Moderna, which has so far charged between around $15 to $26 for a dose of its Covid vaccine, is planning to increase prices and charge as much as $130 per dose. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders lashed out at this prospective price hike and denounced it as an "unprecedented level of corporate greed" in the pharmaceutical industry. Defending the price hike, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said that the distribution system will change completely when the US government lifts a state of a health emergency, which may happen&nbsp;as soon as May.

Watch |&nbsp;Active Covid cases in India cross 7,000 mark | WION Exclusive

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Speaking at a Senate hearing, Sanders remarked that Moderna was "thanking the taxpayers of the United States" by more than quadrupling the vaccine's price "at a time when it costs less than $3 to manufacture."&nbsp;

However, the Moderna CEO said that when the shots move into the private sector, the business will no longer benefit from the economies of scale from government&nbsp;purchases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-approves-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose-for-children-under-five-572161">US: FDA approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for children under five</a>

Up till now, Moderna had only the government as its one customer for its COVID-19 vaccine. Bancel said that upon switching to a more traditional marketing approach, the vaccine manufacturer is "going to have 10,000 customers" and will have to "manage to deliver to 60,000 pharmacies, doctors' offices and hospitals."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-approves-its-first-mrna-vaccine-months-after-easing-covid-restrictions-574576">China approves its first mRNA vaccine, months after easing Covid restrictions</a>

"On top of all this, we're expecting a 90 per cent reduction in demand," said Bancel, adding "as you can see, we're losing economies of scale."&nbsp;Additionally, as per AFP, until now, Moderna did not have to pay for the cost of expired doses. However, it will now have to bear that and also take care of unsold doses.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Moderna, which has so far charged between around $15 to $26 for a dose of its Covid vaccine, is planning to increase prices and charge as much as $130 per dose. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders lashed out at this prospective price hike and denounced it as an "unprecedented level of corporate greed" in the pharmaceutical industry.

Moderna, which has so far charged between around $15 to $26 for a dose of its Covid vaccine, is planning to increase prices and charge as much as $130 per dose. Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders lashed out at this prospective price hike and denounced it as an "unprecedented level of corporate greed" in the pharmaceutical industry. Defending the price hike, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said that the distribution system will change completely when the US government lifts a state of a health emergency, which may happen as soon as May. Watch | Active Covid cases in India cross 7,000 mark | WION Exclusive Speaking at a Senate hearing, Sanders remarked that Moderna was "thanking the taxpayers of the United States" by more than quadrupling the vaccine's price "at a time when it costs less than $3 to manufacture." However, the Moderna CEO said that when the shots move into the private sector, the business will no longer benefit from the economies of scale from government purchases. Also read | US: FDA approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for children under five Up till now, Moderna had only the government as its one customer for its COVID-19 vaccine. Bancel said that upon switching to a more traditional marketing approach, the vaccine manufacturer is "going to have 10,000 customers" and will have to "manage to deliver to 60,000 pharmacies, doctors' offices and hospitals." Also read | China approves its first mRNA vaccine, months after easing Covid restrictions "On top of all this, we're expecting a 90 per cent reduction in demand," said Bancel, adding "as you can see, we're losing economies of scale." Additionally, as per AFP, until now, Moderna did not have to pay for the cost of expired doses. However, it will now have to bear that and also take care of unsold doses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moderna under fire for 'unprecedented level of corporate greed,' as it plans to raise Covid vaccine prices

For the first time since the pandemic began almost two years ago, the number of daily new COVID-19 cases crossed one million worldwide.

In a first, global daily new COVID-19 cases cross one million mark since the pandemic began

In a significant move, India has given emergency use authorisation approval to two more COVID-19 vaccines Covovax and Corbevax and an anti-viral drug Molnupiravir.

India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir

In the latest study, researchers found out that antibodies developed by COVID-19 vaccines reduce more than 50 percent after six months of the second jab. The study further says that the number of antibodies developed in response to the vaccine will be determined by a person’s age or sex.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Antibodies reduce 57% after 6 months of second jab, says study

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-will-easily-drag-on-deep-into-2022-warns-who-422531">Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO</a>

"This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US&nbsp;government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines."

Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa.

The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements.

The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response.

"We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said.

The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines.

The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-approves-mix-and-match-strategy-for-all-covid-19-vaccines-approved-in-us-422505">FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US</a>

Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent.

"This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU.

