India has begun the commercial export of the COVID-19 vaccines. A shipment with 2 million Covishield doses has reached Brazil.

India begins commercial export of vaccines; 2 million doses of vaccine reaches Brazil

India has allowed commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country from Friday. Brazil and Morocco will be the first two countries that are getting the commercial contracted supplies of 20 lakh doses each with flights leaving at 4.15 am IST and 8 am IST, respectively tomorrow.&nbsp;

Remember Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for vaccines. In a letter, he said, "Brazilian government has launched the National Immunization Program against Covid-19" and "Among the vaccines selected by the Brazilian government, are those from the Indian company Bharat Biotech International Limited (Covaxin) and AstraZeneca and&nbsp;the University of Oxford (Covishield), also produced by the Serum Institute of India."

Also read | <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>

The commercial supply of vaccines to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is expected to commence shortly. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh have contracted 30 million doses of vaccines from India. South African govt earlier this week announced that they will be getting one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine--Covshield from Pune-based Serum Institute of India.

Commercial supplies begin 7 days after India began its own countrywide vaccination program in which almost 10 lakh Indians have been vaccinated. On Wednesday began gifting made in India vaccines to countries in the region as part of its neighbourhood-first policy. Seven countries are getting vaccines under what is being referred to as New Delhi's "Vaccine diplomacy". These are Bhutan (150,000), Maldives (100,000), Nepal (One million), Bangladesh (2 million), Myanmar (1.5 M), Seychelles (50,000), Mauritius (100,000), the last 3 countries will get on Friday.

Regulatory approvals from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka is awaited even as officials from both sides are in touch for India's vaccine.&nbsp;

And not just vaccine, India is also providing training. For 2 days, from 19th to 20th India trained Healthcare Personnel of 13 countries in administering Covid-19 vaccines. These were Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bahrain, Brazil, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The national and provincial- level Government officials, cold chain officials, and partners from WHO and UNICEF participated.

Amid the pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by supplying medicines such as HCQ and paracetamol to 150 countries. 60% of global vaccines are produced in India, with the World health organization sourcing 70% of its essential immunization vaccine from the country. India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines globally.

India has allowed commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country from Friday. Brazil and Morocco will be the first two countries that are getting the commercial contracted supplies of 20 lakh doses each with flights leaving at 4.

India has allowed commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines being manufactured in the country from Friday. Brazil and Morocco will be the first two countries that are getting the commercial contracted supplies of 20 lakh doses each with flights leaving at 4.15 am IST and 8 am IST, respectively tomorrow. Remember Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for vaccines. In a letter, he said, "Brazilian government has launched the National Immunization Program against Covid-19" and "Among the vaccines selected by the Brazilian government, are those from the Indian company Bharat Biotech International Limited (Covaxin) and AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford (Covishield), also produced by the Serum Institute of India." Also read | India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines The commercial supply of vaccines to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is expected to commence shortly. Both Myanmar and Bangladesh have contracted 30 million doses of vaccines from India. South African govt earlier this week announced that they will be getting one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine in January and 500,000 doses in February of the Oxford University-Astrazeneca vaccine--Covshield from Pune-based Serum Institute of India. Commercial supplies begin 7 days after India began its own countrywide vaccination program in which almost 10 lakh Indians have been vaccinated. On Wednesday began gifting made in India vaccines to countries in the region as part of its neighbourhood-first policy. Seven countries are getting vaccines under what is being referred to as New Delhi's "Vaccine diplomacy". These are Bhutan (150,000), Maldives (100,000), Nepal (One million), Bangladesh (2 million), Myanmar (1.5 M), Seychelles (50,000), Mauritius (100,000), the last 3 countries will get on Friday. Regulatory approvals from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka is awaited even as officials from both sides are in touch for India's vaccine. And not just vaccine, India is also providing training. For 2 days, from 19th to 20th India trained Healthcare Personnel of 13 countries in administering Covid-19 vaccines. These were Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Bahrain, Brazil, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. The national and provincial- level Government officials, cold chain officials, and partners from WHO and UNICEF participated. Amid the pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by supplying medicines such as HCQ and paracetamol to 150 countries. 60% of global vaccines are produced in India, with the World health organization sourcing 70% of its essential immunization vaccine from the country. India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines globally.

India allows commercial export of Covid-19 vaccines from Friday; first stop Brazil, Morocco

Most medical experts agree that vaccines are not silver bullets and the events in recent days further corroborate this theory.

In Israel, more than 12,000 people tested positive despite receiving the shot.&nbsp;

As many as 69 people had taken the second dose as well.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-pfizers-vaccine-safe-to-use-as-concerns-rise-post-norway-deaths-358575">WHO says Pfizer's vaccine safe to use as concerns rise post Norway deaths</a>

In Norway, 23 people died after getting vaccinated.&nbsp;

In both cases, the jab in question was Pfizer-BioNTech.&nbsp;

And now in addition to all these questions about efficacy, the company is facing a new challenge: shortages.

Pfizer is not being able to deliver the bulk orders placed by various governments across the world.

This delay could have a major impact on the global vaccination drive and this report will attempt to decode this.&nbsp;

The global vaccination campaign has hit a predictable snag with shipments arriving late and order volumes declining by half.

Pfizer's vaccine delivery has fallen 15 per cent this week and is expected to drop by 30 per cent in February.

The European Union bet big on Pfizer, ordering nearly 300 million doses and the shortage threatens to derail their immunisation drive.

This is prompting some member states like Hungary using fast-tracking alternatives, including vaccines by Russia's Sputnik V and AstraZeneca-Oxford.&nbsp;

While Romania and Poland are only getting half the doses they ordered, Italy has been told to expect a 20 per cent cut in the supply.&nbsp;

Europe's vaccination drive which was off to a rapid start has now slowed to a crawl.

<h2>What's stalling the production chain?</h2>

Pfizer claims the stall is a part of a new plan to increase output.

It is renovating a factory in Brussels to produce more doses.

Meanwhile, output was expected to fall, but the disruption is lasting longer than expected.

<h2>No time to wait</h2>

Countries simply can't afford to wait especially with the emergence of potent virus mutations.&nbsp;

Also, Pfizer's vaccine is delivered in two doses and the second one is key to developing complete immunity.

The delay means there is a risk of people not getting their second dose on time.

Elsewhere, Canada will not get even a single dose of Pfizer's vaccine from next week.

It's another blow to the country's already dismal roll-out.

However, Pfizer estimates that the deficit will be covered by next week.

The pace of the vaccination drive is crucial to taming the pandemic and momentum is key in the race to develop herd immunity.

Delays, even temporary ones, can set the vaccination programme back by weeks. 
&nbsp;

Most medical experts agree that vaccines are not silver bullets and the events in recent days further corroborate this theory. In Israel, more than 12,000 people tested positive despite receiving the shot.

