Leading by example: Political leaders who got vaccinated for Coronavirus

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19&nbsp;vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the&nbsp;Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60.

A few days after the announcement, Russia started transporting its first big international shipment, which was almost&nbsp;300,000 doses to Argentina. however, the shipment&nbsp;consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-first-six-cases-of-mutant-coronavirus-from-britain-353077" hreflang="en">India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain</a>

"We are going to have to keep taking care of ourselves. It will take a few months for the vaccine to have a widespread effect," said&nbsp;&nbsp;Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia.

This news has attracted criticism from the locals in Russia who feel more doses should have been first available or the Russians rather than being shipped off to Argentina this week.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-new-coronavirus-strain-that-emerged-in-south-africa-353072" hreflang="en">Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa</a>

While Argentina has received and started rolling out 300,000 doses, some regions of Rusia are reporting to have received only 2,000 doses or less than that till now.

This is Argentina's second coronavirus vaccine, which has been brought into action a few days after the elderly people of the country were administered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-mutation-tracker-new-strain-leading-to-chaos-and-confusion-across-the-globe-353019" hreflang="en">Coronavirus mutation tracker: New strain leading to chaos across the globe</a>

The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority. Argentina has also become the first country in Ámericas'to use Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

The Sputnik V vaccine was being hailed as the first COVID-19 vaccine but has since failed to gain the momentum similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was first approved by the Uk and other countries followed the footsteps.

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19 vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60.

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19 vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60. A few days after the announcement, Russia started transporting its first big international shipment, which was almost 300,000 doses to Argentina. however, the shipment consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose. Also read| India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain "We are going to have to keep taking care of ourselves. It will take a few months for the vaccine to have a widespread effect," said Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia. This news has attracted criticism from the locals in Russia who feel more doses should have been first available or the Russians rather than being shipped off to Argentina this week. Also read| Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa While Argentina has received and started rolling out 300,000 doses, some regions of Rusia are reporting to have received only 2,000 doses or less than that till now. This is Argentina's second coronavirus vaccine, which has been brought into action a few days after the elderly people of the country were administered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. Also read| Coronavirus mutation tracker: New strain leading to chaos across the globe The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority. Argentina has also become the first country in Ámericas'to use Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine was being hailed as the first COVID-19 vaccine but has since failed to gain the momentum similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was first approved by the Uk and other countries followed the footsteps.

Argentina starts coronavirus vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V

A Chinese citizen journalist held since May for her live stream reporting from Wuhan as the Covid-19 outbreak unfurled was set for trial Monday, almost a year after details of an "unknown viral pneumonia" surfaced in the central China city.

A Chinese citizen journalist held since May for her live stream reporting from Wuhan as the Covid-19 outbreak unfurled was set for trial Monday, almost a year after details of an "unknown viral pneumonia" surfaced in the central China city. Zhang Zhan, a former lawyer, could face up to five years in jail if convicted of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" for her reporting in the chaotic initial stages of the outbreak. Her live reports and essays were widely shared on social media platforms in February, grabbing the attention of authorities, who have punished eight virus whistleblowers so far as they defang criticism of the government's response to the outbreak. Around a dozen supporters and diplomats gathered outside Shanghai Pudong New District People's Court on Monday morning, but police pushed journalists and observers away from the entrance as the defendant and her lawyer arrived.

Chinese citizen journalist faces trial for Wuhan virus reporting

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday.

As of now, the pharmaceutical company has already produced 40 to million doses of the Oxford vaccine and is aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March, provided a new facility is established,&nbsp;Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-chief-claims-vaccine-works-against-new-strain-of-coronavirus-352737">AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus</a>

He is also hoping to ramp up the production to 300 million doses of the vaccine by July 2021 to meet the rising demand, considering the new variants being identified in several parts of the world.

"We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said.&nbsp;

He also assured that all related data has been provided to the concerned authorities of the UK and India. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. The re are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-launches-mass-covid-19-vaccination-drive-352837">WATCH|</a>

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Poonawalla has also reported&nbsp;that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. He also added that considering India's population, "probably end up giving the majority of those 50 million doses to India first".

Hinting towards a "good news from the UK very soon", he notified that the&nbsp;AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is aiming to get licensed by January 2021.&nbsp;

Poonawalla has also warned of an expected shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines in the first half of the new year, but added that "we will see easing off by August-September 2021 as other vaccine manufactures will also be able to supply"

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday.

Serum Institute of India is expecting the Indian government to give approval to the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in the next few days, the company said on Monday. As of now, the pharmaceutical company has already produced 40 to million doses of the Oxford vaccine and is aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March, provided a new facility is established, Serum Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla reported. Also read| AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus He is also hoping to ramp up the production to 300 million doses of the vaccine by July 2021 to meet the rising demand, considering the new variants being identified in several parts of the world. "We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said. He also assured that all related data has been provided to the concerned authorities of the UK and India. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. The re are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," he said. WATCH| × Poonawalla has also reported that since India is a part of 'COVAX', at least 50 per cent of all the produce will be given to India. He also added that considering India's population, "probably end up giving the majority of those 50 million doses to India first". Hinting towards a "good news from the UK very soon", he notified that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is aiming to get licensed by January 2021. Poonawalla has also warned of an expected shortage of the COVID-19 vaccines in the first half of the new year, but added that "we will see easing off by August-September 2021 as other vaccine manufactures will also be able to supply"

India to approve AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine soon: Adar Poonawalla

Several members of the&nbsp;Philippines's President's security team have been injected with a Chinese-made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> making them the first&nbsp;Philippines nationals to receive any vaccine against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> COVID-19</a>.