Last month, the AU accused&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters. The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter. Also Read | Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO "This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines." Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa. The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements. The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response. "We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said. The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines. The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said. Also Read | FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent. "This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU. Last month, the AU accused COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

African Union to buy up to 110 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccines - officials

As India's vaccination drive kicks into high gear, catch the ground report from our correspondent Johan Castell as he visits one of India's largest vaccination centres and receives his first dose of the Covishield Coronavirus vaccine in New Delhi. Get to know what to expect and what the process looks like for those getting the jab.

Getting vaccinated for Coronavirus in India

The European Union has dragged AstraZeneca to court. The charges include delay in vaccine delivery & prioritizing the UK over the rest. This legal battle was months in the making. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: EU takes AstraZeneca to court

India has built a roadmap for vaccine procurement. By December, India plans to procure more than two billion doses - supplies that can vaccinate the entire adult population. Where will India get these vaccines from? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas | COVID surge: 2 billion vaccine doses for India by December?

How do India's vaccination numbers stack up against global data? Are western nations really pulling ahead in vaccinations? Palki Sharma tells you why a sluggish rollout is a global reality, masked by differences in population.

Gravitas: How long before we reach herd immunity?

India has tweaked its vaccination rules. Those who recently recovered shouldn't take a shot before 6 months. The gap between the 1st & 2nd dose of Covishield has been increased to up to 16 weeks. This comes amid an acute shortage of vaccines. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: New rules for vaccination in India

As India grapple with a shortage of Coronavirus vaccines, the Centre government on Thursday said that over two billion doses will be made available in the country in five months between August and December, enough to vaccinate the entire population.

India plans to procure 2 billion vaccine shots by December

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report">Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report</a>

Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses.

But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it">China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it</a>

" The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts,"&nbsp;she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16">Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16</a>

Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus.

They said domestic workers were 'high risk'&nbsp;because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week.

Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated.

They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths.

It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low.

So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity.

Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world.

Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses.

The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit.

After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines.

Hong Kong on Tuesday scrapped a plan to make coronavirus vaccines mandatory for foreign domestic workers after the proposal sparked an outcry and a diplomatic tussle with the Philippines. Health officials planned to roll out mandatory inoculations for the 370,000 domestic workers in the city, mostly poorly paid women from the Philippines and Indonesia. Also read | Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report Those wanting to apply for work visas -- or renew their current ones -- would need to show they had received two doses. But on Tuesday city leader Carrie Lam announced a U-turn. Also read | China's past on coronavirus comes back to haunt it " The government has decided not to request mandatory vaccination when helpers renew their contracts," she said, adding the decision had been made after meetings with officials from the Philippines and Indonesia. Philippine foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin had previously warned the initial proposal "smacked of discrimination". Also read | Hong Kong widens COVID-19 vaccine scheme to above 16 Hong Kong health officials announced the mandatory vaccination plan after two domestic workers were found to be infected with one of the more virulent strains of the coronavirus. They said domestic workers were 'high risk' because they often work with the elderly and meet in parks on Sundays -- usually their one day off a week. Labour groups representing domestic workers said they felt they were being singled out, noting that the families they worked for -- as well as locals working in environments such as care homes -- were not required to get vaccinated. They also pointed out that wealthier foreign migrants such as the city's white-collar financial workers were not forced to get vaccines when outbreaks of the coronavirus were traced to their well-heeled districts. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and economically painful social distancing rules, Hong Kong has kept infections to just under 12,000 cases and 210 deaths. It has secured ample vaccine doses but the public take-up has been very low. So far just 16 percent of the city's 7.5 million people have received one or more doses, a long way from the 60-70 percent considered necessary for herd immunity. Regular polling shows Hong Kongers have some of the lowest support ratings for inoculation in the world. Some of Hong Kong's BioNTech/Pfizer vaccines will pass their shelf-life in September and officials fret they may be in the unenviable position of throwing away good doses. The vaccination drive has been hampered by the government's public trust deficit. After huge democracy protests exploded in 2019, Hong Kong's unpopular unelected leaders -- with the backing of Beijing -- have overseen a sweeping crackdown in dissent in the city.

Hong Kong scraps mandatory vaccines for foreign domestic workers

The Biden administration has conveyed to New Delhi that it understands India's pharmaceutical requirements and promised to give the matter a due consideration

'We understand India's pharmaceutical requirements', says Biden Administration

Have you received both your doses of the Wuhan Virus vaccine? The CEO of Pfizer says you'll likely need a 3rd dose. Will other vaccine-makers follow suit? Watch this report by WION's Palki Sharma to find out.

Gravitas: Why do we need a third vaccine dose?