Most medical experts agree that vaccines are not silver bullets and the events in recent days further corroborate this theory. In Israel, more than 12,000 people tested positive despite receiving the shot. As many as 69 people had taken the second dose as well. Also read | WHO says Pfizer's vaccine safe to use as concerns rise post Norway deaths In Norway, 23 people died after getting vaccinated. In both cases, the jab in question was Pfizer-BioNTech. And now in addition to all these questions about efficacy, the company is facing a new challenge: shortages. Pfizer is not being able to deliver the bulk orders placed by various governments across the world. This delay could have a major impact on the global vaccination drive and this report will attempt to decode this. The global vaccination campaign has hit a predictable snag with shipments arriving late and order volumes declining by half. Pfizer's vaccine delivery has fallen 15 per cent this week and is expected to drop by 30 per cent in February. The European Union bet big on Pfizer, ordering nearly 300 million doses and the shortage threatens to derail their immunisation drive. This is prompting some member states like Hungary using fast-tracking alternatives, including vaccines by Russia's Sputnik V and AstraZeneca-Oxford. While Romania and Poland are only getting half the doses they ordered, Italy has been told to expect a 20 per cent cut in the supply. Europe's vaccination drive which was off to a rapid start has now slowed to a crawl. What's stalling the production chain? Pfizer claims the stall is a part of a new plan to increase output. It is renovating a factory in Brussels to produce more doses. Meanwhile, output was expected to fall, but the disruption is lasting longer than expected. No time to wait Countries simply can't afford to wait especially with the emergence of potent virus mutations. Also, Pfizer's vaccine is delivered in two doses and the second one is key to developing complete immunity. The delay means there is a risk of people not getting their second dose on time. Elsewhere, Canada will not get even a single dose of Pfizer's vaccine from next week. It's another blow to the country's already dismal roll-out. However, Pfizer estimates that the deficit will be covered by next week. The pace of the vaccination drive is crucial to taming the pandemic and momentum is key in the race to develop herd immunity. Delays, even temporary ones, can set the vaccination programme back by weeks.

Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine raised hopes, but supply, efficacy concerns are hurting

Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>&nbsp;to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China's dominance in the region.&nbsp;

In Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, free shipments of Covid-19 vaccines of Oxford-AstraZeneca, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, have started arriving.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-gifts-covid-19-vaccine-doses-to-its-neighbours-358367/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Soon, Myanmar and Seychelles will also receive coronavirus jabs as India pushes ahead with vaccine diplomacy.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-receive-coronavirus-jab-in-second-phase-reports-358347">PM Narendra Modi to receive coronavirus jab in second phase: Reports</a>

"The government of India has shown goodwill by providing the vaccine in grant. This is at the people's level, it is the public who are suffering the most from COVID-19," Nepal's Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

India has started providing vaccines to its Himalayan neighbour Nepal despite strained ties that have worsened post-Nepal's inclusion of Indian territories in its map.&nbsp;

New Delhi on Thursday officially handed over 2 million doses of Covid-19 jabs to Bangladesh as a gift.&nbsp;

"India had stood by Bangladesh during the (1971) Liberation War, and today, when the pandemic is rattling the world, India again came with gifts of vaccines," Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was reported as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Earlier, Bangladesh was supposed to get 110,000 doses of vaccine free from Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech, but the country rejected to bear the development cost causing a deadlock.&nbsp;

A government source told Reuters that India is mulling over providing about 12 million to 20 million shots to its neighbours in the first wave of assistance in the next three to four weeks.&nbsp;

India is also helping some of these countries by providing them training to administer vaccines and setting up facilities to help in the rollout, the source added.&nbsp;

Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of coronavirus vaccines to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China's dominance in the region.

Several neighbouring countries praised India as the country starts giving millions of coronavirus vaccines to South Asian nations, a move that also counters China's dominance in the region. In Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, free shipments of Covid-19 vaccines of Oxford-AstraZeneca, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest producer of vaccines, have started arriving. Watch | Soon, Myanmar and Seychelles will also receive coronavirus jabs as India pushes ahead with vaccine diplomacy. Also read | PM Narendra Modi to receive coronavirus jab in second phase: Reports "The government of India has shown goodwill by providing the vaccine in grant. This is at the people's level, it is the public who are suffering the most from COVID-19," Nepal's Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. India has started providing vaccines to its Himalayan neighbour Nepal despite strained ties that have worsened post-Nepal's inclusion of Indian territories in its map. New Delhi on Thursday officially handed over 2 million doses of Covid-19 jabs to Bangladesh as a gift. "India had stood by Bangladesh during the (1971) Liberation War, and today, when the pandemic is rattling the world, India again came with gifts of vaccines," Bangladesh foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was reported as saying by news agency PTI. Earlier, Bangladesh was supposed to get 110,000 doses of vaccine free from Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech, but the country rejected to bear the development cost causing a deadlock. A government source told Reuters that India is mulling over providing about 12 million to 20 million shots to its neighbours in the first wave of assistance in the next three to four weeks. India is also helping some of these countries by providing them training to administer vaccines and setting up facilities to help in the rollout, the source added.

India's vaccine diplomacy earns praise from South Asian neighbours as Chinese dominance declines

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>will receive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>in the second phase of the mass vaccination drive launched last week, sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Over 700,000 people had registered in India to receive the jabs of the two vaccines approved by the Indian regulator, but a lot of people have so far not taken the jabs over what appears to be "vaccine hesitancy".

The first phase that aims to inoculate frontline workers began on January 16 and the target was to vaccinate 30 million people.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-five-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-at-worlds-biggest-vaccine-manufacturer-in-pune-358300">At least five dead as fire breaks out at world's biggest vaccine manufacturer in Pune</a>

In the second phase, people above 50 years of age and with co-morbidities will receive Covid-19 jabs.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-seychelles-to-get-made-in-india-vaccine-on-friday-358291">Myanmar, Seychelles to get Made in India vaccine on Friday</a>

A report claimed that all chief ministers and elected representatives will also be immunised in the next phase.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Indian prime minister will also interact with beneficiaries of the vaccination drive in Varanasi on Friday via video conferencing.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Thursday that people will share their first-hand experience with Modi.

It also said that the PM's interaction follows his continuous engagement with scientists, political leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth conduct of the vaccination drive across the country proactively.&nbsp;

"The world's largest vaccination drive is underway in India. Our frontline warriors are getting vaccinated across the nation. At 1:15 PM tomorrow, 22nd January, I would interact with beneficiaries and vaccinators of Covid vaccination drive in Varanasi, via video conferencing," Modi wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive coronavirus vaccine in the second phase of the mass vaccination drive launched last week, sources said on Thursday. Over 700,000 people had registered in India to receive the jabs of the two vaccines approved by the Indian regulator, but a lot of people have so far not taken the jabs over what appears to be "vaccine hesitancy".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive coronavirus vaccine in the second phase of the mass vaccination drive launched last week, sources said on Thursday. Over 700,000 people had registered in India to receive the jabs of the two vaccines approved by the Indian regulator, but a lot of people have so far not taken the jabs over what appears to be "vaccine hesitancy". The first phase that aims to inoculate frontline workers began on January 16 and the target was to vaccinate 30 million people. Also read | At least five dead as fire breaks out at world's biggest vaccine manufacturer in Pune In the second phase, people above 50 years of age and with co-morbidities will receive Covid-19 jabs. Also read | Myanmar, Seychelles to get Made in India vaccine on Friday A report claimed that all chief ministers and elected representatives will also be immunised in the next phase. Meanwhile, the Indian prime minister will also interact with beneficiaries of the vaccination drive in Varanasi on Friday via video conferencing. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Thursday that people will share their first-hand experience with Modi. It also said that the PM's interaction follows his continuous engagement with scientists, political leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth conduct of the vaccination drive across the country proactively. "The world's largest vaccination drive is underway in India. Our frontline warriors are getting vaccinated across the nation. At 1:15 PM tomorrow, 22nd January, I would interact with beneficiaries and vaccinators of Covid vaccination drive in Varanasi, via video conferencing," Modi wrote in a tweet.

PM Narendra Modi to receive coronavirus jab in second phase: Reports

Norway on Monday said that there had no link between Pfizer-BioNTech's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccine </a>and post-vaccination deaths in the country.