The alarming fact behind this news, reported by&nbsp;Philippines officials on Monday is that the local health regulators have not yet given official approval to any vaccine yet, although the government is in talks with several&nbsp;pharmaceutical firms including Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and China's&nbsp;Sinopharm.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-china-seek-to-jointly-develop-energy-projects-in-south-china-sea-335695">Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea</a>

Philippines is hoping to secure nearly 60 million doses for the coronavirus vaccine, with the aim to start a mass vaccination drive in the second quarter of 2021.

"The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said&nbsp;unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante in a statement.&nbsp;

Security personnel were immunised with a vaccine which has not yet been approved &nbsp;the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is not yet clear how many security personnel were provided with the vaccine.

As of now, it is confirmed that the security team has been given the Chinese vaccine. However, how many doses of the Sinopharm drug were obtained and when has not yet been made clear.

While the President's security team,&nbsp;Presidential Security Group (PSG), has been immunised with the vaccine, the President himself is waiting "for the perfect or appropriate vaccine".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protests-us-navys-provocative-actions-in-south-china-sea-334188">Also read|&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-protests-us-navys-provocative-actions-in-south-china-sea-334188" hreflang="en">China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea</a>

The news has come after the President&nbsp;Rodrigo Duterte had expressed his desire to act as a tester of the Chinese and Russian vaccine, claiming he has extreme confidence in the vaccines being produced by these two countries.

President's spokesperson also took this opportunity to take a direct aim at the 'unfriendly' countries and said, "The news is that the vaccine is already here and if we cannot be given Western vaccines, our friend and neighbour China is willing to give us vaccine."

&nbsp;"It's not prohibited under the law to get inoculated with an unregistered (vaccine). What is illegal is the distribution and selling," he added.

As of now,&nbsp;Philippines has recorded more than&nbsp;Philippines cases, which excludes the Chirstmas and holidays surge.

Several members of the Philippines's President's security team have been injected with a Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine making them the first Philippines nationals to receive any vaccine against COVID-19.

Several members of the Philippines's President's security team have been injected with a Chinese-made coronavirus vaccine making them the first Philippines nationals to receive any vaccine against COVID-19. The alarming fact behind this news, reported by Philippines officials on Monday is that the local health regulators have not yet given official approval to any vaccine yet, although the government is in talks with several pharmaceutical firms including Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca and China's Sinopharm. Also read| Philippines, China seek to jointly develop energy projects in South China Sea Philippines is hoping to secure nearly 60 million doses for the coronavirus vaccine, with the aim to start a mass vaccination drive in the second quarter of 2021. "The PSG administered Covid-19 vaccine to its personnel performing close-in security operations to the President," said unit chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante in a statement. Security personnel were immunised with a vaccine which has not yet been approved the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is not yet clear how many security personnel were provided with the vaccine. As of now, it is confirmed that the security team has been given the Chinese vaccine. However, how many doses of the Sinopharm drug were obtained and when has not yet been made clear. While the President's security team, Presidential Security Group (PSG), has been immunised with the vaccine, the President himself is waiting "for the perfect or appropriate vaccine". Also read| China protests US Navy's 'provocative actions' in South China Sea The news has come after the President Rodrigo Duterte had expressed his desire to act as a tester of the Chinese and Russian vaccine, claiming he has extreme confidence in the vaccines being produced by these two countries. President's spokesperson also took this opportunity to take a direct aim at the 'unfriendly' countries and said, "The news is that the vaccine is already here and if we cannot be given Western vaccines, our friend and neighbour China is willing to give us vaccine." "It's not prohibited under the law to get inoculated with an unregistered (vaccine). What is illegal is the distribution and selling," he added. As of now, Philippines has recorded more than Philippines cases, which excludes the Chirstmas and holidays surge.

Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte's security team gets COVID-19 vaccine without approval

A pilot has vowed to spread awareness about the novel coronavirus&nbsp;and thank the efforts of the frontline workers who have been&nbsp;working round the clock to help the world battle COVID-19 pandemic.

Samy Kramer, a trained pilot, took to the skies to form the shape of a syringe to celebrate the first day of European Union's vaccination drive for the masses.

Kramer said he hoped his aerial stunt will be&nbsp;"a fun and unconventional way to raise awareness" about the coronavirus and vaccines being made available to the masses in several European countries from today.

By performing this stunt, he became one of the four pilots who have summarized 2020 — the pandemic year — in four of such routes. The other pilots drew a 'thumbs up' with the medical plus sign, a 'stay at home' warning' and 'NHS' in the skies.

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The year 2020 summarized by 4 pilots.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flightradar24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flightradar24</a> <a href="https://t.co/LTNP0OAO9m">pic.twitter.com/LTNP0OAO9m</a>
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) <a href="https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1342423262102491138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kramer flew&nbsp;in a Diamond DA20 single-propeller plane and traced the shape of the syringe above&nbsp;Friedrichshafen, a German town 126km (78miles) from Stuttgart.

"It was to set sort of a reminder to people and raise awareness that the vaccine will be available," Kramer said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-european-union-nations-to-start-vaccination-process-together-352646">WATCH|</a>&nbsp;

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The European countries have started mass vaccination drive a day after the&nbsp;European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen announced that the vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries.

The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

A pilot has vowed to spread awareness about the novel coronavirus and thank the efforts of the frontline workers who have been working round the clock to help the world battle COVID-19 pandemic.

