A real-world study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), based on vaccination and hospitalisation data from Tamil Nadu Police (frontline workers) has reaffirmed the effectiveness of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1"> COVID-19 vaccines</a> in preventing death.

This study is significant because of its potential to further dispel the myths over vaccines. The result also comes at a time when information regarding the real-world effectiveness of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> for severe disease is unavailable in India currently.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" hreflang="en">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study</a>

Data utilised for this study was for the period between February 1&nbsp;and May 14, 2021. This was also the time period when India was reeling under the second wave of the pandemic.

As per the study, of 117,524 police personnel in Tamil Nadu,&nbsp;32,792 received one dose, 67,673 received two doses while the remaining 17,059 were unvaccinated.&nbsp;

Among over 117,000 police personnel, 31 deaths were reported between April 13 and May 14, 2021. The median age of the deceased was 52, their age ranged between 34-58 and it comprised 29 men and two women. Of the 31 who succumbed, four had taken two doses of the vaccine, seven had taken one dose and the remaining 20 were unvaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-that-pets-are-at-risk-of-covid-infection-from-their-owners-not-the-other-way-around-397250" hreflang="en">Study finds that pets are at risk of covid infection from their owners, not the other way around</a>

"The incidence of COVID-19 deaths among those who received zero, one and two doses were 1.17, 0.21 and 0.06 per 1000 police personnel respectively," the study says.

It adds that, compared to unvaccinated individuals, the relative risk of COVID-19 death among those who received one and two doses were 0.18 and 0.05 respectively.&nbsp;

It also goes on to state that, "vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 deaths with one and two doses was 82 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. The report mentions that the results of this study (TN Police and ICMR NIE) are consistent with the published studies showing the effectiveness of vaccines against severe disease."

This study does have its limitations such as&nbsp;not having specific figures for each vaccine (Covaxin and Covishield), no individual data for co-morbidities, age, and previous exposure to COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Study conducted by vaccine makers are done under very controlled conditions and in an ideal scenario, but this one is a real-world trial on frontline workers," Dr. Manoj V Murhekar, Director NIE told WION. He also added that a more detailed study was being conducted across 10 hospitals in India, by taking into consideration the patient details, age, co-morbidities, etc. The results of this study are expected to be available by the end of this month.&nbsp;

According to Mr. Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, there was huge vaccine hesitancy among the police personnel, ministerial staff and family members, owing to panic and a lack of clarity in the initial stages. However, the situation gradually improved, thanks to awareness campaigns, circulars, systematic approach and efforts of the department.&nbsp;

"About two months ago, 71 per cent of the personnel had taken their first dose, whereas 10 per cent had taken their second shot. With personnel and family members understanding the importance of vaccines and the protection, many came voluntarily, enthusiastically along with their family members to take their jabs. As on&nbsp;July 8 (Thursday), 95 per cent&nbsp;of the personnel had taken their first dose and 53 per cent had received both shots," Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai told WION.

A real-world study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), based on vaccination and hospitalisation data from Tamil Nadu Police (frontline workers) has reaffirmed the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing death.

