According to a report of The Lancet, Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, giving good protection. But experts say this confirmation does little for regulatory bodies who are yet to approve vaccine.

The Lancet: Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine is 'safe and effective'

Queen Elizabeth II will receive the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest.&nbsp;

The British Queen and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the vaccine early due to their age, the Mail on Sunday claimed.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The report also said that the British royals would get vaccinated "to encourage more people to take up the vital jab" amid fears peddled by anti-vaxxers.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-backtracks-on-uk-vaccine-comments-apologises-for-misunderstanding-347555">Anthony Fauci backtracks on UK vaccine comments; apologises for 'misunderstanding'</a>

The Daily Mirror also reported a number of high-profile personalities in Britain who had committed to publicly get inoculated.&nbsp;

Buckingham Palace has so far not commented on the development.&nbsp;

Britain on Wednesday granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and now people most at risk and elderly are set to be the first set of individuals who will get the drug.

Elderly care home residents and their carers will get the jab first, followed by those aged 80 and more and frontline health and care professionals.&nbsp;

Rest of the elderly people and clinically extremely vulnerable will then get inoculated.

The remaining population will then get vaccinated according to their age.&nbsp;

The UK has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine and will be receiving an initial batch of 800,000 doses to start next week's rollout.

 
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Queen Elizabeth II will receive the coronavirus vaccine within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest.

Queen Elizabeth II will receive the coronavirus vaccine within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest. The British Queen and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the vaccine early due to their age, the Mail on Sunday claimed. Watch | The report also said that the British royals would get vaccinated "to encourage more people to take up the vital jab" amid fears peddled by anti-vaxxers. Also read | Anthony Fauci backtracks on UK vaccine comments; apologises for 'misunderstanding' The Daily Mirror also reported a number of high-profile personalities in Britain who had committed to publicly get inoculated. Buckingham Palace has so far not commented on the development. Britain on Wednesday granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and now people most at risk and elderly are set to be the first set of individuals who will get the drug. Elderly care home residents and their carers will get the jab first, followed by those aged 80 and more and frontline health and care professionals. Rest of the elderly people and clinically extremely vulnerable will then get inoculated. The remaining population will then get vaccinated according to their age. The UK has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine and will be receiving an initial batch of 800,000 doses to start next week's rollout.

Queen Elizabeth II to receive coronavirus vaccine within weeks: Reports

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that a vaccine for Indians could be ready in a few weeks. Who will be able to get the shot? How does India plan to distribute the first supplies? Molly Gambhir has the answers.

Gravitas: India to vaccinate 10 million healthcare workers first

Indian vaccine makers export more than 1 billion vaccine shots every year. India's vaccine manufacturing capabilities could help in ensuring global equitable access to vaccines for the Wuhan virus. Molly Gambhir tells you about India's preparations for the vaccine roll out.

Gravitas: 8 vaccine candidates could be manufactured in India

LONDON — British and U.S. officials sparred Thursday over how Britain had beaten the United States to authorizing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>.

In Britain, the euphoria of winning the global race to authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was giving way to a realization of the choices facing the country’s National Health Service as it tries to deliver the first doses by Monday.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;

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The question of whether Britain had authorized a vaccine in haste on Wednesday, or the United States was wasting valuable time as the virus was killing about 1,500 Americans a day, has divided scientists and has also drawn in politicians. British officials boasted of the decision on Thursday.

Those remarks provoked concerns that any chest-beating by government ministers risked undermining the public’s faith in a vaccine.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that British regulators had not scrutinized data from clinical trials as carefully as their American counterparts in the Food and Drug Administration.

Approval could come as early as next week from the FDA, and at the end of the month from European Union regulators.

Roughly 800,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, developed with BioNTech, a German company, were being packaged at the company’s Belgian manufacturing plant this week for shipment to Britain. How and when they will arrive was being kept secret for security reasons, the company said, though the BBC reported Thursday that some of the doses were being transported through the Eurotunnel between France and Britain.

Pfizer sought to shut down questions this week about whether people in Britain would be able to pay to cut the line for inoculation.

“I can say clearly and confidently that there are no plans to supply the private sector for the foreseeable future — no chance at all,” Ben Osborn, Pfizer’s Britain country manager, said Wednesday, adding that the National Health Service would decide whom to vaccinate.

By Thursday, there were indications that before health workers were vaccinated, the government wanted to offer shots to nursing home workers and people age 80 and over who were already coming to hospitals for other reasons. It appeared likely that doctors and nurses would be among those receiving vaccines in the coming weeks.