A pilot has vowed to spread awareness about the novel coronavirus and thank the efforts of the frontline workers who have been working round the clock to help the world battle COVID-19 pandemic. Samy Kramer, a trained pilot, took to the skies to form the shape of a syringe to celebrate the first day of European Union's vaccination drive for the masses. Kramer said he hoped his aerial stunt will be "a fun and unconventional way to raise awareness" about the coronavirus and vaccines being made available to the masses in several European countries from today. By performing this stunt, he became one of the four pilots who have summarized 2020 — the pandemic year — in four of such routes. The other pilots drew a 'thumbs up' with the medical plus sign, a 'stay at home' warning' and 'NHS' in the skies. The year 2020 summarized by 4 pilots.#Covid19 #Flightradar24 pic.twitter.com/LTNP0OAO9m — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) December 25, 2020 × Kramer flew in a Diamond DA20 single-propeller plane and traced the shape of the syringe above Friedrichshafen, a German town 126km (78miles) from Stuttgart. "It was to set sort of a reminder to people and raise awareness that the vaccine will be available," Kramer said. WATCH| × The European countries have started mass vaccination drive a day after the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen announced that the vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

Pilot draws syringe in sky as COVID-19 vaccination drive begins

Hollywood star Tom Hanks has weighed in on the discussion surrounding the future of cinema halls post COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
The actor feels the shift to the streaming world is a due change and says that movie theatres will survive the pandemic. 
 
In an interview with Collider, Hanks spoke&nbsp;about the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment business, and the shift of many films&nbsp;on streaming services. 
 
"A sea change was due, anyway. It was coming, "Hanks said, sharing that the streaming platforms have allowed viewers to watch movies from their homes. 
 
"Will movie theatres still exist? Absolutely, they will. In some ways, I think the exhibitors -- once they`re up and open -- are going to have the freedom of choice of what movies they`re going to play," Hanks shared. 
 
Hanks believes theatres will remain to be the go-to release option for big-budget franchises. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-tom-hanks-saddles-up-for-first-western-in-news-of-the-world-351691">Also read: Tom Hanks saddles up for first Western in 'News of the World'</a> 
 
He said: "Big event motion pictures are going to rule the day at the cinemas. `News of the World` might be the last adult movie about people saying interesting things that are going to play on a big screen somewhere, because after this, in order to guarantee that people show up again, we`re going to have the Marvel Universe and all sorts of franchises." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/famous-people-who-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-286352">Also see: Famous people who tested positive for coronavirus</a> 
 
Hanks continued: "You want to see them (franchise films) writ large because watching them at home on your couch actually might diminish them somehow in their visual punch. But the sea change that has been brought by Covid-19 has been a slow train coming. I think there will be an awful lot of movies that will only be streamed, and I think it will be fine to see them that way because they will actually be built and made and constructed for somebody`s pretty good widescreen TV at their home."

Hollywood star Tom Hanks has weighed in on the discussion surrounding the future of cinema halls post COVID-19 pandemic. The actor feels the shift to the streaming world is a due change and says that movie theatres will survive the pandemic.

Hollywood star Tom Hanks has weighed in on the discussion surrounding the future of cinema halls post COVID-19 pandemic. The actor feels the shift to the streaming world is a due change and says that movie theatres will survive the pandemic. In an interview with Collider, Hanks spoke about the impact of the pandemic on the entertainment business, and the shift of many films on streaming services. "A sea change was due, anyway. It was coming, "Hanks said, sharing that the streaming platforms have allowed viewers to watch movies from their homes. "Will movie theatres still exist? Absolutely, they will. In some ways, I think the exhibitors -- once they`re up and open -- are going to have the freedom of choice of what movies they`re going to play," Hanks shared. Hanks believes theatres will remain to be the go-to release option for big-budget franchises. Also read: Tom Hanks saddles up for first Western in 'News of the World' He said: "Big event motion pictures are going to rule the day at the cinemas. `News of the World` might be the last adult movie about people saying interesting things that are going to play on a big screen somewhere, because after this, in order to guarantee that people show up again, we`re going to have the Marvel Universe and all sorts of franchises." Also see: Famous people who tested positive for coronavirus Hanks continued: "You want to see them (franchise films) writ large because watching them at home on your couch actually might diminish them somehow in their visual punch. But the sea change that has been brought by Covid-19 has been a slow train coming. I think there will be an awful lot of movies that will only be streamed, and I think it will be fine to see them that way because they will actually be built and made and constructed for somebody`s pretty good widescreen TV at their home."

Tom Hanks feels theatres will survive COVID-19 pandemic

While the world is battling a new strain of coronavirus, experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too.

Considering the same,&nbsp;AstraZeneca chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said his team of researchers are almost sure that the Oxford vaccine will be able to fight against the novel coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-confirms-two-cases-of-coronavirus-variant-first-seen-in-uk-352638" hreflang="en">Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK</a>

While Soriot is almost sure about this, he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this. "So far, we think the vaccine should remain effective. But we can’t be sure, so we’re going to test that," Soriot said.

Hailing it as a "winning formula", Soriot thanked the team of researchers and said he hopes it will be able to contain the new variant of the virus found in several countries such as the UK, South Africa, Italy, etc.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-inoculate-quarter-of-its-population-against-coronavirus-in-a-month-says-netanyahu-352705" hreflang="en">Israel to inoculate quarter of its population in a month, says Netanyahu</a>

"We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else," Soriot said, refusing to reveal any more information before it is officially published.

As AstraZeneca got the approval of emergency use, the vaccine is expected to be rolled out by January first week. However, the experts are raising doubts against it.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-begins-vaccine-rollout-as-new-virus-strain-spreads-fears-352641" hreflang="en">Europe begins vaccine rollout as new virus strain spreads fears</a>

"The medicines regulator is reviewing the final data from the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca phase three clinical trials to determine whether the vaccine meets their strict standards of quality, safety and effectiveness,"&nbsp;a government spokesperson said. "We must now give the MHRA the time to carry out its important work and we must wait for its advice."