According to the data, from the time Norway began its vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has seen 33 deaths among elderly population who have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/29-dead-in-norway-after-covid-19-vaccination-heres-the-report-357432/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Camilla Stoltenberg, the director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Camilla Stoltenberg told reporters that of the 13 cases analysed so far, the causes of the people who died were "advanced age", "serious illnesses" and frailty.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-108-year-old-woman-receives-coronavirus-vaccine-357575">Italy: 108-year-old woman receives coronavirus vaccine</a>

"It is important to remember that on average about 45 people die every day at nursing homes in Norway, so it's not given that this represents any excess mortality or that they are related to the vaccines," Stoltenberg, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

However, Norway has asked doctors to consider individually whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the vaccine or not as is done in other nations.&nbsp;

"It's not impossible that some of those who have gotten the vaccine are so frail that maybe you should have reconsidered and not given them the vaccine, because they are so sick that they might have become worse from the normal side effects as the body reacts and builds up immunity," she said.&nbsp;

Last week, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said that normal side effects from messenger RNA vaccines, which includes fever and nausea "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients".&nbsp;

Several countries, including Norway's neighbours, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland have reported deaths after receiving jabs but no direct links have been established yet.&nbsp;

On Monday Pfizer and BioNTech told AFP they were "working with the Norwegian Medicines Agency to gather all the relevant information". 
&nbsp;

Norway on Monday said that there had no link between Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine and post-vaccination deaths in the country. According to the data, from the time Norway began its vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has seen 33 deaths among elderly population who have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

Norway on Monday said that there had no link between Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine and post-vaccination deaths in the country. According to the data, from the time Norway began its vaccination campaign at the end of December, the country has seen 33 deaths among elderly population who have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Watch | Camilla Stoltenberg, the director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Camilla Stoltenberg told reporters that of the 13 cases analysed so far, the causes of the people who died were "advanced age", "serious illnesses" and frailty. Also read | Italy: 108-year-old woman receives coronavirus vaccine "It is important to remember that on average about 45 people die every day at nursing homes in Norway, so it's not given that this represents any excess mortality or that they are related to the vaccines," Stoltenberg, was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. However, Norway has asked doctors to consider individually whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the vaccine or not as is done in other nations. "It's not impossible that some of those who have gotten the vaccine are so frail that maybe you should have reconsidered and not given them the vaccine, because they are so sick that they might have become worse from the normal side effects as the body reacts and builds up immunity," she said. Last week, the Norwegian Medicines Agency said that normal side effects from messenger RNA vaccines, which includes fever and nausea "may have contributed to a fatal outcome in some frail patients". Several countries, including Norway's neighbours, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland have reported deaths after receiving jabs but no direct links have been established yet. On Monday Pfizer and BioNTech told AFP they were "working with the Norwegian Medicines Agency to gather all the relevant information".

No link between Covid-19 vaccine and post-inoculation deaths: Norway

Actor Steve Martin on Sunday revealed that he had received what is assumed to be his first round of COVID-19 vaccination, which was the good news. Martin, though added that there was bad news too. 
&nbsp; 
Martin took to Twitter and said, "Good news/Bad news. Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I`m 75. Ha! The operation in NYC was smooth as silk (sorry about the cliche @BCDreyer!) and hosted to perfection by the US Army and National Guard. Thank you all, and thank you science.."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Good news/Bad news. Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I’m 75. Ha! The operation in NYC was smooth as silk (sorry about the cliché <a href="https://twitter.com/BCDreyer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCDreyer</a>!) and hosted to perfection by the US Army and National Guard. Thank you all, and thank you science.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo/status/1350848052379189249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Martin explained to another user where he went ("I signed up ON line through an NYC dot gov website [sorry I don`t have the exact site], and waited IN line at the Javits Center") before cracking a joke to a different user.&nbsp; 
 
"Right now, I`m having no fide resects," he quipped. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the `Father of the Bride` star has made it a point to make people laugh amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. His Twitter profile picture is of the actor wearing two masks that cover his whole face.

 
Earlier in September, Martin made headlines when he had people in stitches after he posted about making sure he could still be recognised while wearing a mask out and about."I always wear a mask when I go outside. But something about it was leaving me anxious and unsettled. I thought about the problem, addressed it, and here is the solution," wrote the comic and actor, along with a picture of him wearing a sign over his hear that read: `Steve Martin` with an arrow pointing down.&nbsp;

Actor Steve Martin on Sunday revealed that he had received what is assumed to be his first round of COVID-19 vaccination, which was the good news. Martin, though added that there was bad news too.

Actor Steve Martin on Sunday revealed that he had received what is assumed to be his first round of COVID-19 vaccination, which was the good news. Martin, though added that there was bad news too. Martin took to Twitter and said, "Good news/Bad news. Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I`m 75. Ha! The operation in NYC was smooth as silk (sorry about the cliche @BCDreyer!) and hosted to perfection by the US Army and National Guard. Thank you all, and thank you science.." Good news/Bad news. Good news: I just got vaccinated! Bad news: I got it because I’m 75. Ha! The operation in NYC was smooth as silk (sorry about the cliché @BCDreyer!) and hosted to perfection by the US Army and National Guard. Thank you all, and thank you science. — Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) January 17, 2021 × Martin explained to another user where he went ("I signed up ON line through an NYC dot gov website [sorry I don`t have the exact site], and waited IN line at the Javits Center") before cracking a joke to a different user. "Right now, I`m having no fide resects," he quipped. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the `Father of the Bride` star has made it a point to make people laugh amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. His Twitter profile picture is of the actor wearing two masks that cover his whole face. Earlier in September, Martin made headlines when he had people in stitches after he posted about making sure he could still be recognised while wearing a mask out and about."I always wear a mask when I go outside. But something about it was leaving me anxious and unsettled. I thought about the problem, addressed it, and here is the solution," wrote the comic and actor, along with a picture of him wearing a sign over his hear that read: `Steve Martin` with an arrow pointing down.

Steve Martin reveals he has got COVID-19 vaccination, reminds fans he's old

After surviving coronavirus infection months ago, a 108-year-old Italian woman has received coronavirus vaccine on Monday, thereby becoming one of the oldest people in the world to get inoculated.&nbsp;

Fatima Negrini, who will turn 109 on June 3, received the jab along with other residents of the Anni Azzurri San Faustino care home in Milan, a spokesman told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-lancaster-university-researchers-develop-nasal-spray-covid-vaccine-357497/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier when the 108-year-old defected the virus last year, she said: "God forgot about me" as quoted by the Corriere della Sera newspaper.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-turns-to-flower-power-to-help-spread-vaccine-message-353005">Italy turns to flower power to help spread vaccine message</a>

On Monday, Sami Modiano, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor from Rome, also received Covid-19 vaccine according to regional president and leader of the centre-left Democratic Party Nicola Zingaretti.

Zingaretti shared the picture of the 90-year-old getting the jab on Twitter, describing it as "an image of trust and hope for everybody".

Meanwhile, Italy ranks third in the world following the US and the UK respectively to give the most number of coronavirus doses to its people with 1.15 million doses, according to a report by AFP.&nbsp;

Italy on Monday confirmed 377 Covid-19 deaths, the same it witnessed a day before, the health ministry said.

The daily tally of new infections dropped to 8,824 from 12,545 taking the total infections to 2.39 million.&nbsp;

Italy has recorded 82,554 coronavirus deaths, the second-highest toll in Europe and the sixth-highest globally.&nbsp;

After surviving coronavirus infection months ago, a 108-year-old Italian woman has received coronavirus vaccine on Monday, thereby becoming one of the oldest people in the world to get inoculated.