A real-world study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), based on vaccination and hospitalisation data from Tamil Nadu Police (frontline workers) has reaffirmed the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing death. This study is significant because of its potential to further dispel the myths over vaccines. The result also comes at a time when information regarding the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for severe disease is unavailable in India currently. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study Data utilised for this study was for the period between February 1 and May 14, 2021. This was also the time period when India was reeling under the second wave of the pandemic. As per the study, of 117,524 police personnel in Tamil Nadu, 32,792 received one dose, 67,673 received two doses while the remaining 17,059 were unvaccinated. Among over 117,000 police personnel, 31 deaths were reported between April 13 and May 14, 2021. The median age of the deceased was 52, their age ranged between 34-58 and it comprised 29 men and two women. Of the 31 who succumbed, four had taken two doses of the vaccine, seven had taken one dose and the remaining 20 were unvaccinated. Also read | Study finds that pets are at risk of covid infection from their owners, not the other way around "The incidence of COVID-19 deaths among those who received zero, one and two doses were 1.17, 0.21 and 0.06 per 1000 police personnel respectively," the study says. It adds that, compared to unvaccinated individuals, the relative risk of COVID-19 death among those who received one and two doses were 0.18 and 0.05 respectively. It also goes on to state that, "vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 deaths with one and two doses was 82 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. The report mentions that the results of this study (TN Police and ICMR NIE) are consistent with the published studies showing the effectiveness of vaccines against severe disease." This study does have its limitations such as not having specific figures for each vaccine (Covaxin and Covishield), no individual data for co-morbidities, age, and previous exposure to COVID-19. "Study conducted by vaccine makers are done under very controlled conditions and in an ideal scenario, but this one is a real-world trial on frontline workers," Dr. Manoj V Murhekar, Director NIE told WION. He also added that a more detailed study was being conducted across 10 hospitals in India, by taking into consideration the patient details, age, co-morbidities, etc. The results of this study are expected to be available by the end of this month. According to Mr. Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, there was huge vaccine hesitancy among the police personnel, ministerial staff and family members, owing to panic and a lack of clarity in the initial stages. However, the situation gradually improved, thanks to awareness campaigns, circulars, systematic approach and efforts of the department. "About two months ago, 71 per cent of the personnel had taken their first dose, whereas 10 per cent had taken their second shot. With personnel and family members understanding the importance of vaccines and the protection, many came voluntarily, enthusiastically along with their family members to take their jabs. As on July 8 (Thursday), 95 per cent of the personnel had taken their first dose and 53 per cent had received both shots," Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai told WION.

Vaccines are best defence against preventing COVID-19 death: ICMR-TN police study

A new study has claimed that a single shot of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> might be enough for the people who have been infected by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

The researchers of AIG Hospitals, on Monday, stated that the people who had been infected by the virus already have greater antibody response in comparison to those who have had no prior infection, and therefore, a single shot of the vaccine would be enough for them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-19-elderly-have-health-insurance-and-cant-bear-costs-iit-study-391468" hreflang="en">Only 19% elderly have health insurance and can’t bear costs: IIT study</a>

This study was conducted on 260 healthcare workers who had been vaccinated with Covishield between the time period of January 06 and February 05 and was designed to check the immunological memory response in the selected candidates.

The research showed that the people who had been infected by the deadly coronavirus need not take the second dose of the vaccine as the first dose itself can develop enough memory cell response and antibody, which would be equivalent to what the second dose does for the people who have not been infected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-tests-covid-19-vaccine-nasal-spray-in-children-to-launch-in-september-reports-391340" hreflang="en">Russia tests COVID-19 vaccine nasal spray in children, to launch in September: Reports</a>

This study has come at a time when several countries are suffering from vaccine shortage, and the findings of this research can help bridge that gap, hoped Dr&nbsp;D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals.

He also added that once the people who have not been infected are vaccinated with both doses, the infected people can be administered the first dose, as it will not harm anyone.

A new study has claimed that a single shot of the coronavirus vaccine might be enough for the people who have been infected by COVID-19. The researchers of AIG Hospitals, on Monday, stated that the people who had been infected by the virus already have greater antibody response in comparison to those who have had no prior infection, and therefore, a single shot of the vaccine would be enough for them.

A new study has claimed that a single shot of the coronavirus vaccine might be enough for the people who have been infected by COVID-19. The researchers of AIG Hospitals, on Monday, stated that the people who had been infected by the virus already have greater antibody response in comparison to those who have had no prior infection, and therefore, a single shot of the vaccine would be enough for them. Also read | Only 19% elderly have health insurance and can’t bear costs: IIT study This study was conducted on 260 healthcare workers who had been vaccinated with Covishield between the time period of January 06 and February 05 and was designed to check the immunological memory response in the selected candidates. The research showed that the people who had been infected by the deadly coronavirus need not take the second dose of the vaccine as the first dose itself can develop enough memory cell response and antibody, which would be equivalent to what the second dose does for the people who have not been infected. Also read | Russia tests COVID-19 vaccine nasal spray in children, to launch in September: Reports This study has come at a time when several countries are suffering from vaccine shortage, and the findings of this research can help bridge that gap, hoped Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals. He also added that once the people who have not been infected are vaccinated with both doses, the infected people can be administered the first dose, as it will not harm anyone.