AstraZeneca's chief's statements came after the European Union countries, too, started their vaccination drive from Sunday after the US, UK, Britain, Israel and many other countries have set their targets to vaccinate majority population.

While the world is battling a new strain of coronavirus, experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too.

While the world is battling a new strain of coronavirus, experts have now turned their attention to making sure the existing vaccines work against the new variant too. Considering the same, AstraZeneca chief executive, Pascal Soriot, said his team of researchers are almost sure that the Oxford vaccine will be able to fight against the novel coronavirus. Also read| Canada confirms two cases of coronavirus variant first seen in UK While Soriot is almost sure about this, he said more tests need to be performed to be sure about this. "So far, we think the vaccine should remain effective. But we can’t be sure, so we’re going to test that," Soriot said. Hailing it as a "winning formula", Soriot thanked the team of researchers and said he hopes it will be able to contain the new variant of the virus found in several countries such as the UK, South Africa, Italy, etc. Also read| Israel to inoculate quarter of its population in a month, says Netanyahu "We think we have figured out the winning formula and how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is up there with everybody else," Soriot said, refusing to reveal any more information before it is officially published. As AstraZeneca got the approval of emergency use, the vaccine is expected to be rolled out by January first week. However, the experts are raising doubts against it. Also read| Europe begins vaccine rollout as new virus strain spreads fears "The medicines regulator is reviewing the final data from the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca phase three clinical trials to determine whether the vaccine meets their strict standards of quality, safety and effectiveness," a government spokesperson said. "We must now give the MHRA the time to carry out its important work and we must wait for its advice." AstraZeneca's chief's statements came after the European Union countries, too, started their vaccination drive from Sunday after the US, UK, Britain, Israel and many other countries have set their targets to vaccinate majority population.

AstraZeneca chief claims vaccine works against new strain of coronavirus

A journalist in Jordan has been arrested after he reported the kingdom has received coronavirus vaccine and the local officials had already received shots of the vaccine.

The journalist,&nbsp;Jamal Haddad, is an editor with a local news website. Haddad claimed several government officials had received the Pfizer vaccine.

"The state security court prosecutor ordered the arrest Thursday of journalist Jamal Haddad, editor of news website Al-Wakaai, for writing that government officials had been vaccinated against the coronavirus," a source revealed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-israel-go-in-huddle-on-palestine-issue-347573">Jordan, Israel go in huddle on Palestine issue</a>

Haddad's report has, as per the government officials, put lives of the general public at risk. He has been accused of "endangering public security and causing sedition and public disorder".

The arrest has been made a few days after the website published an article titled "What about the people? Did the Pfizer (vaccine) arrive in secret, and have senior officials in the Jordanian government been vaccinated?"

While Jordan has already announced that the kingdom has approved&nbsp;emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, the doses are expected to be delivered by the end of January or February first week, the&nbsp;Health Ministry official Wael al-Hayajneh reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-israel-saudi-arabia-cool-tensions-jordans-custodianship-of-al-aqsa-mosque-under-scrutiny-345856">As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny</a>

Haddad's report, therefore, allegedly, sends out the wrong information and puts public health at risk. He has been detained and is awaiting trial, at the moment, as per local reports.

The country's journalists' syndicate called for Haddad's immediate release, saying his arrest "harms Jordan's image".

As of now, Jordan has recorded more than 285,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 3,700 deaths. The government has also decided to distribute vaccines free of charge to Jordan locals and foreign residents.

A journalist in Jordan has been arrested after he reported the kingdom has received coronavirus vaccine and the local officials had already received shots of the vaccine.

A journalist in Jordan has been arrested after he reported the kingdom has received coronavirus vaccine and the local officials had already received shots of the vaccine. The journalist, Jamal Haddad, is an editor with a local news website. Haddad claimed several government officials had received the Pfizer vaccine. "The state security court prosecutor ordered the arrest Thursday of journalist Jamal Haddad, editor of news website Al-Wakaai, for writing that government officials had been vaccinated against the coronavirus," a source revealed. Also read| Jordan, Israel go in huddle on Palestine issue Haddad's report has, as per the government officials, put lives of the general public at risk. He has been accused of "endangering public security and causing sedition and public disorder". The arrest has been made a few days after the website published an article titled "What about the people? Did the Pfizer (vaccine) arrive in secret, and have senior officials in the Jordanian government been vaccinated?" While Jordan has already announced that the kingdom has approved emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, the doses are expected to be delivered by the end of January or February first week, the Health Ministry official Wael al-Hayajneh reported. Also read| As Israel, Saudi Arabia cool tensions, Jordan's custodianship of al-Aqsa mosque under scrutiny Haddad's report, therefore, allegedly, sends out the wrong information and puts public health at risk. He has been detained and is awaiting trial, at the moment, as per local reports. The country's journalists' syndicate called for Haddad's immediate release, saying his arrest "harms Jordan's image". As of now, Jordan has recorded more than 285,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 3,700 deaths. The government has also decided to distribute vaccines free of charge to Jordan locals and foreign residents.

Jordan: Journalist arrested for claiming officials received jabs of coronavirus vaccine

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA),&nbsp;approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine</a>

The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

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Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. 
 
Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUvaccinationdays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUvaccinationdays</a> are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/pYOj5vS2gV">pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1342751465274806273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576" hreflang="en">Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations</a>

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway."

Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and&nbsp;approved by the experts.

Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe. Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said. Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The #COVID19 vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 26, 2020 × "We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message. Also read| Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway." Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and approved by the experts. Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

EU Chief says vaccine delivered to all EU countries; vaccination drive to start tomorrow

The district health department said on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to around 35,000 health workers of government and private hospitals in the district. 
 