&nbsp;

LONDON — British and U.S. officials sparred Thursday over how Britain had beaten the United States to authorizing a coronavirus vaccine. In Britain, the euphoria of winning the global race to authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was giving way to a realization of the choices facing the country’s National Health Service as it tries to deliver the first doses by Monday.

LONDON — British and U.S. officials sparred Thursday over how Britain had beaten the United States to authorizing a coronavirus vaccine. In Britain, the euphoria of winning the global race to authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was giving way to a realization of the choices facing the country’s National Health Service as it tries to deliver the first doses by Monday. Watch | The question of whether Britain had authorized a vaccine in haste on Wednesday, or the United States was wasting valuable time as the virus was killing about 1,500 Americans a day, has divided scientists and has also drawn in politicians. British officials boasted of the decision on Thursday. Those remarks provoked concerns that any chest-beating by government ministers risked undermining the public’s faith in a vaccine. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that British regulators had not scrutinized data from clinical trials as carefully as their American counterparts in the Food and Drug Administration. Approval could come as early as next week from the FDA, and at the end of the month from European Union regulators. Roughly 800,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, developed with BioNTech, a German company, were being packaged at the company’s Belgian manufacturing plant this week for shipment to Britain. How and when they will arrive was being kept secret for security reasons, the company said, though the BBC reported Thursday that some of the doses were being transported through the Eurotunnel between France and Britain. Pfizer sought to shut down questions this week about whether people in Britain would be able to pay to cut the line for inoculation. “I can say clearly and confidently that there are no plans to supply the private sector for the foreseeable future — no chance at all,” Ben Osborn, Pfizer’s Britain country manager, said Wednesday, adding that the National Health Service would decide whom to vaccinate. By Thursday, there were indications that before health workers were vaccinated, the government wanted to offer shots to nursing home workers and people age 80 and over who were already coming to hospitals for other reasons. It appeared likely that doctors and nurses would be among those receiving vaccines in the coming weeks.

UK and US officials spar over 'vaccine nationalism'

According to sources, India will first Vaccinate 10 million healthcare workers and 20 million front-line workers. Sources claimed, the information was presented by India's Health Ministry at an all-party meeting today.

Your Story: PM Modi says, "India has capacity and expertise in vaccine distribution"

During talking to media reporters regarding the possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccine, President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro said that he should not be blamed for the consequences.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro says, "Don't blame me for the consequences of vaccine"

Next week, Russia and the United Kingdom will begin rolling out vaccines. How are these countries planning to inoculate their citizens? Molly Gambhir brings you a ground report.

Gravitas: How Russia and the UK are preparing to roll out vaccines

Its been a year since coronavirus gripped the entire world population and forced cities to shut down owing to the pandemic. Just a few weeks back as Pfizer announced that they were ready to roll out the first batch of vaccines- a news that was welcomed by one and all. But a certain section of the society has spoken against the vaccine including Marvel star Letitia Wright.&nbsp; 
 
Popular for playing Shuri in 'Black Panther', the actress faced criticism from her followers after she shared an anti vaccination video on her Twitter account.&nbsp; 
 
The video questioned the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine and argued about the overall safety of vaccines in general.&nbsp; 
 
The video that Wright shared was an episode from a Youtube series called 'On The Table' where a panel discussed vaccination. At one point, presenter Tomi Arayomi can be heard saying, "I don’t understand vaccines medically, but I’ve always been a little bit of a skeptic of them."&nbsp; 
 
Wright posted the video with the folded hand emoji. She later deleted the tweet owing to the backlash she received.&nbsp; 
 
Wright's tweet naturally faced a lot of criticism and the actress chose not to react to them except for one tweet.&nbsp; 
 
A follower stated that she should have more facts backing her claim. "No one can ever be certain, specially if you haven’t spent a lifetime studying chemistry, medicine and a verified background in pharma. That’s why the only way to get your answrs from your uncertainty is to question the right people, otherwise you’ll fall deeper into ignorance." 
 