Second dose of Covid vaccine not needed for people already infected: Study

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccines-have-spawned-nine-new-billionaires-campaign-group-386178"> virus </a>variants.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/black-fungus-infections-on-the-rise-in-india-386219/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"All COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-purchase-of-covid-vaccines-from-china-386133">vaccines</a>," Kluge said while asserting that social distancing norms should be continued to be followed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier expressed a similar opinion saying that his government had "increasing confidence that vaccinations are effective against all variants" including the one first found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-self-test-covid-19-at-home-icmr-approves-home-based-rapid-antigen-tests-kit-386182">India</a> while urging citizens to travel only to "amber" countries on the UK list.

Britain on Wednesday reported 2,696 COVID-19 cases and three deaths taking the total number of cases to 4.4 million including over 127, 690 deaths.

"Right now, in the face of a continued threat and new uncertainty, we need to continue to exercise caution and rethink or avoid international travel," WHO's European director said.

WHO's latest statement comes as Europe reopens for business and several British citizens recently vaccinated have decided to visit mainland Europe this summer.

"Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot be blinded by that light," Kluge said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US which was the hardest hit due to the virus recorded seven-day moving average deaths at 545 on May 16 which was essentially the number when the pandemic began in the country in March last year.

The United States has recorded over 33 million cases and over 587,870 deaths which is the highest in the world.&nbsp;

According to reports, 60 per cent of the US adult population has now been vaccinated including over 600,000 in the age group of 12-15 after the authorities allowed vaccination for teenagers.

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the virus variants.

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the virus variants. Watch: "All COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved vaccines," Kluge said while asserting that social distancing norms should be continued to be followed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier expressed a similar opinion saying that his government had "increasing confidence that vaccinations are effective against all variants" including the one first found in India while urging citizens to travel only to "amber" countries on the UK list. Britain on Wednesday reported 2,696 COVID-19 cases and three deaths taking the total number of cases to 4.4 million including over 127, 690 deaths. "Right now, in the face of a continued threat and new uncertainty, we need to continue to exercise caution and rethink or avoid international travel," WHO's European director said. WHO's latest statement comes as Europe reopens for business and several British citizens recently vaccinated have decided to visit mainland Europe this summer. "Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot be blinded by that light," Kluge said. Meanwhile, the US which was the hardest hit due to the virus recorded seven-day moving average deaths at 545 on May 16 which was essentially the number when the pandemic began in the country in March last year. The United States has recorded over 33 million cases and over 587,870 deaths which is the highest in the world. According to reports, 60 per cent of the US adult population has now been vaccinated including over 600,000 in the age group of 12-15 after the authorities allowed vaccination for teenagers.

All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO

The Goa government will extend the Covid-19 vaccination drive, `Tika Utsav`, by 10-12 days, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, urging people above the age of 45 years to take advantage of the vaccination outreach programme.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-more-than-27-million-covid-vaccine-doses-administered-on-day-1-of-tika-utsav-376911" hreflang="en">India: More than 2.7 million COVID vaccine doses administered on Day 1 of 'Tika Utsav'</a> 
 
"`Tika Utsav` will continue for 10-12 days so that those who are eligible get themselves vaccinated. Lockdown is not the solution for Covid-19 but vaccination, maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks is. We should avoid public meetings and unnecessary gatherings," added Sawant while speaking at an event organised by the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-launches-teeka-utsav-as-india-records-152879-new-covid-cases-376764" hreflang="en">PM Modi launches 'Teeka Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases</a> 
 
"Get tested immediately if you have COVID-19 signs and symptoms and maintain home isolation. If we need to contain the spread of the infection, then people will have to cooperate. The government will not lag behind when it comes to hospitalisation or providing Covid-19 care kits. Early treatment is the key," said the Goa Chief Minister. 
 