Also, apart from the government facilities, COVID vaccine centres will also be set up at private hospitals across the district. 
 
A meeting of the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) committee was conducted on Friday under the chairmanship of Virender Yadav, civil surgeon, Gurugram. The meeting was also attended by the representative of the World Health Organization, Bindu Yadav, officials of all private hospitals and the Indian Medical Association. 
 
Elaborating the COVID-19 vaccination process, deputy civil surgeon M.P. Singh said that the COVID-19 vaccination drive may start in the district by January. 
 
"For this, a training programme was organised at the mini secretariat recently about the procedure of giving vaccines and preparations related to it. Initially, this vaccine will be given to corona warriors in a phased manner. The vaccine will be first given to health workers, officials and employees associated with health services," Singh said. 
 
Singh also informed that the vaccination process would be monitored through the COVID portal. 
 
"The process of preparing data of COVID warriors has started on this portal," Singh said. 
 
According to the instructions of the government, the vaccine has been planned to be given in different stages so that it can be administered in a systematic manner. Also, the vaccine storage transmission work will be done under the observation of the government. 
 
"A team of five vaccinators will provide vaccines to a group of 100 people. Particular attention will be given to social distancing during this process. The person who is vaccinated will be informed through SMS on his mobile in advance so that this work can be done in a planned manner. After vaccination, the person will have to stay in the centre for 30 minutes so that any reaction can be cured immediately," he said. 
 
The official further stated that at the time of vaccination, the person`s information who came for the vaccination will be matched with the online Covid portal. 
 
"Vaccination will be given on getting the correct information and the person will be kept in the observation room for some time. We will soon start a campaign to give information about the process," he added.

The district health department said on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to around 35,000 health workers of government and private hospitals in the district.

The district health department said on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to around 35,000 health workers of government and private hospitals in the district. Also, apart from the government facilities, COVID vaccine centres will also be set up at private hospitals across the district. A meeting of the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) committee was conducted on Friday under the chairmanship of Virender Yadav, civil surgeon, Gurugram. The meeting was also attended by the representative of the World Health Organization, Bindu Yadav, officials of all private hospitals and the Indian Medical Association. Elaborating the COVID-19 vaccination process, deputy civil surgeon M.P. Singh said that the COVID-19 vaccination drive may start in the district by January. "For this, a training programme was organised at the mini secretariat recently about the procedure of giving vaccines and preparations related to it. Initially, this vaccine will be given to corona warriors in a phased manner. The vaccine will be first given to health workers, officials and employees associated with health services," Singh said. Singh also informed that the vaccination process would be monitored through the COVID portal. "The process of preparing data of COVID warriors has started on this portal," Singh said. According to the instructions of the government, the vaccine has been planned to be given in different stages so that it can be administered in a systematic manner. Also, the vaccine storage transmission work will be done under the observation of the government. "A team of five vaccinators will provide vaccines to a group of 100 people. Particular attention will be given to social distancing during this process. The person who is vaccinated will be informed through SMS on his mobile in advance so that this work can be done in a planned manner. After vaccination, the person will have to stay in the centre for 30 minutes so that any reaction can be cured immediately," he said. The official further stated that at the time of vaccination, the person`s information who came for the vaccination will be matched with the online Covid portal. "Vaccination will be given on getting the correct information and the person will be kept in the observation room for some time. We will soon start a campaign to give information about the process," he added.

COVID-19 vaccine will be available to 35,000 health workers in Gurugram

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday.

In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-detects-new-fast-spreading-coronavirus-strain-351398">After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain</a>

"At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said in a press conference.

"EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations," she further said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-flights-from-uk-over-new-covid-19-variant-spread-351346">India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread</a>

Thanking the efforts of numerous scientists and health experts from around the world, Cooke said, "I am delighted to announce that the EMA scientific committee met today and recommended a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech."

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Emer Cooke, EMA's Exec. Director: EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19vaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19vaccine</a> in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations.
— EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/EMA_News/status/1341022012916051969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She added, "EMA’s scientific assessment is based on the strength of the scientific evidence on the vaccine’s safety, quality and efficacy, and nothing else. The evidence convincingly shows that benefits are greater than the risks of this COVID-19 vaccine."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/covid-20-twitter-abuzz-with-conspiracy-theories-after-discovery-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351388" hreflang="en">COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus</a>

Harald Enzmann, head of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also revealed that the clinical trial&nbsp;conducted for this vaccine has been one of the biggest in the history of EMA. "The main clinical trial for this vaccine, which enrolled over 43,000 people, is one of the largest we have ever evaluated for a vaccine," he claimed.

The new decision taken by the EU regulator will cover all the 27 countries.&nbsp;

Cooke called it a historic moment for the world, especially the EU, as "within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-blocked-travel-from-uk-after-the-emergence-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351376" hreflang="en">Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus</a>

The decision came a few days after the European Union leader&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU. Ursula also took to Twitter to express her happiness over the decision taken by EMA. "It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe &amp; effective vaccines to Europeans!The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine.Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commissiondecision by this evening," she tweeted.

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It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe &amp; effective vaccines to Europeans! 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/EMA_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EMA_News</a> just issued a positive scientific opinion on 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. 
 
Now we will act fast. I expect a <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> decision by this evening.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1341022130591440896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, BioNTech and Pfizer said they were "standing by ready" to deliver the vaccine across the continent once they receive the orders. "We are standing by ready to start the delivery of initial vaccine doses across the EU as soon as we get the green light," said&nbsp;the German company's co-founder Ugur Sahin.