After surviving coronavirus infection months ago, a 108-year-old Italian woman has received coronavirus vaccine on Monday, thereby becoming one of the oldest people in the world to get inoculated. Fatima Negrini, who will turn 109 on June 3, received the jab along with other residents of the Anni Azzurri San Faustino care home in Milan, a spokesman told news agency AFP. Watch | Earlier when the 108-year-old defected the virus last year, she said: "God forgot about me" as quoted by the Corriere della Sera newspaper. Also read | Italy turns to flower power to help spread vaccine message On Monday, Sami Modiano, a 90-year-old Holocaust survivor from Rome, also received Covid-19 vaccine according to regional president and leader of the centre-left Democratic Party Nicola Zingaretti. Zingaretti shared the picture of the 90-year-old getting the jab on Twitter, describing it as "an image of trust and hope for everybody". Meanwhile, Italy ranks third in the world following the US and the UK respectively to give the most number of coronavirus doses to its people with 1.15 million doses, according to a report by AFP. Italy on Monday confirmed 377 Covid-19 deaths, the same it witnessed a day before, the health ministry said. The daily tally of new infections dropped to 8,824 from 12,545 taking the total infections to 2.39 million. Italy has recorded 82,554 coronavirus deaths, the second-highest toll in Europe and the sixth-highest globally.

Italy: 108-year-old woman receives coronavirus vaccine

A day after India began the biggest coronavirus vaccine drive for locals, its neighbouring country, Nepal, has lauded the South Asian country as&nbsp;frontrunner.

Kathmandu, on Sunday, claimed India's vaccine drive has given the Oli government "great hope"&nbsp;and Nepal's&nbsp;Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has requested India's vaccine for Nepal locals now.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-person-to-receive-covid-19-vaccine-in-india-urges-everyone-to-go-for-it-357159" hreflang="en">First person to receive COVID-19 vaccine in India urges everyone to 'go for it'</a>

"Today as we wait for the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, India is one of the frontrunners. This has given us great hope. I take this opportunity to congratulate India and its innovative companies for success. Being next door, we believe we too will be availing these vaccines,"&nbsp;Gyawali said during an event of&nbsp;Indian Council of World Affairs.

India, through a press release, has accepted the request.&nbsp;"Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in the production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal," the release read.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-vaccine-border-issue-discussed-during-india-nepal-talks-in-delhi-357059" hreflang="en">Covid vaccine, border issue discussed during India-Nepal talks in Delhi</a>

As per a report by an Indian media house, Hindustan Times, the Indian government has&nbsp;they will be provided with these vaccines on priority saying the "requirements of Nepal would be in priority consideration after the roll-out of vaccines."

It also claimed that the Indian government will be announcing&nbsp;the supply schedule of the vaccines in the coming week. This decision was, as per the report, conveyed to&nbsp;Gyawali during his recent India visit.&nbsp;

This has come a day after Nepal approved emergency use of the Covishield vaccine,&nbsp;developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

A day after India began the biggest coronavirus vaccine drive for locals, its neighbouring country, Nepal, has lauded the South Asian country as frontrunner. Kathmandu, on Sunday, claimed India's vaccine drive has given the Oli government "great hope" and Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has requested India's vaccine for Nepal locals now.

A day after India began the biggest coronavirus vaccine drive for locals, its neighbouring country, Nepal, has lauded the South Asian country as frontrunner. Kathmandu, on Sunday, claimed India's vaccine drive has given the Oli government "great hope" and Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has requested India's vaccine for Nepal locals now. Also read| First person to receive COVID-19 vaccine in India urges everyone to 'go for it' "Today as we wait for the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, India is one of the frontrunners. This has given us great hope. I take this opportunity to congratulate India and its innovative companies for success. Being next door, we believe we too will be availing these vaccines," Gyawali said during an event of Indian Council of World Affairs. India, through a press release, has accepted the request. "Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in the production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal," the release read. Also read| Covid vaccine, border issue discussed during India-Nepal talks in Delhi As per a report by an Indian media house, Hindustan Times, the Indian government has they will be provided with these vaccines on priority saying the "requirements of Nepal would be in priority consideration after the roll-out of vaccines." It also claimed that the Indian government will be announcing the supply schedule of the vaccines in the coming week. This decision was, as per the report, conveyed to Gyawali during his recent India visit. This has come a day after Nepal approved emergency use of the Covishield vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Nepal requests India's COVID-19 vaccines on priority; India approves

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd said on Thursday that it will make COVAXX's COVID-19 vaccine candidate for India and UNICEF under a licensing deal. The Hyderabad based drugmaker also has non-exclusive rights to sell the vaccine. The COVAXX vaccine is currently undergoing early-stage trials.

COVAXX is a unit of United Biomedical Inc and it plans to carry out mid and late-stage trials for the vaccine in Asia, Latin America and the US. The trials will begin from early 2021. The company said that the vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperature and not freezing temperatures required for certain vaccines. This bit is considered beneficial for developing countries as storage at ultra-low temperatures needs setting up of specialist cold storage chains which may prove to be a challenge in developing world.

The licensing deal comes amid increasing COVID-19 cases in India.

Shares of Aurobindo Pharma rose as much as 2.3% and were trading up 1.4% as of 0403 GMT in an upbeat Mumbai market.

Aurobindo said it could currently produce 220 million doses, but is ramping up its facilities to reach a capacity of nearly 480 million by June 2021.

Its licensing deal comes as COVID-19 infections in India continue to rise after crossing 10 million last week. It's the second worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the United States.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that the country is likely to approve Oxford/AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use by next week.

India, the world's biggest vaccine producing country, is also considering emergency use authorization applications for vaccines made by Pfizer and local company Bharat Biotech.

(With agency inputs)

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd said on Thursday that it will make COVAXX's COVID-19 vaccine candidate for India and UNICEF under a licensing deal. The Hyderabad based drugmaker also has non-exclusive rights to sell the vaccine.

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd said on Thursday that it will make COVAXX's COVID-19 vaccine candidate for India and UNICEF under a licensing deal. The Hyderabad based drugmaker also has non-exclusive rights to sell the vaccine. The COVAXX vaccine is currently undergoing early-stage trials. COVAXX is a unit of United Biomedical Inc and it plans to carry out mid and late-stage trials for the vaccine in Asia, Latin America and the US. The trials will begin from early 2021. The company said that the vaccine requires ordinary refrigeration temperature and not freezing temperatures required for certain vaccines. This bit is considered beneficial for developing countries as storage at ultra-low temperatures needs setting up of specialist cold storage chains which may prove to be a challenge in developing world. The licensing deal comes amid increasing COVID-19 cases in India. Shares of Aurobindo Pharma rose as much as 2.3% and were trading up 1.4% as of 0403 GMT in an upbeat Mumbai market. Aurobindo said it could currently produce 220 million doses, but is ramping up its facilities to reach a capacity of nearly 480 million by June 2021. Its licensing deal comes as COVID-19 infections in India continue to rise after crossing 10 million last week. It's the second worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the United States. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the country is likely to approve Oxford/AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use by next week. India, the world's biggest vaccine producing country, is also considering emergency use authorization applications for vaccines made by Pfizer and local company Bharat Biotech. (With agency inputs)

Aurobindo Pharma to make COVAXX vaccine for India and UNICEF

About 13 people in Israel have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, the Health Ministry reported and estimates suggest that the real number could be higher.&nbsp;

Experts have raised questions whether the second dose is to be administered, but the Health Ministry is insisting that the second dose should be given.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"For at least 28 hours I walked around with it (facial paralysis)," one person who faced the side-effect told Ynet.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-european-unions-pfizer-vaccine-deliveries-to-be-delayed-for-next-3-4-weeks-356982">Covid-19: European Union's Pfizer vaccine deliveries to be delayed 'for next 3-4 weeks'</a>

"I can't say it was completely gone afterwards, but other than that I had no other pains, except a minor pain where the injection was but there was nothing beyond that."

He said that he is unsure on taking the second dose, but added it is "rare" and he doesn't want people to avoid getting inoculated.