At least 6 Indian states have complained of a scarcity of COVID-19 vaccines during a second wave of Coronavirus, that has forced some centres to turn away people.

India: COVID-19 vaccine shortages being reported by at least 6 states

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine has been cleared for emergency use in India amid a record spike in COVID-19 cases. An expert committee approved the restricted use of the Russian vaccine.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine cleared for emergency use in India

India has granted emergency use approval to the Russian Sputnik V against the Coronavirus. After Covishield and Covaxin, Sputnik V became the third vaccine approved by the country against COVID-19.

India gives green signal to Russian vaccine Sputnik V

As countries chart their own path to limit the use of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine, WION's Palki asks: are governments are succumbing to public hysteria? Are alternatives like Pfizer and Moderna side-effect-free?

Gravitas: What are the side effects of Pfizer & Moderna?

Nepal gave emergency authorisation to India’s COVID-19 vaccine COVAXIN, becoming the third country to approve the shot.

COVID-19: Nepal gives an emergency nod to India's COVAXIN

As vaccine nationalism picks up, countries are rushing to promote home-grown jabs. But China is taking it to the next level by offering easy VISAs for foreigners who have taken a Chinese vaccine. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pharma wars and the pandemic

A Canadian woman made and hung a banner at her house in Toronto when her mother Nina Rockett recently turned 94 years old, demanding for her birthday to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Canadian woman wants COVID-19 vaccine for her mother's 94th birthday

Since last year, India and South Africa have been pushing for a ban on vaccine patents. Only to be stonewalled by the rich countries. A last-ditch attempt is now underway to unlock the vaccine patents.

The fight for Covid-19 vaccine patents rages on

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

The world is divided between vaccine haves and have-nots. 75% of all vaccines have been administered in 10 countries. But 130 countries haven't received even a single dose. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the world could take a leaf from India's playbook.

Gravitas: The world is struggling with vaccine inequality

Canada has secure over 380 million doses of vaccine for the mass inoculation drive. It will be 10 doses of vaccine per person. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a telephonic conversation with PM Narendra Modi urges to provide covid vaccine supplies.

Canada secures over 380 Million doses of vaccine

An Iranian cleric Ayatollah Abbas Tabrizian has issued a homophobic rant against people vaccinated for COVID-19, claiming that they become gay after receiving the vaccine.

Iranian cleric claims COVID-19 vaccine turns people gay

South Africa hopes to vaccinate 40 million people, or two-thirds of the population, to achieve some level of herd immunity but has yet to administer a single shot.

South Africa puts hold on AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine

Pakistan is gearing up to begin an inoculation drive. The county has secured 17 million doses of Oxford university and Astrazeneca's COVID-19 vaccine.

Pakistan secures 17 million doses of Astrazeneca's vaccine

China failed to export vaccines to the world, so it is now exporting a smear campaign. Beijing is targeting Pfizer, Moderna vaccines. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how.

Gravitas: China starts a smear campaign

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

According to a new study, India's homegrown jab Covaxin is likely to be effective against the UK variant of the Coronavirus. Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech, it has been approved for emergency use by India's drug regulators.

Study: Covaxin developed by Indian Pharma firm Bharat Biotech neutralizes UK variant

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Moderna under fire for 'unprecedented level of corporate greed,' as it plans to raise Covid vaccine prices

In a first, global daily new COVID-19 cases cross one million mark since the pandemic began

India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir

COVID-19 Vaccine: Antibodies reduce 57% after 6 months of second jab, says study

African Union to buy up to 110 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccines - officials

Getting vaccinated for Coronavirus in India

Gravitas: EU takes AstraZeneca to court

Gravitas | COVID surge: 2 billion vaccine doses for India by December?

Gravitas: How long before we reach herd immunity?

Gravitas: New rules for vaccination in India

India plans to procure 2 billion vaccine shots by December

Hong Kong scraps mandatory vaccines for foreign domestic workers

'We understand India's pharmaceutical requirements', says Biden Administration

'We understand India's pharmaceutical requirements', says Biden Administration

Gravitas: Why do we need a third vaccine dose?

India: COVID-19 vaccine shortages being reported by at least 6 states

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine cleared for emergency use in India

India gives green signal to Russian vaccine Sputnik V

Gravitas: What are the side effects of Pfizer & Moderna?

COVID-19: Nepal gives an emergency nod to India's COVAXIN

Gravitas: Pharma wars and the pandemic

Canadian woman wants COVID-19 vaccine for her mother's 94th birthday

The fight for Covid-19 vaccine patents rages on

EU: AstraZeneca to miss second quarter vaccine supply target