The `Tika Utsav` programme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a four-day mass vaccination campaign for inoculation of people above the age of 45 years from April 11 to April 14. 
 
Sawant said that while the neighbouring state of Maharashtra had gone into lockdown, a similar fate should not "befall" Goa, urging people to maintain social distancing and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The Goa government will extend the Covid-19 vaccination drive, `Tika Utsav`, by 10-12 days, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, urging people above the age of 45 years to take advantage of the vaccination outreach programme.

The Goa government will extend the Covid-19 vaccination drive, `Tika Utsav`, by 10-12 days, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, urging people above the age of 45 years to take advantage of the vaccination outreach programme. Also read | India: More than 2.7 million COVID vaccine doses administered on Day 1 of 'Tika Utsav' "`Tika Utsav` will continue for 10-12 days so that those who are eligible get themselves vaccinated. Lockdown is not the solution for Covid-19 but vaccination, maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks is. We should avoid public meetings and unnecessary gatherings," added Sawant while speaking at an event organised by the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services. Also read | PM Modi launches 'Teeka Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases "Get tested immediately if you have COVID-19 signs and symptoms and maintain home isolation. If we need to contain the spread of the infection, then people will have to cooperate. The government will not lag behind when it comes to hospitalisation or providing Covid-19 care kits. Early treatment is the key," said the Goa Chief Minister. The `Tika Utsav` programme was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a four-day mass vaccination campaign for inoculation of people above the age of 45 years from April 11 to April 14. Sawant said that while the neighbouring state of Maharashtra had gone into lockdown, a similar fate should not "befall" Goa, urging people to maintain social distancing and adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Goa to extend 'Tika Utsav' by 10-12 days: CM

Leading the way: Politicians, Sportsperson and movie stars get vaccinated in India

After administering the coronavirus vaccine in one of the biggest democracies of the world, India has now started exporting the domestically-manufactured vaccine to other parts of the world.

With the intention of helping neighbours and other countries around the world, India, on Friday, started exporting shots of the AstraZeneca-Oxford developed coronavirus vaccine to Brazil.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-diplomacy-earns-praise-from-south-asian-neighbours-as-chinese-dominance-declines-358380">India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines</a>

A shipment of 200,000 doses of Covishield vaccine has already left for the European country, Brazil, on Friday morning.&nbsp;

In addition to this, 100,000 doses were also exported to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles packed in an&nbsp;Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Mumbai: Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will supply 1 lakh dosages of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles. The consignment will be first delivered to Seychelles and then to Mauritius. <a href="https://t.co/3reSjxSOLB">pic.twitter.com/3reSjxSOLB</a>
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Brazil's Foreign Affairs minister took to Twitter to thank India and Jaishankar for keeping Brazil in the priority list of receiving the coronavirus vaccine. "The government of India has placed Brazil on the highest priority: we are one of the first two countries to receive vaccines against Covid purchased in India," he tweeted.&nbsp;(translated text)

The Brazilian&nbsp;Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago also thanked Serum Institute of India (SII) for the doses of vaccine and the 'professionalism' demonstrated during the transportation. "Thank you&nbsp;@SerumInstIndia&nbsp;for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil &amp; immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support," the tweet read.

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“Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/SerumInstIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerumInstIndia</a> for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OxfordAstraZeneca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OxfordAstraZeneca</a> vaccines to Brazil &amp; immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support” 
 
— Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago <a href="https://t.co/za4ThUb9Z7">pic.twitter.com/za4ThUb9Z7</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-begin-covid-vaccine-free-jabs-to-brazil-morocco-from-today-358477">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-begin-covid-vaccine-free-jabs-to-brazil-morocco-from-today-358477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, also acknowledged India's supply of vaccines and thanked the Indian government. "The government of India has released vaccine exports against Covid-19, and the first shipments will be sent this Friday to Brazil and Morocco, said the secretary of Foreign Affairs from India," he tweeted.