"It's important," he said.&nbsp;

Prof. Galia Rahav, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Sheba Medical Center said that he recently came across a person experiencing facial paralysis after being administered with the vaccine and so he decided to not give the person the second dose.&nbsp;

"It is true that it can be given according to the Health Ministry, but I did not feel comfortable with it," Rahav said.&nbsp;

Ynet reported that the health ministry has said that the second dose should definitely be given once the condition of paralysis heals.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

About 13 people in Israel have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the coronavirus vaccine, the Health Ministry reported and estimates suggest that the real number could be higher.

About 13 people in Israel have experienced mild facial paralysis as a side effect after taking the coronavirus vaccine, the Health Ministry reported and estimates suggest that the real number could be higher. Experts have raised questions whether the second dose is to be administered, but the Health Ministry is insisting that the second dose should be given. Watch | "For at least 28 hours I walked around with it (facial paralysis)," one person who faced the side-effect told Ynet. Also read | Covid-19: European Union's Pfizer vaccine deliveries to be delayed 'for next 3-4 weeks' "I can't say it was completely gone afterwards, but other than that I had no other pains, except a minor pain where the injection was but there was nothing beyond that." He said that he is unsure on taking the second dose, but added it is "rare" and he doesn't want people to avoid getting inoculated. "It's important," he said. Prof. Galia Rahav, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Sheba Medical Center said that he recently came across a person experiencing facial paralysis after being administered with the vaccine and so he decided to not give the person the second dose. "It is true that it can be given according to the Health Ministry, but I did not feel comfortable with it," Rahav said. Ynet reported that the health ministry has said that the second dose should definitely be given once the condition of paralysis heals.

13 in Israel experience facial paralysis after receiving Covid-19 vaccine: Report

Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 jabs</a>, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-covid-19-vaccines-to-kickstart-brazilian-vaccination-program-356713">Indian Covid-19 vaccines to kickstart Brazilian vaccination program</a>

There were reports circulating that Francis received the vaccine on Wednesday, but the confirmation from the Vatican came on Thursday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The 84-year-old has constantly supported the importance of receiving the vaccine and called for an equitable distribution of the jab.&nbsp;

Media reports hinted of Pope Francis receiving the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which was authorised by the European Union on December 21 for use.&nbsp;

"There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," Francis earlier told Canale 5, urging people to take the vaccine.&nbsp;

In his Christmas message, he said vaccines should be available for all, especially the "most vulnerable".&nbsp;

Pope called for "vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet".

Earlier, the Vatican in December gave permission to Catholics to take Covid-19 jabs despite being developed from aborted foetuses.

Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received Covid-19 jabs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday. "The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

Pope Francis and his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI have received Covid-19 jabs, the Vatican confirmed on Thursday. "The first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus," spokesman Matteo Bruni was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Also read | Indian Covid-19 vaccines to kickstart Brazilian vaccination program There were reports circulating that Francis received the vaccine on Wednesday, but the confirmation from the Vatican came on Thursday. Watch | The 84-year-old has constantly supported the importance of receiving the vaccine and called for an equitable distribution of the jab. Media reports hinted of Pope Francis receiving the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which was authorised by the European Union on December 21 for use. "There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," Francis earlier told Canale 5, urging people to take the vaccine. In his Christmas message, he said vaccines should be available for all, especially the "most vulnerable". Pope called for "vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet". Earlier, the Vatican in December gave permission to Catholics to take Covid-19 jabs despite being developed from aborted foetuses.

Pope Francis, Benedict XVI receive coronavirus vaccines

The hopes of an inoculation drive in poor nations now hinge on access to vaccine supplies. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has redoubled pleas for vaccine makers to provide COVID-19 shots to its COVAX programme for poor nations.

WHO: Inoculation drive in poor nations hinges on vaccine supplies

Spain will continue to carry out its vaccination program as it was predicted despite the heavy snowfall. Rescue teams are delivering the COVID-19 vaccine and also food to areas that have been cut off by the snowstorm.

Snowstorm hit Spain goes ahead with vaccination drive

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip have received COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip receives COVID-19 vaccinations

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> produced by the US and the UK as "completely untrustworthy" and prohibited their import in the country.

"Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either," Khamenei wrote in a tweet on Friday.&nbsp;

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Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVaccine</a>
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/khamenei_ir/status/1347489585983610880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a televised speech, he also said that Washington and Britain are two worst-hit nations and therefore he has no confidence in the vaccines manufactured by these nations.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"If the Americans had managed to manufacture a vaccine, this coronavirus fiasco wouldn't have happened in their own country,” Rouhani was quoted as saying in the speech by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-increases-covid-vaccine-deal-with-pfizer-biontech-to-600-million-doses-355382">EU increases COVID vaccine deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to 600 million doses</a>

Iran is the worst-affected hit country by the pandemic in the Middle East and the first cases emerged in February 2020.&nbsp;

Earlier, Iran accused its arch-rival US of blocking its access to vaccines by enforcing tough sanctions regime.

Even though food and medicine are exempt from these sanctions, international banks tend to decline transactions that involve Iran.

Iranian President has said Washington had asked Tehran to pay for the drugs via US banks and said he feared the United States would seize the money.&nbsp;

Late in December, Iran announced the first phase of a clinical trial of an indigenous vaccine.&nbsp;

Tehran is also working to get 16.8 million doses of vaccines from COVAX, a global effort to provide vaccines by the World Health Organization.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday described coronavirus vaccines produced by the US and the UK as "completely untrustworthy" and prohibited their import in the country.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday described coronavirus vaccines produced by the US and the UK as "completely untrustworthy" and prohibited their import in the country. "Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either," Khamenei wrote in a tweet on Friday. Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations. Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either. #CoronaVaccine — Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) January 8, 2021 × In a televised speech, he also said that Washington and Britain are two worst-hit nations and therefore he has no confidence in the vaccines manufactured by these nations. Watch | "If the Americans had managed to manufacture a vaccine, this coronavirus fiasco wouldn't have happened in their own country,” Rouhani was quoted as saying in the speech by Al Jazeera. Also read | EU increases COVID vaccine deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to 600 million doses Iran is the worst-affected hit country by the pandemic in the Middle East and the first cases emerged in February 2020. Earlier, Iran accused its arch-rival US of blocking its access to vaccines by enforcing tough sanctions regime. Even though food and medicine are exempt from these sanctions, international banks tend to decline transactions that involve Iran. Iranian President has said Washington had asked Tehran to pay for the drugs via US banks and said he feared the United States would seize the money. Late in December, Iran announced the first phase of a clinical trial of an indigenous vaccine. Tehran is also working to get 16.8 million doses of vaccines from COVAX, a global effort to provide vaccines by the World Health Organization.

Iranian Supreme Leader announces ban on Covid-19 vaccines from US, UK

The European Union has scored a deal with the vaccine producer Pfizer-BioNTech to purchase additional&nbsp;300 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is double the number of doses being purchased from these companies.

"We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe &amp; effective #COVID19 vaccines," the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a press conference.

"We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU," she said. "They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the #BioNTech/ 
@Pfizer&nbsp;vaccine."

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We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe &amp; effective <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccines. 
 
We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU. 
 
They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BioNTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BioNTech</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> vaccine.<a href="https://t.co/vjZd0L17VL">https://t.co/vjZd0L17VL</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1347468965732360192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We have right now, access to 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. Now the good news is, we now have agreed with BioNTech/Pfizer to extend this contract. With the new agreement we could purchase a total of up to an additional 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-uk-variant-reported-in-ile-de-france-and-brittany-355374">WATCH|</a>

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This&nbsp;agreement includes a possible immediate order for 200 million doses and an additional option to buy another 100 million, the Commission said.