"Today is a particularly personal and emotional day for us at BioNTech. Being in the heart of the EU, we are thrilled to be one step closer to potentially delivering the first vaccine in Europe to help combat this devastating pandemic," he expressed his happiness over the EMA's approval for usage of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-eu-regulator-clears-way-for-use-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-in-europe-351434">Also watch|</a>

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&nbsp;

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday. In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday. In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now. Also read| After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain "At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said in a press conference. "EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations," she further said. Also read| India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread Thanking the efforts of numerous scientists and health experts from around the world, Cooke said, "I am delighted to announce that the EMA scientific committee met today and recommended a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech." Emer Cooke, EMA's Exec. Director: EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations. — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) December 21, 2020 × She added, "EMA’s scientific assessment is based on the strength of the scientific evidence on the vaccine’s safety, quality and efficacy, and nothing else. The evidence convincingly shows that benefits are greater than the risks of this COVID-19 vaccine." Also read| COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus Harald Enzmann, head of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also revealed that the clinical trial conducted for this vaccine has been one of the biggest in the history of EMA. "The main clinical trial for this vaccine, which enrolled over 43,000 people, is one of the largest we have ever evaluated for a vaccine," he claimed. The new decision taken by the EU regulator will cover all the 27 countries. Cooke called it a historic moment for the world, especially the EU, as "within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease." Also read| Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus The decision came a few days after the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU. Ursula also took to Twitter to express her happiness over the decision taken by EMA. "It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe & effective vaccines to Europeans!The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine.Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commissiondecision by this evening," she tweeted. It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe & effective vaccines to Europeans! The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine. Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commission decision by this evening. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 21, 2020 × Meanwhile, BioNTech and Pfizer said they were "standing by ready" to deliver the vaccine across the continent once they receive the orders. "We are standing by ready to start the delivery of initial vaccine doses across the EU as soon as we get the green light," said the German company's co-founder Ugur Sahin. "Today is a particularly personal and emotional day for us at BioNTech. Being in the heart of the EU, we are thrilled to be one step closer to potentially delivering the first vaccine in Europe to help combat this devastating pandemic," he expressed his happiness over the EMA's approval for usage of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU. Also watch| ×

'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

As the world awaits their shot at getting the coronavirus vaccine, security experts are warning governments to protect their shares of vaccine from theft.

Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Stock, on Monday, warned there can be an alarming increase in crimes as several criminal organisations will try to get their hands on the vaccines.

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"With vaccines rolling out, crime will increase dramatically," Stock warned. "We will see thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments."

He has also predicted a sharp increase in cases of graft related to the coronavirus vaccines. He says the crime will increase as criminals would want to get the vaccine quicker, and in an easier way.

"Corruption will be rampant in many places to get the valuable vaccine quicker," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-country-just-gave-its-nurses-a-50-wage-hike-351263" hreflang="en">This country just gave its nurses a 50% wage hike!</a>

Following the warning, Germany has decided to deploy federal police to secure the transportation process of the vaccines. The government has also decided to not reveal the storage location of the vaccines, and keep the locations well-guarded and a secret.

Stock has also issued warning against the possibility of sabotage by various groups of anti-vaxxers.

This&nbsp;statement has come a few days after several countries, such as the UK, US and 15 other countries have approved and started vaccine drives, with many countries planning to approve it soon.

Meanwhile, the UK, Italy and South Africa have reported a new variant of coronavirus, following which majority of European countries have banned all incoming flights from the UK.

As the world awaits their shot at getting the coronavirus vaccine, security experts are warning governments to protect their shares of vaccine from theft. Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

As the world awaits their shot at getting the coronavirus vaccine, security experts are warning governments to protect their shares of vaccine from theft. Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Stock, on Monday, warned there can be an alarming increase in crimes as several criminal organisations will try to get their hands on the vaccines. Also read| The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted! "With vaccines rolling out, crime will increase dramatically," Stock warned. "We will see thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments." He has also predicted a sharp increase in cases of graft related to the coronavirus vaccines. He says the crime will increase as criminals would want to get the vaccine quicker, and in an easier way. "Corruption will be rampant in many places to get the valuable vaccine quicker," he said. Also read| This country just gave its nurses a 50% wage hike! Following the warning, Germany has decided to deploy federal police to secure the transportation process of the vaccines. The government has also decided to not reveal the storage location of the vaccines, and keep the locations well-guarded and a secret. Stock has also issued warning against the possibility of sabotage by various groups of anti-vaxxers. This statement has come a few days after several countries, such as the UK, US and 15 other countries have approved and started vaccine drives, with many countries planning to approve it soon. Meanwhile, the UK, Italy and South Africa have reported a new variant of coronavirus, following which majority of European countries have banned all incoming flights from the UK.

Crime will increase 'dramatically' with COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Interpol

The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has advised lactating mothers to not get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus till they stop breastfeeding.

This caution by the NHS has received criticism from several Women's rights and breastfeeding organisatons. Many believe this warning has been provided without any proof and forces women to choose between the health of their baby and their own wellbeing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194" hreflang="en">New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK: Health Secretary</a>

NHS, till now, has not been able to provide any evidence about the COVID-19 vaccine being unsafe for new mothers. "There’s no evidence it’s unsafe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. But more evidence is needed before you can be offered the vaccine," NHS claims.

However, the NHS website also adds that the warning is just a precaution. "precautionary until additional evidence is available to support the use of this vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding," the website reads.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-strain-who-appeals-for-strong-action-for-containment-in-europe-351217">New coronavirus strain: WHO calls for strong action for containment in Europe</a>

As per the data reported by local media, nearly 46 per cent mothers in the UK were breastfeeding their babies — aged between 6-8 weeks — during 2018-2019.