India has already supplied consignment of 1 million samples of the coronavirus vaccine, almost a week after it requested India to keep <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/promise-fulfilled-says-indian-envoy-as-vaccine-reaches-nepal-within-a-week-358322">Nepal in priority.</a>

After administering the coronavirus vaccine in one of the biggest democracies of the world, India has now started exporting the domestically-manufactured vaccine to other parts of the world.

After administering the coronavirus vaccine in one of the biggest democracies of the world, India has now started exporting the domestically-manufactured vaccine to other parts of the world. With the intention of helping neighbours and other countries around the world, India, on Friday, started exporting shots of the AstraZeneca-Oxford developed coronavirus vaccine to Brazil. Also read| India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines A shipment of 200,000 doses of Covishield vaccine has already left for the European country, Brazil, on Friday morning. In addition to this, 100,000 doses were also exported to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles packed in an Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft. #WATCH Mumbai: Indian Navy P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft will supply 1 lakh dosages of #COVID19 vaccine to Mauritius and 50,000 dosages to Seychelles. The consignment will be first delivered to Seychelles and then to Mauritius. pic.twitter.com/3reSjxSOLB — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2021 × Brazil's Foreign Affairs minister took to Twitter to thank India and Jaishankar for keeping Brazil in the priority list of receiving the coronavirus vaccine. "The government of India has placed Brazil on the highest priority: we are one of the first two countries to receive vaccines against Covid purchased in India," he tweeted. (translated text) The Brazilian Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago also thanked Serum Institute of India (SII) for the doses of vaccine and the 'professionalism' demonstrated during the transportation. "Thank you @SerumInstIndia for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil & immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support," the tweet read. “Thank you @SerumInstIndia for the amazing professionalism demonstrated while shipping this batch of #OxfordAstraZeneca vaccines to Brazil & immense appreciation for and thanks to the Government of India for their support” — Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago pic.twitter.com/za4ThUb9Z7 — Brazil in India (@BrazilEmbassyIN) January 22, 2021 × WATCH| Jair Bolsonaro, the President of Brazil, also acknowledged India's supply of vaccines and thanked the Indian government. "The government of India has released vaccine exports against Covid-19, and the first shipments will be sent this Friday to Brazil and Morocco, said the secretary of Foreign Affairs from India," he tweeted. India has already supplied consignment of 1 million samples of the coronavirus vaccine, almost a week after it requested India to keep Nepal in priority.

India starts export of coronavirus vaccine to Brazil, Mauritius; Brazil thanks for 'professionalism'

Ahead of India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-provide-covid-19-vaccine-free-to-people-of-delhi-if-centre-fails-to-do-so-kejriwal-356496">vaccination</a> drive on January 16, Odisha government said today that 1.90 lakhs health care workers will be vaccinated in the first phase as coronavirus vaccines arrived in the state.&nbsp;

Watch:

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Bhubaneswar municipal commissioner Prem Chandra Choudhary said that for the first phase of vaccination 9,000 health workers will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-bharat-biotech-to-supply-its-covid-19-vaccine-to-brazil-356520">vaccinated </a>with five locations under operation.

West Bengal also received its consignment of Serum Institute of India's "Covishield" vaccine which reached Siliguri. Rajashtan also received its coronavirus vaccine after it reached Jaipur.

The first batch of the vaccine reached Kerala after it arrived at Thiruvananthapuram from Pune even as the state reported 6,004 new coronavirus cases which included over 65,000 active cases.

Meanwhile, India's ministry of health said, "This is an initial lot of supply of vaccine doses and would be continuously replenished in the weeks to come," adding, "any apprehension being expressed on account of deficient supply is totally baseless and unfounded."

"Full initial procurement amount of 1.65 cr doses of&nbsp;"Covishield" &amp; "Covaxin"&nbsp;vaccines allocated to all states and Union territories in proportion of health care workers database," it said.

"There is no question of discrimination against any state in the allocation of vaccine doses," the MHA added.