The announcement has come at a time when the European countries are struggling to contain the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus. Many countries have also started looking for vaccines from local producers, and some have also turned to Moderna Inc. Brazil's private clinics have taken a step further and requested for the usage of India's local vaccine, which was approved by the Indian government last week.

The European Union has scored a deal with the vaccine producer Pfizer-BioNTech to purchase additional 300 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is double the number of doses being purchased from these companies.

The European Union has scored a deal with the vaccine producer Pfizer-BioNTech to purchase additional 300 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, which is double the number of doses being purchased from these companies. "We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe & effective #COVID19 vaccines," the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a press conference. "We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU," she said. "They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the #BioNTech/ @Pfizer vaccine." We make sure Europeans have sufficient doses of safe & effective #COVID19 vaccines. We now enable EU countries to buy more doses of the 1st vaccine approved in EU. They can now buy up to 300 million more doses of the #BioNTech/@Pfizer vaccine.https://t.co/vjZd0L17VL — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 8, 2021 × "We have right now, access to 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. Now the good news is, we now have agreed with BioNTech/Pfizer to extend this contract. With the new agreement we could purchase a total of up to an additional 300 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine," she said. WATCH| × This agreement includes a possible immediate order for 200 million doses and an additional option to buy another 100 million, the Commission said. The announcement has come at a time when the European countries are struggling to contain the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus. Many countries have also started looking for vaccines from local producers, and some have also turned to Moderna Inc. Brazil's private clinics have taken a step further and requested for the usage of India's local vaccine, which was approved by the Indian government last week.

EU increases COVID vaccine deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to 600 million doses

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead.

However, politics and international relations don't work that way.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-fireworks-australia-new-zealand-welcome-2021-353638">With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key</a>

<h1>Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world.&nbsp;</h1>

<h2>Vaccine manufacturing</h2>

The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply.

The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson's subsidiary.&nbsp;

Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine.&nbsp;

Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University.&nbsp;

Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V.&nbsp;

India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines.&nbsp;

To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries.&nbsp;

It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us".

In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination.&nbsp;

<h2>Reviving the economy</h2>

This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track.

In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence.

The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission.

The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology.&nbsp;

<h2>The China challenge</h2>

China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold.

First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products.&nbsp;

Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh.

It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options.&nbsp;

India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC.&nbsp;

The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings.&nbsp;

<h2>A 5G alliance</h2>

In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology.&nbsp;

The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK.&nbsp;

Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology.&nbsp;

<h2>Regional stability and terrorism</h2>

Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances.&nbsp;

<h1>Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021.&nbsp;</h1>

The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind.&nbsp;

As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses.&nbsp;

Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.&nbsp;

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way.

We all tend to know what the coming year has in store for us and even rely on astrology and tarot to forecast the year ahead. However, politics and international relations don't work that way. Also read | With fireworks, India, other nations welcome 2021 as celebrations turn low-key Let's look at what awaits India in the new year vis-a-vis the world. Vaccine manufacturing The most important thing this year for India will be vaccine manufacturing and the world will be relying on the country for large-scale production and supply. The Serum Institute of India is producing Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, Hyderabad-based Biological E has struck a deal for the shot being developed by Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary. Reports say Biological E may also manufacture the vaccine being developed by Houston's Baylor College of Medicine. Indian Immunologicals Ltd has entered into a partnership with Australia's Griffith University. Dr Reddy's has a deal to produce 100 million doses of the Sputnik V. India's vaccine makers are known for their safety measures and effectiveness. But, going forward, India's role will be beyond large-scale vaccine supply and in 2021, the country will also be looking for equitable distribution of vaccines. To ensure that distribution is not skewed towards wealthy countries, India will be supplying 100 million doses of vaccines to middle-income countries. It has promised 30 million shots to Bangladesh. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering has said that India's lead to develop vaccines "is a source of hope for all of us". In 2021, India will be the world's hope for global vaccination. Reviving the economy This year, another big task for India will be getting its economy back on track. In 2020, India entered its first recession since Independence. The country needs to restructure its balance sheets, improve monetary policy transmission. The IMF predicts that it will take India at least three years to recover from the pandemic blow to get its per capita GDP back to pre-pandemic levels. As the Indian economy gets back on its feet, it can try to use the opportunity to include more digital technology. The China challenge China is another big challenge for India in 2021 and this hurdle is multi-fold. First, India will have to look at ways to restructure the supply China, weed out Chinese products. Secondly, India will have to get the dragon off its back at Ladakh. It should work towards defining the Line of Actual Control or find alternatives, maybe military options. India has a headway here as it controls the heights at the LAC. The third challenge from China is autocracy. It will be up to India, the world's biggest democracy to stop China from spreading its aggressive and autocratic wings. A 5G alliance In 2021, a 5G alliance also awaits India, a group that will stand opposed to reliance on Chinese technology. The grouping is expected to include the world's biggest democracies, India, Australia, South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, the US and the UK. Along with these countries, India will try to create an alternative pool of 5G equipment and technologies so that the world can boycott Chinese technology. Regional stability and terrorism Finally, India will also continue to work towards regional stability and anti-terrorism in 2021. New Delhi will also have to find a balance between putting its neighbourhood first and at the same time forming strategic alliances. Now let's zoom out and see what awaits the world in 2021. The vaccines might be here, but most of the world will not get it next year. Rich countries have secured 51 per cent of the supplies. The poor countries have fallen behind. As per an estimate, the world needs 15 million doses, but COVAX, the global initiative for equitable access to immunisation has agreements in place to secure just around two billion doses. Low-income countries might have to wait until 2023 or 2024 for vaccination and with the new strains and shortage of vaccine supplies, the world still needs lockdowns.

What India has in store for world in 2021

A nurse in South Dakota had gone to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to her boyfriend was taken by surprise when his boyfriend proposed him suddenly while taking the vaccine.

South Dakota: Man proposes to boyfriend during inoculation process

Describing vaccines as the "glimmers of hope" in the period of "darkness and uncertainty", Pope Francis on Friday called for "vaccines for all" in his Christmas message.&nbsp;

He said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pope-francis-celebrates-mass-in-near-empty-service-352214/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-sit-at-family-tables-missing-a-familiar-face-who-chief-tedros-shares-christmas-message-352326">'We will sit at family tables missing a familiar face: WHO chief Tedros shares Christmas message</a>

The pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters".

He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region.&nbsp;

"On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said.

"May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of good will, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace."&nbsp;

Describing vaccines as the "glimmers of hope" in the period of "darkness and uncertainty", Pope Francis on Friday called for "vaccines for all" in his Christmas message.

Describing vaccines as the "glimmers of hope" in the period of "darkness and uncertainty", Pope Francis on Friday called for "vaccines for all" in his Christmas message. He said vaccines should be given to all, particularly to those most vulnerable and in dire need. Watch | "I call on everyone, on leaders of states, on businesses, on international organisations, to promote cooperation and not competition, to find a solution for everyone: vaccines for all, especially the most vulnerable and most in need in all regions of the planet," the pontiff said. Also read | 'We will sit at family tables missing a familiar face: WHO chief Tedros shares Christmas message The pope also said that the pandemic came at a time when there are already "ecological crisis" and "grave economic and social imbalances" and therefore it is important for each one to consider the other as "brothers and sisters". He also spoke about the children who are stuck in the battle in Syria, Iraq and Yemen and hoped that peace should be established in this region. "On this day... let us turn our gaze to the many, all too many, children worldwide, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, who still pay the high price of war," the pontiff said. "May their faces touch the consciences of all men and women of good will, so that the causes of conflicts can be addressed and courageous efforts can be made to build a future of peace."