To which Wright wrote, "totally respect what you are saying here. I’ve also heard from medically qualified doctors who got their articles and videos taken down. Am I still wrong to question whats going on?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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totally respect what you are saying here. I’ve also heard from medically qualified doctors who got their articles and videos taken down. Am I still wrong to question whats going on?
— Letitia Wright (@letitiawright) <a href="https://twitter.com/letitiawright/status/1334715263686729729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After deleting the tweet, Wright clarified in series of tweets. "if you don’t conform to popular opinions. but ask questions and think for yourself....you get cancelled(Sic)" she wrote in one tweet.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
if you don’t conform to popular opinions. but ask questions and think for yourself....you get cancelled 😂
— Letitia Wright (@letitiawright) <a href="https://twitter.com/letitiawright/status/1334683767659782150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She later stated her intention was not to hurt anyone but she felt the video raised her concerns with what the vaccine contains. "my intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. Nothing else(Sic)," she wrote.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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my intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. 
 
Nothing else.
— Letitia Wright (@letitiawright) <a href="https://twitter.com/letitiawright/status/1334838855346909184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Its been a year since coronavirus gripped the entire world population and forced cities to shut down owing to the pandemic. Just a few weeks back as Pfizer announced that they were ready to roll out the first batch of vaccines- a news that was welcomed by one and all.

Its been a year since coronavirus gripped the entire world population and forced cities to shut down owing to the pandemic. Just a few weeks back as Pfizer announced that they were ready to roll out the first batch of vaccines- a news that was welcomed by one and all. But a certain section of the society has spoken against the vaccine including Marvel star Letitia Wright. Popular for playing Shuri in 'Black Panther', the actress faced criticism from her followers after she shared an anti vaccination video on her Twitter account. The video questioned the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine and argued about the overall safety of vaccines in general. The video that Wright shared was an episode from a Youtube series called 'On The Table' where a panel discussed vaccination. At one point, presenter Tomi Arayomi can be heard saying, "I don’t understand vaccines medically, but I’ve always been a little bit of a skeptic of them." Wright posted the video with the folded hand emoji. She later deleted the tweet owing to the backlash she received. Wright's tweet naturally faced a lot of criticism and the actress chose not to react to them except for one tweet. A follower stated that she should have more facts backing her claim. "No one can ever be certain, specially if you haven’t spent a lifetime studying chemistry, medicine and a verified background in pharma. That’s why the only way to get your answrs from your uncertainty is to question the right people, otherwise you’ll fall deeper into ignorance." To which Wright wrote, "totally respect what you are saying here. I’ve also heard from medically qualified doctors who got their articles and videos taken down. Am I still wrong to question whats going on?" totally respect what you are saying here. I’ve also heard from medically qualified doctors who got their articles and videos taken down. Am I still wrong to question whats going on? — Letitia Wright (@letitiawright) December 4, 2020 × After deleting the tweet, Wright clarified in series of tweets. "if you don’t conform to popular opinions. but ask questions and think for yourself....you get cancelled(Sic)" she wrote in one tweet. if you don’t conform to popular opinions. but ask questions and think for yourself....you get cancelled 😂 — Letitia Wright (@letitiawright) December 4, 2020 × She later stated her intention was not to hurt anyone but she felt the video raised her concerns with what the vaccine contains. "my intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. Nothing else(Sic)," she wrote. my intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. Nothing else. — Letitia Wright (@letitiawright) December 4, 2020 ×

'Black Panther' star Letitia Wright sparks outrage for her anti-vaccine tweet, deletes it later

The past few week have brought some good news, from bio-chemical firms showing 90% efficacy in their vaccines to countries ordering doses and getting ready for distribution.

WION Fineprint: Know the top COVID-19 vaccine front-runners

The United States is expecting to give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>to about 100 million people by the end of February 2021, a top official said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The vaccination is likely to begin in the US within weeks once Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna-NIH get approval.&nbsp;

Watch |

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&nbsp;"Between mid-December, and the end of February, we will have potentially immunised 100 million people," said Moncef Slaoui, scientific advisor to the US administration's Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program, as quoted by news agency AFP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-insufficient-to-prevent-surge-in-coronavirus-for-next-six-months-who-347022">Vaccines insufficient to prevent surge in coronavirus for next six months: WHO</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

If the US achieves this target, it will cover about 40 per cent of the US's adult population.&nbsp;

Slaoui also said that the goal of immunising 100 million people will cover the people "at-risk" that includes first responders, health care professionals and elderly.&nbsp;

There will an "ample" amount of Covid-19 vaccine in December for three million people from long-term care facilities, he added.&nbsp;

The remaining vaccination of the first tranche would be enough to cover the majority of the health care workers if states and other regions agree with federal recommendations to prioritize this group of people.&nbsp;

As many as 20 million people in the US will be immunised in December, 30 million and 50 million in January and February respectively.&nbsp;

However, this figure does not include vaccine developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson and Oxford-AstraZeneca that are in the late-stage trials.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved by the United Kingdom on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The US FDA will hold a public meeting of an advisory group on December 10 for Pfizer's vaccine and on December 17 for Moderna's drug following which it will be decided whether to grant an emergency use authorization (EUA) or not.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The United States is expecting to give coronavirus vaccine to about 100 million people by the end of February 2021, a top official said on Wednesday. The vaccination is likely to begin in the US within weeks once Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna-NIH get approval.