The first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-vaccine-hesitancy-mistrust-could-threaten-limit-coronavirus-vaccine-rollout-356515">vaccine</a> consignment also reached Jammu as the director of health services said that it is the first time that such an activity will be undertaken for the general mass.&nbsp;

Dr Samiran Panda, ICMR's head of ECD division, said: "Herd immunity produced by vaccination is a good idea but when the virus mutates, immunity might not be working against it even if it is adrift."

With ANI inputs

Ahead of India's vaccination drive on January 16, Odisha government said today that 1.90 lakhs health care workers will be vaccinated in the first phase as coronavirus vaccines arrived in the state.

Ahead of India's vaccination drive on January 16, Odisha government said today that 1.90 lakhs health care workers will be vaccinated in the first phase as coronavirus vaccines arrived in the state. Watch: Bhubaneswar municipal commissioner Prem Chandra Choudhary said that for the first phase of vaccination 9,000 health workers will be vaccinated with five locations under operation. West Bengal also received its consignment of Serum Institute of India's "Covishield" vaccine which reached Siliguri. Rajashtan also received its coronavirus vaccine after it reached Jaipur. The first batch of the vaccine reached Kerala after it arrived at Thiruvananthapuram from Pune even as the state reported 6,004 new coronavirus cases which included over 65,000 active cases. Meanwhile, India's ministry of health said, "This is an initial lot of supply of vaccine doses and would be continuously replenished in the weeks to come," adding, "any apprehension being expressed on account of deficient supply is totally baseless and unfounded." "Full initial procurement amount of 1.65 cr doses of "Covishield" & "Covaxin" vaccines allocated to all states and Union territories in proportion of health care workers database," it said. "There is no question of discrimination against any state in the allocation of vaccine doses," the MHA added. The first vaccine consignment also reached Jammu as the director of health services said that it is the first time that such an activity will be undertaken for the general mass. Dr Samiran Panda, ICMR's head of ECD division, said: "Herd immunity produced by vaccination is a good idea but when the virus mutates, immunity might not be working against it even if it is adrift." With ANI inputs

Indian states Odisha, West Bengal receive Serum Institute of India's Covishield vaccine

With coronavirus vaccines in the spotlight, it appears that the biggest challenge govts around the world may face is vaccine hesitancy.

Concerns over safety and the efficacy of the vaccines have been high in common public and could pose a challenge for the governments in carrying out the vaccination.

That hesitancy was most prevalent in Russia, with just 15% of people surveyed willing to get vaccinated as soon as possible and only a further 25% comfortable with the idea of doing so within a year.

In the US, it found a total of 59% of people were willing to get vaccinated within a year with just 33% happy to do so as soon as possible. The highest levels of trust were recorded in India, with 51% looking forward to taking up the vaccine opportunity immediately and a further 29% within a year, for a total of 80%.

In India, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it.

“I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

With coronavirus vaccines in the spotlight, it appears that the biggest challenge govts around the world may face is vaccine hesitancy. Concerns over safety and the efficacy of the vaccines have been high in common public and could pose a challenge for the governments in carrying out the vaccination.

With coronavirus vaccines in the spotlight, it appears that the biggest challenge govts around the world may face is vaccine hesitancy. Concerns over safety and the efficacy of the vaccines have been high in common public and could pose a challenge for the governments in carrying out the vaccination. That hesitancy was most prevalent in Russia, with just 15% of people surveyed willing to get vaccinated as soon as possible and only a further 25% comfortable with the idea of doing so within a year. In the US, it found a total of 59% of people were willing to get vaccinated within a year with just 33% happy to do so as soon as possible. The highest levels of trust were recorded in India, with 51% looking forward to taking up the vaccine opportunity immediately and a further 29% within a year, for a total of 80%. In India, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. “I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Covid vaccine hesitancy: Mistrust could threaten, limit coronavirus vaccine rollout

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, the&nbsp;Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has claimed the vaccine will be available free of cost in India.