This warning, if passed, as a rule, can affect hundreds of thousands of mothers across the country, including tens of thousands of frontline workers who nurse patients and their kids together.

Experts believe that while the NHS is simply trying to be cautious, more research should have been carried out on this before scaring the general public, and creating an atmosphere of panic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191" hreflang="en">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a>

The UK governments website urges pregnant women, too, to avoid getting vaccinated. "If you are pregnant you should not be vaccinated – you can be vaccinated after your pregnancy is over," the website reads.

"If you think you may be pregnant you should delay vaccination until you are sure you are not," it continued. The government has also advised women to delay getting the vaccine if they are planning a baby in the next three months, and also if they became pregnant after the first pregnancy.

The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has advised lactating mothers to not get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus till they stop breastfeeding. This caution by the NHS has received criticism from several Women's rights and breastfeeding organisatons.

The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has advised lactating mothers to not get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus till they stop breastfeeding. This caution by the NHS has received criticism from several Women's rights and breastfeeding organisatons. Many believe this warning has been provided without any proof and forces women to choose between the health of their baby and their own wellbeing. Also read| New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK: Health Secretary NHS, till now, has not been able to provide any evidence about the COVID-19 vaccine being unsafe for new mothers. "There’s no evidence it’s unsafe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. But more evidence is needed before you can be offered the vaccine," NHS claims. However, the NHS website also adds that the warning is just a precaution. "precautionary until additional evidence is available to support the use of this vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding," the website reads. Also read| New coronavirus strain: WHO calls for strong action for containment in Europe As per the data reported by local media, nearly 46 per cent mothers in the UK were breastfeeding their babies — aged between 6-8 weeks — during 2018-2019. This warning, if passed, as a rule, can affect hundreds of thousands of mothers across the country, including tens of thousands of frontline workers who nurse patients and their kids together. Experts believe that while the NHS is simply trying to be cautious, more research should have been carried out on this before scaring the general public, and creating an atmosphere of panic. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant The UK governments website urges pregnant women, too, to avoid getting vaccinated. "If you are pregnant you should not be vaccinated – you can be vaccinated after your pregnancy is over," the website reads. "If you think you may be pregnant you should delay vaccination until you are sure you are not," it continued. The government has also advised women to delay getting the vaccine if they are planning a baby in the next three months, and also if they became pregnant after the first pregnancy.

Can mothers get COVID-19 vaccine while breastfeeding? UK suggests this

Anthony Fauci, the&nbsp;top US infectious diseases expert, has assured children he won't let their visit from Santa be affected in this pandemic, promising them their gifts will be delivered like every year.

During an interview with a local news channel, Fauci happily assured children that he "took care of that for you because I was worried that you’d all be upset".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-braces-for-christmas-lockdown-as-europe-battles-coronavirus-surge-351136">England braces for Christmas lockdown as Europe battles coronavirus surge</a>

He also made sure the smart children do not doubt his intentions. Talking about how did he assure their safety, he claimed he took a trip to the North Pole to vaccinate Santa Claus personally. "So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go," he said jokingly.

While he assured children that a visit from Santa would be safe, he also urged kids and the parents to minimize their outings and make sure they follow all coronavirus-related guidelines. "You still need to be careful and wear a mask. Because until we get this blanket of protection over everyone, you can’t be absolutely certain that there isn’t virus there. So vaccines are extremely important to ending this outbreak," he said.

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Fauci, who has earlier had a love-hate relationship with the outgoing US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, has now accepted the incoming President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a> offer to be on the new COVID-19 taskforce.

The US has now approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus and has started mass vaccination drives. The outgoing Vice President Mike Pence also took a shot of the vaccine publically to motivate people to get vaccinated.

Talking about the vaccine, Fauci&nbsp;said, "Until we get the full component of almost everyone vaccinated,&nbsp;we cannot abandon the common public health measure of wearing a mask. So yes, you still should be wearing a mask."

Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, has assured children he won't let their visit from Santa be affected in this pandemic, promising them their gifts will be delivered like every year.

Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, has assured children he won't let their visit from Santa be affected in this pandemic, promising them their gifts will be delivered like every year. During an interview with a local news channel, Fauci happily assured children that he "took care of that for you because I was worried that you’d all be upset". Also read| England braces for Christmas lockdown as Europe battles coronavirus surge He also made sure the smart children do not doubt his intentions. Talking about how did he assure their safety, he claimed he took a trip to the North Pole to vaccinate Santa Claus personally. "So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go," he said jokingly. While he assured children that a visit from Santa would be safe, he also urged kids and the parents to minimize their outings and make sure they follow all coronavirus-related guidelines. "You still need to be careful and wear a mask. Because until we get this blanket of protection over everyone, you can’t be absolutely certain that there isn’t virus there. So vaccines are extremely important to ending this outbreak," he said. Also read| Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse Fauci, who has earlier had a love-hate relationship with the outgoing US President Donald Trump, has now accepted the incoming President Joe Biden's offer to be on the new COVID-19 taskforce. The US has now approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus and has started mass vaccination drives. The outgoing Vice President Mike Pence also took a shot of the vaccine publically to motivate people to get vaccinated. Talking about the vaccine, Fauci said, "Until we get the full component of almost everyone vaccinated, we cannot abandon the common public health measure of wearing a mask. So yes, you still should be wearing a mask."

'I vaccinated Santa personally': Fauci promises Christmas cheer to kids

As the world is now relying on the&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine.