The United States is expecting to give coronavirus vaccine to about 100 million people by the end of February 2021, a top official said on Wednesday. The vaccination is likely to begin in the US within weeks once Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna-NIH get approval. Watch | "Between mid-December, and the end of February, we will have potentially immunised 100 million people," said Moncef Slaoui, scientific advisor to the US administration's Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Vaccines insufficient to prevent surge in coronavirus for next six months: WHO If the US achieves this target, it will cover about 40 per cent of the US's adult population. Slaoui also said that the goal of immunising 100 million people will cover the people "at-risk" that includes first responders, health care professionals and elderly. There will an "ample" amount of Covid-19 vaccine in December for three million people from long-term care facilities, he added. The remaining vaccination of the first tranche would be enough to cover the majority of the health care workers if states and other regions agree with federal recommendations to prioritize this group of people. As many as 20 million people in the US will be immunised in December, 30 million and 50 million in January and February respectively. However, this figure does not include vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson and Oxford-AstraZeneca that are in the late-stage trials. Meanwhile, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved by the United Kingdom on Wednesday. The US FDA will hold a public meeting of an advisory group on December 10 for Pfizer's vaccine and on December 17 for Moderna's drug following which it will be decided whether to grant an emergency use authorization (EUA) or not.

US to immunise 100 million people by February: Top official

The U.K. has become the first country to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 800,000 shots are on its way to the U.K - and the country wants to start the vaccinating people next week. Who will get the shots first? Molly Gambhir has the answer.

Gravitas: U.K. approves Pfizer vaccine

Officials in the United States are gearing up to roll out the first batch of vaccines 'before Christmas'. The first vaccine could be approved around the 10th of December. Molly Gambhir tells you about America's plans.

Gravitas: Will America be the first country to roll out vaccines?

Advisors to the US Center for the disease control and prevention has now recommended that healthcare workers and the residents of long term care facilities should be the first in line for initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Who will get the vaccine first?

The Serum Institute of India, world's largest vaccine manufacturer, reiterated that the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford university was safe and immunogenic.

India's Serum institute reiterates safety of AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19

India is looking to be self-reliant in the development and production of COVID-19 vaccine as the world races to develop a vaccine against the disease.While at least five pharmaceutical companies of India are engaged in vaccine development, Serum Institute in Pune has been chosen for mass production of Covishield vaccine developed by Oxford -Astra Zeneca.

A total of 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by Department of Biotechnology so far at both academia and industry and as on date, five vaccine candidates are in the human trials stage.

A PMO release said the government has initiated a robust COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and delivery ecosystem to meet the demand.It said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been personally monitoring the progress of vaccine development in India.

He visited facilities of Zydus in Ahmedabad, Serum Institute in Pune and Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad on Saturday. The Prime Minister held a virtual review of the progress of indigenous vaccine development undertaken by Gennova Biopharma of Pune and Biological E and Dr Reddy`s Laboratories in Hyderabad today.

PM Modi asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters. He also suggested that they should take extra efforts to inform people in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy.

Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed.The government has announced a stimulus package of Rs 900 crore for mission COVID Suraksha to promote indigenous vaccine development.

The release said that COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission with end-to-end focus from preclinical development, through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment, would consolidate all available and funded resources towards accelerated product development.

"The other important objective will be supporting the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management systems, regulatory submissions, internal and external quality management systems and accreditations," it said.

The release said that the grant will be provided to the Department of Biotechnology for Research and Development of Indian COVID-19 vaccines and ensure that they are fast-tracked for introduction in public health systems, subject to all regulatory clearances.

Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to arrive in Pune on December 4 to visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharma.

The release said Sweden has already acknowledged India`s role as the "pharmacy of the world" and is focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of health and life sciences in view of the Coronavirus pandemic.