"Not just in Delhi, it (vaccine) will be free across India," Dr Vardhan said while speaking to the local media.

His statement came after he visited a hospital in the capital city New Delhi to review the situation before India begins a mass vaccination drive. When he was asked if the vaccine will be available free of cost for the locals of Delhi, he claimed all Indians will be administered the shot free of cost.

He also took to Twitter to confirm the news. "In 1st phase of #COVID19Vaccination free #vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare &amp; 2 crore frontline workers," he tweeted. "Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In 1st phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Vaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Vaccination</a> free <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vaccine</a> shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare &amp; 2 crore frontline workers 
Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised <a href="https://t.co/K7NrzGrgk3">pic.twitter.com/K7NrzGrgk3</a>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1345265266767237120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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New Delhi has three dry run centres: GTB hospital, Daryaganj and Srinivaspuri, Vardhan visited the GTB hospital on Saturday morning to check the staff's preparedness and review the situation.

The announcement has come as India awaits approval for emergency use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.&nbsp;

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has claimed the vaccine will be available free of cost in India.

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has claimed the vaccine will be available free of cost in India. "Not just in Delhi, it (vaccine) will be free across India," Dr Vardhan said while speaking to the local media. His statement came after he visited a hospital in the capital city New Delhi to review the situation before India begins a mass vaccination drive. When he was asked if the vaccine will be available free of cost for the locals of Delhi, he claimed all Indians will be administered the shot free of cost. He also took to Twitter to confirm the news. "In 1st phase of #COVID19Vaccination free #vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare & 2 crore frontline workers," he tweeted. "Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised." In 1st phase of #COVID19Vaccination free #vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare & 2 crore frontline workers Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised pic.twitter.com/K7NrzGrgk3 — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 2, 2021 × New Delhi has three dry run centres: GTB hospital, Daryaganj and Srinivaspuri, Vardhan visited the GTB hospital on Saturday morning to check the staff's preparedness and review the situation. The announcement has come as India awaits approval for emergency use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

Coronavirus vaccine will be available free of cost in India: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country,&nbsp;Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people&nbsp;not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. 
 
“I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Vardhan, who visited two mock vaccination sites in Delhi to review the drill, said the free vaccine would be provided in the first phase of the inoculation drive to the most prioritised beneficiaries, including one crore healthcare and two crore frontline workers.

He added that details of how 27 crore priority beneficiaries -- those above 50 years of age and those below it having comorbidities -- would be vaccinated until July were being finalised.

The minister dispelled doubts regarding the country's capability to undertake such a massive vaccination drive, describing how India had unparalleled experience in dealing with immunisation and run one of the largest such programs in the world.

"It is as a result of our steadfastness and dedication that India was declared polio-free in 2014. Our rich learning from the earlier immunisation drives, including the polio vaccination campaign, is being used to guide our present countrywide COVID-19 vaccination campaign," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it.

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. “I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Vardhan, who visited two mock vaccination sites in Delhi to review the drill, said the free vaccine would be provided in the first phase of the inoculation drive to the most prioritised beneficiaries, including one crore healthcare and two crore frontline workers. He added that details of how 27 crore priority beneficiaries -- those above 50 years of age and those below it having comorbidities -- would be vaccinated until July were being finalised. The minister dispelled doubts regarding the country's capability to undertake such a massive vaccination drive, describing how India had unparalleled experience in dealing with immunisation and run one of the largest such programs in the world. "It is as a result of our steadfastness and dedication that India was declared polio-free in 2014. Our rich learning from the earlier immunisation drives, including the polio vaccination campaign, is being used to guide our present countrywide COVID-19 vaccination campaign," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine hesitancy: Dr Harsh Vardhan urges people not to pay heed to rumours

Expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India. The panel has recommended AstraZeneca vaccine with certain conditions. The vaccine is being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine.

India: Expert panel recommends use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccine expert committee in India met today. Dry run for coronavirus vaccination in India is on January 2. Watch this video to know more.

India: Dry run for coronavirus vaccination on January 2