunity to protect against mild disease," she added. "And maybe that's not a huge issue." South Africa has recorded almost 1.5 million coronavirus cases and over 46,200 deaths. The mortality rate has remained relatively low, however, with at least 92 per cent of cases recovered. "The fact that this virus has mutated faster than we have changed the vaccine to catch up is unfortunate," said Cutland. "The great thing is that the technologies are good... so the rollout of vaccines against different variants could be a lot quicker." Researchers at AstraZeneca are working to update the vaccine and expect to have a version tailored to the South African variant by autumn.

South Africa considers reduced AstraZeneca rollout

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