It said Luxembourg-based company B Systems is partnering with India to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment, which will address the issue of vaccine distribution in India.PM Modi had held a virtual summit with his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel on November 19 during which stress was laid on intensifying bilateral cooperation.

India is looking to be self-reliant in the development and production of COVID-19 vaccine as the world races to develop a vaccine against the disease.While at least five pharmaceutical companies of India are engaged in vaccine development, Serum Institute in Pune has been chosen for mass production of Covishield vaccine developed by Oxford -Astra Zeneca.

India is looking to be self-reliant in the development and production of COVID-19 vaccine as the world races to develop a vaccine against the disease.While at least five pharmaceutical companies of India are engaged in vaccine development, Serum Institute in Pune has been chosen for mass production of Covishield vaccine developed by Oxford -Astra Zeneca. A total of 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by Department of Biotechnology so far at both academia and industry and as on date, five vaccine candidates are in the human trials stage. A PMO release said the government has initiated a robust COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and delivery ecosystem to meet the demand.It said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been personally monitoring the progress of vaccine development in India. He visited facilities of Zydus in Ahmedabad, Serum Institute in Pune and Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad on Saturday. The Prime Minister held a virtual review of the progress of indigenous vaccine development undertaken by Gennova Biopharma of Pune and Biological E and Dr Reddy`s Laboratories in Hyderabad today. PM Modi asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters. He also suggested that they should take extra efforts to inform people in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy. Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed.The government has announced a stimulus package of Rs 900 crore for mission COVID Suraksha to promote indigenous vaccine development. The release said that COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission with end-to-end focus from preclinical development, through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment, would consolidate all available and funded resources towards accelerated product development. "The other important objective will be supporting the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management systems, regulatory submissions, internal and external quality management systems and accreditations," it said. The release said that the grant will be provided to the Department of Biotechnology for Research and Development of Indian COVID-19 vaccines and ensure that they are fast-tracked for introduction in public health systems, subject to all regulatory clearances. Ambassadors of 100 countries are scheduled to arrive in Pune on December 4 to visit Serum Institute of India and Gennova Biopharma. The release said Sweden has already acknowledged India`s role as the "pharmacy of the world" and is focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation in the areas of health and life sciences in view of the Coronavirus pandemic. It said Luxembourg-based company B Systems is partnering with India to produce portable vaccine refrigeration equipment, which will address the issue of vaccine distribution in India.PM Modi had held a virtual summit with his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel on November 19 during which stress was laid on intensifying bilateral cooperation.

India looking to be self-reliant in development, production of vaccine against COVID-19

Berlin aims to open six centres with the capacity to vaccinate up to 4,000 people per day with an approved COVID-19 vaccine by mid-December.

Berlin aims to open six vast COVID-19 vaccination centres

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca will undergo a new global trial as questions remain of the claims whether it could protect up to 90 per cent of people.&nbsp;

Sir John Bell, Oxford’s regius professor of medicine and the UK government’s life sciences adviser, on Thursday, rejected claims that the previous trial had not been properly conducted.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/90-efficacy-of-oxfords-coronavirus-vaccine-came-from-younger-group-345535">90% efficacy of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine came from younger group</a>

"We weren't cooking this up as we went along," the Oxford University professor said, adding that the full, peer-reviewed data would likely be published in the Lancet medical journal this weekend.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-european-commission-president-ursula-von-der-leyen-says-first-european-citizen-might-be-vaccinated-before-end-december-345336">'Light at the end of the tunnel': European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says first European citizen might be vaccinated before end December</a>

Meanwhile, the UK government has asked its independent drugs regulator to study the Oxford/ Astrazeneca vaccine as part of the formal approval process. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have formally asked the regulator to assess the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, to understand the data and determine whether it meets rigorous safety standards," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The vaccine has completed Phase III clinical trials, the final stage to detect the efficacy of any drug.&nbsp;

Data so far has shown that the vaccine has an average effectiveness of about 70 per cent.&nbsp;

On Friday, the shares of the drug dropped despite it requiring normal temperatures for storage and likely to available in relatively cheap prices.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca will undergo a new global trial as questions remain of the claims whether it could protect up to 90 per cent of people.

The coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca will undergo a new global trial as questions remain of the claims whether it could protect up to 90 per cent of people. Sir John Bell, Oxford’s regius professor of medicine and the UK government’s life sciences adviser, on Thursday, rejected claims that the previous trial had not been properly conducted. Also read | 90% efficacy of Oxford's coronavirus vaccine came from younger group "We weren't cooking this up as we went along," the Oxford University professor said, adding that the full, peer-reviewed data would likely be published in the Lancet medical journal this weekend. Also read | 'Light at the end of the tunnel': European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says first European citizen might be vaccinated before end December Meanwhile, the UK government has asked its independent drugs regulator to study the Oxford/ Astrazeneca vaccine as part of the formal approval process. "We have formally asked the regulator to assess the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, to understand the data and determine whether it meets rigorous safety standards," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as reported by news agency AFP. The vaccine has completed Phase III clinical trials, the final stage to detect the efficacy of any drug. Data so far has shown that the vaccine has an average effectiveness of about 70 per cent. On Friday, the shares of the drug dropped despite it requiring normal temperatures for storage and likely to available in relatively cheap prices.

Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has stoked up another controversy as he said on Thursday that he will not take <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>.&nbsp;

"I'm telling you, I'm not going to take it. It's my right," said Bolsonaro in statements that were broadcast live on several social media platforms.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-pandemic-can-be-stopped-if-70-per-cent-of-public-wore-masks-consistently-study-345679">Covid-19 pandemic can be stopped if 70 per cent of public wore masks consistently: Study</a>

In October, the Brazilian president jokingly said that the vaccination would only be required by his dog.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxfordastrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-to-undergo-new-global-trials-345677">Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials</a>

Bolsonaro has been severely criticised for downplaying the pandemic that has caused the country to see the second-highest Covid-19 deaths in the world.&nbsp;

He himself has also contracted the infection months ago.&nbsp;

He also expressed scepticism of wearing masks to curb the infection, suggesting that there was little conclusive evidence to substantiate the claim.

Continually, Bolsonaro has told Brazilians that they would not be required to get vaccinated once the drug against Covid-19 would be available.&nbsp;

When the pandemic began to unravel, Bolsonaro called it a "little flu" and spoke against social distancing.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has advocated for malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 constantly despite WHO clearly saying that it has no clinical benefit.&nbsp;

"Isn't it cheaper and easier to invest in a cure than a vaccine?" Bolsonaro had said.

"Look at me: I took hydroxychloroquine.... And it worked."

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has stoked up another controversy as he said on Thursday that he will not take coronavirus vaccine. "I'm telling you, I'm not going to take it.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has stoked up another controversy as he said on Thursday that he will not take coronavirus vaccine. "I'm telling you, I'm not going to take it. It's my right," said Bolsonaro in statements that were broadcast live on several social media platforms. Also read | Covid-19 pandemic can be stopped if 70 per cent of public wore masks consistently: Study In October, the Brazilian president jokingly said that the vaccination would only be required by his dog. Also read | Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials Bolsonaro has been severely criticised for downplaying the pandemic that has caused the country to see the second-highest Covid-19 deaths in the world. He himself has also contracted the infection months ago. He also expressed scepticism of wearing masks to curb the infection, suggesting that there was little conclusive evidence to substantiate the claim. Continually, Bolsonaro has told Brazilians that they would not be required to get vaccinated once the drug against Covid-19 would be available. When the pandemic began to unravel, Bolsonaro called it a "little flu" and spoke against social distancing. Bolsonaro has advocated for malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 constantly despite WHO clearly saying that it has no clinical benefit. "Isn't it cheaper and easier to invest in a cure than a vaccine?" Bolsonaro had said. "Look at me: I took hydroxychloroquine.... And it worked."

'I'm not going to...': Brazil's Bolsonaro says he will not take Covid-19 vaccine

Among the many types of facemasks in use, such as cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks, the study says only the latter can filter out aerosol-sized droplets.&nbsp;

The use of face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 has been widely recommended by health professionals. Face masks slow spread of COVID-19 and help to prevent the aftereffects of the deadly virus.

According to a review of studies, the COVID-19 pandemic could be stopped if at least 70 percent of the public wore face masks consistently.

The research, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, assessed studies on face masks and reviewed epidemiological reports on whether they reduce the number of people an infected person spreads the pathogen to — the reproduction number of the virus.

”The highly efficacious facemask, such as surgical masks with an estimated efficacy of around 70 percent, could lead to the eradication of the pandemic if at least 70 percent of the residents use such masks in public consistently,” the scientists, including Sanjay Kumar from the National University of Singapore, wrote in the study. ”Even less efficient cloth masks could also slow the spread if worn consistently,” Kumar added.