Vaccines 'glimmer of hope', must be given to all: Pope Francis

Celebrity couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to have tested positive for coronavirus back in March. The couple now plan to get the vaccine but only after everyone who truly needs it receives their shot.&nbsp; 
 
Hanks recently appeared on the American talk show `Today', to promote his upcoming film <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-tom-hanks-saddles-up-for-first-western-in-news-of-the-world-351691">'News of the World.'</a> 
 
During the discussion with host Savannah Guthrie, the `Forrest Gump` actor also touched on the matter of his coronavirus recovery.

"We`ll be getting it long after everybody who truly needs to get it. But OK, we had it, and it was a tough 10 days, but I think what`s much more important is the second half of the COVID-19 formula is we didn`t give it to anybody," Hanks said.&nbsp; 
 
Hanks also confirmed that he and his wife are still wearing face masks. "Not just so we don`t catch it but so you don`t give it to somebody in case you are one of those asymptomatic carriers," he said. 
 
The 64-year-old actor also shared that his family will be having subdued Christmas celebrations this year in view of the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tom-hanks-rita-wilson-to-victoria-david-beckham-star-couples-that-tested-covid-19-positive-325948">In pics:&nbsp;Tom Hanks-Rita Wilson to Victoria-David Beckham: Star couples that tested COVID-19 positive</a>

Celebrity couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to have tested positive for coronavirus back in March. The couple now plan to get the vaccine but only after everyone who truly needs it receives their shot.

Celebrity couple Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to have tested positive for coronavirus back in March. The couple now plan to get the vaccine but only after everyone who truly needs it receives their shot. Hanks recently appeared on the American talk show `Today', to promote his upcoming film 'News of the World.' During the discussion with host Savannah Guthrie, the `Forrest Gump` actor also touched on the matter of his coronavirus recovery. "We`ll be getting it long after everybody who truly needs to get it. But OK, we had it, and it was a tough 10 days, but I think what`s much more important is the second half of the COVID-19 formula is we didn`t give it to anybody," Hanks said. Hanks also confirmed that he and his wife are still wearing face masks. "Not just so we don`t catch it but so you don`t give it to somebody in case you are one of those asymptomatic carriers," he said. The 64-year-old actor also shared that his family will be having subdued Christmas celebrations this year in view of the pandemic. In pics: Tom Hanks-Rita Wilson to Victoria-David Beckham: Star couples that tested COVID-19 positive

Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson plan to receive COVID-19 vaccine but on this one condition

Legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney has said that he will give Covid-19 vaccine a shot.&nbsp; 
 
The&nbsp;vaccine has been rolled out in Britain. Sir McCartney vowed to be among the the first global superstars to be inoculated. 
 
McCartney, 78, is among the third tier of people eligible to receive the jab alongside other over-75s, and said he believed the vaccine offers Britain a way out from the doom and gloom of the COVID pandemic. 
 
"The vaccine will get us out of this," McCartney told The Sun in an interview. "I think we`ll come through it, I know we`ll come through, and it`s great news about the vaccine. I`ll have it as soon as I`m allowed," he added further.&nbsp; 
 
McCartney said he was eager to be back on stage as soon as possible after Glastonbury Festival was cancelled this year. 
 
A lad from Liverpool who wrote and performed some of the best loved songs the world has ever known, McCartney led a cultural revolution in the 'Swinging Sixties' that shook - and sometimes overturned - the assumptions of societies across the world. 
&nbsp;

Legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney has said that he will give Covid-19 vaccine a shot. The vaccine has been rolled out in Britain.

Legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney has said that he will give Covid-19 vaccine a shot. The vaccine has been rolled out in Britain. Sir McCartney vowed to be among the the first global superstars to be inoculated. McCartney, 78, is among the third tier of people eligible to receive the jab alongside other over-75s, and said he believed the vaccine offers Britain a way out from the doom and gloom of the COVID pandemic. "The vaccine will get us out of this," McCartney told The Sun in an interview. "I think we`ll come through it, I know we`ll come through, and it`s great news about the vaccine. I`ll have it as soon as I`m allowed," he added further. McCartney said he was eager to be back on stage as soon as possible after Glastonbury Festival was cancelled this year. A lad from Liverpool who wrote and performed some of the best loved songs the world has ever known, McCartney led a cultural revolution in the 'Swinging Sixties' that shook - and sometimes overturned - the assumptions of societies across the world.

Beatles legend Paul McCartney says he will give COVID vaccine a shot in the arm

The United States is said to get the second vaccine against COVID-19 as soon as the end of the week. Country's FDA intense to authorise for emergency use of second vaccine soon.

U.S. may get approval for another vaccine's emergency use against COVID-19

Canada has started its mass vaccination program against Coronavirus on Monday by injection front-line healthcare workers and elderly nursing home residents.

Canada starts its mass vaccination program against Coronavirus pandemic

Sputnik-V, Coronavirus vaccine of Russia, has shown 91.4% efficacy based on data analysis of the final control point of clinical trials.

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik-V show 91.4% efficacy based on data analysis

Several governments including the USA, the United Kingdom have given approval for administering Covid-19 vaccine on the basis of claims made by the medical research companies, even when the clinical trials have been carried out for a very short duration and certainly not exhaustively. In such circumstances, a widespread view amongst the cross-section of people around the world that administering COVID vaccine could be a calculated risk that needs to be recognised.

However, the governments cannot be blamed for giving clearance to Covid-19 vaccine at the present stage as they seem to have no alternative in today’s desperate conditions when people need hope that humanity would be saved from the coronavirus and governments to have a responsibility to keep the morale of the people high and ensure that people would not suffer from the feeling of helplessness. &nbsp;

While some scientists have supported the new vaccines, there are almost equal numbers of scientists who have pointed out the risk factors involved and have criticised the haste with which the vaccines have been approved.

What is even more disturbing is that not one type of vaccine has been prescribed but several types of vaccines, developed by different companies with a different composition which can have different reactivity. &nbsp;Layman wonders how there can be different types of vaccines for the same virus. Scientists who have developed vaccines are yet to explain this convincingly.

The British government has started administering vaccines, with the choice of a 90-year-old woman as the first person to be administered the vaccine. This too has caused scepticism with people wondering as to why a woman in the vulnerable age of 90 years has been chosen as the first person to be administered the vaccine. People wonder as to whether this could be due to the thinking that a 90-year-old woman is “dispensable”.

Meanwhile, when a vaccine was administered to a person during a clinical trial in India and the person was declared to be virus-positive after being administered the vaccine, the medical researchers have said that the vaccine should be administered two times to be effective. This was not said before by the researchers, thereby causing more doubt amongst the people about the efficacy of the vaccine.

The overall scene is one of lack of clarity and misgivings even amidst hope and prayer that such vaccines should work with positive results.

Several governments have placed orders for millions of doses of different kinds of vaccines from different companies and are actively discussing plans and are developing procedures for administering the vaccine and prioritising the group of people to be given preference in administering the vaccine.

Some governments have said that the health care workers should be given the priority and some other governments have alternate priority lists.

Medical teams broadly come under two categories, namely medical researchers and medical doctors who actually treat the patients.&nbsp;

There are enormous and visible confusion and lack of clarity amongst the medical doctors about the choice of people to be administered the vaccine. Certainly, apprehensions amongst the doctors are justifiable as people interact only with medical doctors and not with the medical researchers and medical doctors would incur the wrath of people if anything would go wrong.

While the governments are going with full speed to accept the recommendations of the medical researchers and are taking steps to buy and introduce vaccines in a massive way, the ground reality is that medical doctors have not been adequately taken into confidence at different levels all over the world. It is known that doctors use medicines as per the recommendation of the researchers and derive their own lessons by trial and practice. Sometimes, this has proved to be too costly. It should be kept in view that in the past, several drugs which have been approved have been withdrawn later by the regulatory authorities due to adverse effects found later on causing confusion amongst the doctors.