According to the scientists, one key aspect of face mask function involves the size of fluid droplets expelled from the nose and mouth when a person talks, sings, sneezes, coughs, or even simply breathes. They said larger droplets, with sizes around 5-10 microns, are the most common, adding that smaller droplets below 5 microns are possibly more dangerous. In comparison, the scientists said the human hair is about 70 microns in diameter.

Among the many types of facemasks in use, such as cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks, they said only the latter can filter out aerosol-sized droplets. The performance of face masks worn for many hours, such as by health care or other essential workers, impact how effective overall mask-wearing can be, the researchers added. They found that face masks made of hybrid polymer materials could filter particles at high efficiency while simultaneously cooling the face since the fibres used in these allow heat to escape from beneath the mask.

”There could be some relation between breathing resistance and the flow resistance of the face mask which will need to be studied for a face mask-wearing interval,” said Heow Pueh Lee, another co-author of the study.

”Also, the environmental condition in the compartmental space within the face mask will need to be more accurately quantified using miniaturised sensors and the development of human replicas for such studies,” Lee said. Based on the analysis, the researchers underscored the importance of consistent use of efficient facemasks, such as surgical masks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Among the many types of facemasks in use, such as cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks, the study says only the latter can filter out aerosol-sized droplets.

Among the many types of facemasks in use, such as cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks, the study says only the latter can filter out aerosol-sized droplets. The use of face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 has been widely recommended by health professionals. Face masks slow spread of COVID-19 and help to prevent the aftereffects of the deadly virus. According to a review of studies, the COVID-19 pandemic could be stopped if at least 70 percent of the public wore face masks consistently. The research, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, assessed studies on face masks and reviewed epidemiological reports on whether they reduce the number of people an infected person spreads the pathogen to — the reproduction number of the virus. ”The highly efficacious facemask, such as surgical masks with an estimated efficacy of around 70 percent, could lead to the eradication of the pandemic if at least 70 percent of the residents use such masks in public consistently,” the scientists, including Sanjay Kumar from the National University of Singapore, wrote in the study. ”Even less efficient cloth masks could also slow the spread if worn consistently,” Kumar added. According to the scientists, one key aspect of face mask function involves the size of fluid droplets expelled from the nose and mouth when a person talks, sings, sneezes, coughs, or even simply breathes. They said larger droplets, with sizes around 5-10 microns, are the most common, adding that smaller droplets below 5 microns are possibly more dangerous. In comparison, the scientists said the human hair is about 70 microns in diameter. Among the many types of facemasks in use, such as cloth masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks, they said only the latter can filter out aerosol-sized droplets. The performance of face masks worn for many hours, such as by health care or other essential workers, impact how effective overall mask-wearing can be, the researchers added. They found that face masks made of hybrid polymer materials could filter particles at high efficiency while simultaneously cooling the face since the fibres used in these allow heat to escape from beneath the mask. ”There could be some relation between breathing resistance and the flow resistance of the face mask which will need to be studied for a face mask-wearing interval,” said Heow Pueh Lee, another co-author of the study. ”Also, the environmental condition in the compartmental space within the face mask will need to be more accurately quantified using miniaturised sensors and the development of human replicas for such studies,” Lee said. Based on the analysis, the researchers underscored the importance of consistent use of efficient facemasks, such as surgical masks. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 pandemic can be stopped if 70 per cent of public wore masks consistently: Study

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca said that the British-Swedish pharma company is likely to conduct an additional global trials to further assess the efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine.

AstraZeneca to conduct additional trails to validate better efficacy

Russian Gamaleya research institute, the developers of the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine said on Thursday that AstraZeneca should try combining its experimental shot with the Russian one to boost efficacy. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxfordastrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-to-undergo-new-global-trials-345677">Also read | Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials</a> 
 
Adding more colour to the race for a COVID-19 vaccine, the Gamaleya research institute wrote on Twitter that, "Current full dose AstraZeneca regimen resulted in 62% efficacy. If they go for a new clinical trial, we suggest trying a regimen of combining the AZ shot with the #SputnikV human adenoviral vector shot to boost efficacy. Combining vaccines may prove important for revaccinations." 
 
Sputnik V's comment came right after reports that AstraZeneca is likely to run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of lower dosing regimen of its vaccine.

In August, Russia became the first country to register a COVID-19 vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. The clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya research institute, have demonstrated that its efficacy rate is over 90 per cent.