There is confusion galore.&nbsp;

All said and done, the governments across the world should have the policy to protect the interests of the medical doctors and the people (patients) &nbsp;in the event of results of vaccine administration going wrong, &nbsp;with serious consequences to the health of the people and even loss of lives.

In such events, the medical researchers may explain away the problem or even withdraw the claims and the governments cannot undo the damage.

In such a situation, governments have two options.

&nbsp;The governments should not compel the patients or doctors in any way to use the Covid-19 vaccine if they are not convinced.

If the vaccines are used, then free insurance schemes (without insistence on premium payment) &nbsp;should be introduced to protect the financial interests of the affected people and their families in the short and long run in the event of bad results.

It appears that so far no government has thought about such “precautionary measures”, which certainly would not be adequate but however, represents minimum measures in the present grave situation.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Several governments including the USA, the United Kingdom have given approval for administering Covid-19 vaccine on the basis of claims made by the medical research companies, even when the clinical trials have been carried out for a very short duration and certainly not exhaustively.

Several governments including the USA, the United Kingdom have given approval for administering Covid-19 vaccine on the basis of claims made by the medical research companies, even when the clinical trials have been carried out for a very short duration and certainly not exhaustively. In such circumstances, a widespread view amongst the cross-section of people around the world that administering COVID vaccine could be a calculated risk that needs to be recognised. However, the governments cannot be blamed for giving clearance to Covid-19 vaccine at the present stage as they seem to have no alternative in today’s desperate conditions when people need hope that humanity would be saved from the coronavirus and governments to have a responsibility to keep the morale of the people high and ensure that people would not suffer from the feeling of helplessness. While some scientists have supported the new vaccines, there are almost equal numbers of scientists who have pointed out the risk factors involved and have criticised the haste with which the vaccines have been approved. What is even more disturbing is that not one type of vaccine has been prescribed but several types of vaccines, developed by different companies with a different composition which can have different reactivity. Layman wonders how there can be different types of vaccines for the same virus. Scientists who have developed vaccines are yet to explain this convincingly. The British government has started administering vaccines, with the choice of a 90-year-old woman as the first person to be administered the vaccine. This too has caused scepticism with people wondering as to why a woman in the vulnerable age of 90 years has been chosen as the first person to be administered the vaccine. People wonder as to whether this could be due to the thinking that a 90-year-old woman is “dispensable”. Meanwhile, when a vaccine was administered to a person during a clinical trial in India and the person was declared to be virus-positive after being administered the vaccine, the medical researchers have said that the vaccine should be administered two times to be effective. This was not said before by the researchers, thereby causing more doubt amongst the people about the efficacy of the vaccine. The overall scene is one of lack of clarity and misgivings even amidst hope and prayer that such vaccines should work with positive results. Several governments have placed orders for millions of doses of different kinds of vaccines from different companies and are actively discussing plans and are developing procedures for administering the vaccine and prioritising the group of people to be given preference in administering the vaccine. Some governments have said that the health care workers should be given the priority and some other governments have alternate priority lists. Medical teams broadly come under two categories, namely medical researchers and medical doctors who actually treat the patients. There are enormous and visible confusion and lack of clarity amongst the medical doctors about the choice of people to be administered the vaccine. Certainly, apprehensions amongst the doctors are justifiable as people interact only with medical doctors and not with the medical researchers and medical doctors would incur the wrath of people if anything would go wrong. While the governments are going with full speed to accept the recommendations of the medical researchers and are taking steps to buy and introduce vaccines in a massive way, the ground reality is that medical doctors have not been adequately taken into confidence at different levels all over the world. It is known that doctors use medicines as per the recommendation of the researchers and derive their own lessons by trial and practice. Sometimes, this has proved to be too costly. It should be kept in view that in the past, several drugs which have been approved have been withdrawn later by the regulatory authorities due to adverse effects found later on causing confusion amongst the doctors. There is confusion galore. All said and done, the governments across the world should have the policy to protect the interests of the medical doctors and the people (patients) in the event of results of vaccine administration going wrong, with serious consequences to the health of the people and even loss of lives. In such events, the medical researchers may explain away the problem or even withdraw the claims and the governments cannot undo the damage. In such a situation, governments have two options. The governments should not compel the patients or doctors in any way to use the Covid-19 vaccine if they are not convinced. If the vaccines are used, then free insurance schemes (without insistence on premium payment) should be introduced to protect the financial interests of the affected people and their families in the short and long run in the event of bad results. It appears that so far no government has thought about such “precautionary measures”, which certainly would not be adequate but however, represents minimum measures in the present grave situation. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Opinion: Need for free insurance scheme for those administered with Covid-19 vaccine

As the United States and the United Kingdom have begun their operations to vaccinate people against the novel coronavirus, the Indian government has also announced its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">inoculation</a>.&nbsp;

According to the guidelines, the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system, a digitalised platform, will be used to track the list of people for the vaccination on a real-time basis.&nbsp;

<h2>Let's check out what are these SOP guidelines:</h2>

1. About 100-200 people will be vaccinated in each session each day and once they are inoculated, they will be monitored for 30 minutes for any adverse effects.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-will-the-entry-of-vaccines-spell-the-exit-of-the-pandemic-349540/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

2. During the time of vaccination, only pre-registered beneficiaries will be given shot as per the priority and the provision of on the spot-registration will not be present.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-in-india-new-cases-dip-below-30000-for-the-third-time-this-month-349623">Covid-19 in India: New cases dip below 30,000 for the third time this month</a>

3. The first priority of inoculation will be given to healthcare professionals, frontline workers and people above 50 years of age. After such individuals, the Covid-19 vaccine will be given to people younger than 50 years of age with associated co-morbidities. The last priority will then be given to the remaining people based on the disease epidemiology and vaccine availability.

4. The age group of 50 years may be further sub-classified into those above 60 years and those between 50 to 60 years of age.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As the United States and the United Kingdom have begun their operations to vaccinate people against the novel coronavirus, the Indian government has also announced its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for inoculation.

As the United States and the United Kingdom have begun their operations to vaccinate people against the novel coronavirus, the Indian government has also announced its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for inoculation. According to the guidelines, the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system, a digitalised platform, will be used to track the list of people for the vaccination on a real-time basis. Let's check out what are these SOP guidelines: 1. About 100-200 people will be vaccinated in each session each day and once they are inoculated, they will be monitored for 30 minutes for any adverse effects. Watch | 2. During the time of vaccination, only pre-registered beneficiaries will be given shot as per the priority and the provision of on the spot-registration will not be present. Also read | Covid-19 in India: New cases dip below 30,000 for the third time this month 3. The first priority of inoculation will be given to healthcare professionals, frontline workers and people above 50 years of age. After such individuals, the Covid-19 vaccine will be given to people younger than 50 years of age with associated co-morbidities. The last priority will then be given to the remaining people based on the disease epidemiology and vaccine availability. 4. The age group of 50 years may be further sub-classified into those above 60 years and those between 50 to 60 years of age.

Indian govt releases guidelines for Covid-19 vaccination: Check out all the details

United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the infection of COVID-19 for emergency use. This will be the first Coronavirus vaccine to get an approval in the United States of America.

United States' FDA authorises Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for emergency use

In India, the head of the Serum Institute which has tasked to develop the AstraZeneca based Covishield vaccine in the country now says, that the positive late state trial results of the candidates will allow it to seek emergency use approval by the year end.

Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech vaccines applied for emergency use in India

Alex Azar, the Health Secretary of the United States, has claimed that country could start its mass vaccination program against COVID-19 pandemic as early as Monday.

US Health Secy: Country could start its mass vaccination program as early as Monday