AstraZeneca has said it will have as many as 200 million doses of its vaccine by the end of 2020.

The British developed vaccine is viewed as offering one of the best hopes for many developing countries because of its cheaper price and ability to be transported at normal fridge temperatures.

With 2,187,990 infections, Russia has the fourth-largest number of Covid-19 cases in the world behind the United States, India and Brazil.

AstraZeneca is likely to run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of its vaccine, its chief executive Pascal Soriot was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News after questions were raised over the results from its late-stage study.

The British government's Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance said the main point about the AstraZeneca vaccine was that it worked when asked about these doubts.

"The headline result is the vaccine works and that's very exciting," Vallance said during a news briefing with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Russian Gamaleya research institute, the developers of the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine said on Thursday that AstraZeneca should try combining its experimental shot with the Russian one to boost efficacy.

Russian Gamaleya research institute, the developers of the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine said on Thursday that AstraZeneca should try combining its experimental shot with the Russian one to boost efficacy. Also read | Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to undergo new global trials Adding more colour to the race for a COVID-19 vaccine, the Gamaleya research institute wrote on Twitter that, "Current full dose AstraZeneca regimen resulted in 62% efficacy. If they go for a new clinical trial, we suggest trying a regimen of combining the AZ shot with the #SputnikV human adenoviral vector shot to boost efficacy. Combining vaccines may prove important for revaccinations." Sputnik V's comment came right after reports that AstraZeneca is likely to run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of lower dosing regimen of its vaccine. In August, Russia became the first country to register a COVID-19 vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. The clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya research institute, have demonstrated that its efficacy rate is over 90 per cent. AstraZeneca has said it will have as many as 200 million doses of its vaccine by the end of 2020. The British developed vaccine is viewed as offering one of the best hopes for many developing countries because of its cheaper price and ability to be transported at normal fridge temperatures. With 2,187,990 infections, Russia has the fourth-largest number of Covid-19 cases in the world behind the United States, India and Brazil. AstraZeneca is likely to run an additional global trial to assess the efficacy of its vaccine, its chief executive Pascal Soriot was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News after questions were raised over the results from its late-stage study. The British government's Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance said the main point about the AstraZeneca vaccine was that it worked when asked about these doubts. "The headline result is the vaccine works and that's very exciting," Vallance said during a news briefing with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (With inputs from agencies)

Sputnik V can boost efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine: Russian research centre

India is making plans to inoculate millions in 2021. According to a report, 250-300 million citizens could get a shot by July 2021. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Here is how India could distribute its vaccines

Several vaccine candidates have shown encouraging results & as hopes rise, so does the demands for vials to store the vaccine. In Germany the production & delivery of millions of vials has already began. WION brings you a report.

WION Fineprint: German companies ramp up production of vials for COVID-19 vaccine

AstraZeneca has announced that its vaccine candidate has shown an average efficacy of about 70% , The vaccine candidate has been developed along with the Oxford. The potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus maybe around 90 percent effective, the company said citing interim analysis of results from late-stage clinical trials.

Oxford-AstraZeneca says COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 70% effective

The US Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) advisors will meet on the December 10 to discuss whether to authorise the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The advisory committee will discuss the safety & effectiveness of the vaccine candidate.

FDA panel to discuss Pfizer vaccine on December 10

World is waiting for eleven months, and now in a matter of weeks the first supply of COVID -19 vaccine to begin.

WION Fineprint: COVID vaccines to begin roll out soon

Dolly Parton said she was "very honoured and proud" to have donated money to the research for one of the most promising coronavirus vaccines yet.

Dolly Parton 'very proud' to help the coronavirus battle

Pfizer says its vaccine for the Wuhan virus is more than 90% effective. Is the wait for vaccines now finally over? Will you be able to get a shot soon? Is the Pfizer vaccine safe? WION's Palki Sharma tells you all that you need to know.

Gravitas: Pfizer vaccine is 90% effective: All you need to know

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.&nbsp;

Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-production-delivery-capacity-to-help-all-humanity-in-fighting-covid-19-mea-338838">India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA</a>

With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation."

Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries. Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh". Also read | India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation." Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India increases engagement with Myanmar, Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine

China has joined the WHO-backed global vaccine alliance Covax - as thousands of Chinese citizens are being inoculated with unproven vaccines. Can Chinese vaccines be trusted? WION's Palki Sharma tells you why China wants to win the vaccine race.

Gravitas: Why China is desperate to win the vaccine race