Bolsonaro, who has often termed COVID-19 as just "a little flu", believes the vaccines should not be trusted and has claimed he will not be getting vaccinated.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-under-fire-over-brazils-troubled-vaccine-roll-out-350890">Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out</a>

Voicing his concern over the vaccine, he reminded everyone that the company has denied taking responsibility of any side effects caused by the vaccine. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," he claimed.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he continued scaring the people.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-supreme-court-paves-way-for-sanctions-against-covid-anti-vaxxers-350797">Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers</a>

His statement has come at a time when the UK, US and several other countries have started mass vaccination drives. Brazil's&nbsp;regulatory agency Anvisa, too, will soon be certifying the vaccine, as per local reports.&nbsp;

Brazil's Supreme Court recently also ordered the vaccine to be obligatory. However, it also ruled that this vaccine can not be "forced" on Brazilians, which means that while people cannot be forced to take the vaccine, they can surely be banned from certain places or fine people who fail to get vaccinated.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a>

The mass vaccination drive will be free of cost in Brazil, Bolsonaro reported in the last week while launching&nbsp;the immunization campaign on Wednesday.

While the world is showing trust in the vaccine, despite few hiccups, Bolsonaro has decided to stay away from the needle. "It will be available for everyone that wants it. But me, I won't get vaccinated," he said.

Jair Bolsonaro, who supported Donald Trump's claims of finding cures for te novel coronavirus, had also tested positive for the deadly a few months back.

As of now, Brazil has reported nearly 7.1 million cases with nearly 185,000 deaths from March till December. The country is not in a lockdown anymore, but citizens are advised to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping outdoors.

As the world is now relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine.

As the world is now relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine. Bolsonaro, who has often termed COVID-19 as just "a little flu", believes the vaccines should not be trusted and has claimed he will not be getting vaccinated. Also read| Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out Voicing his concern over the vaccine, he reminded everyone that the company has denied taking responsibility of any side effects caused by the vaccine. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," he claimed. "If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he continued scaring the people. Also read| Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers His statement has come at a time when the UK, US and several other countries have started mass vaccination drives. Brazil's regulatory agency Anvisa, too, will soon be certifying the vaccine, as per local reports. Brazil's Supreme Court recently also ordered the vaccine to be obligatory. However, it also ruled that this vaccine can not be "forced" on Brazilians, which means that while people cannot be forced to take the vaccine, they can surely be banned from certain places or fine people who fail to get vaccinated. Also see| Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics The mass vaccination drive will be free of cost in Brazil, Bolsonaro reported in the last week while launching the immunization campaign on Wednesday. While the world is showing trust in the vaccine, despite few hiccups, Bolsonaro has decided to stay away from the needle. "It will be available for everyone that wants it. But me, I won't get vaccinated," he said. Jair Bolsonaro, who supported Donald Trump's claims of finding cures for te novel coronavirus, had also tested positive for the deadly a few months back. As of now, Brazil has reported nearly 7.1 million cases with nearly 185,000 deaths from March till December. The country is not in a lockdown anymore, but citizens are advised to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping outdoors.

Women may grow beard after taking Pfizer vaccine: Jair Bolsonaro

Belgium’s budget state secretary, Eva De Bleeker, took a bold step by revealing the prices of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> that the European Union (EU) has agreed to pay.

Bleeker took to Twitter to share the price list. "The Facts: 33.5 million vaccines will be purchased this year at 279 million € from the 2020 corona provision. 500 million is also available for the 2021 corona provision o. a. vaccines," she tweeted.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-covid-vaccine-gets-go-ahead-in-switzerland-350989">Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland</a>

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De feiten: 33,5 miljoen vaccins worden dit jaar aangekocht aan 279 miljoen € uit de coronaprovisie 2020. Ook in de coronaprovisie 2021 is nog 500 miljoen beschikbaar voor o.a. vaccins.
— Eva De Bleeker (@EvaDeBleeker) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvaDeBleeker/status/1339606486905999361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, her earlier tweet which had a table of the price list was quickly deleted. But many were successful in taking screenshots of her tweet.

<img alt="COVID-19 vaccine price list" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3038a54-eecb-4ed3-bcb0-62a7c5d3e616" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/COVID-19%20vaccine%20price%20list.jpg" />

The list showed prices of different COVID-19 vaccines which Belgium has bought to fight the coronavirus pandemic. When Bleeker made this information public, the&nbsp;pharmaceutical companies voiced their concerns against such a step as they claim this information falls under confidential information which is not supposed to be made public, as per the laws.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-authorises-moderna-as-second-covid-19-vaccine-350878">US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine</a>

"These prices are covered by a confidentiality clause in the contract with the European commission," said&nbsp;Elisabeth Schraepen, the US drugmaker’s spokeswoman for the Benelux region.

As per the list uploaded, Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is the cheapest and Moderna has been shown to be the most expensive. While this information is not new, the step taken by Bleeker puts the companies in a tough spot as this can now give various countries an upper hand in negotiating the prices.

Meanwhile, the EU has denied passing a comment in this controversy. "We can’t say anything about this case, everything about vaccines and prices are covered by confidentiality clauses, in the interests of society and also in the interests of negotiations ongoing,"&nbsp;said a spokesman for the European Commission.

Belgium’s budget state secretary, Eva De Bleeker, took a bold step by revealing the prices of the coronavirus vaccines that the European Union (EU) has agreed to pay.

Belgium’s budget state secretary, Eva De Bleeker, took a bold step by revealing the prices of the coronavirus vaccines that the European Union (EU) has agreed to pay. Bleeker took to Twitter to share the price list. "The Facts: 33.5 million vaccines will be purchased this year at 279 million € from the 2020 corona provision. 500 million is also available for the 2021 corona provision o. a. vaccines," she tweeted. Also read| Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland De feiten: 33,5 miljoen vaccins worden dit jaar aangekocht aan 279 miljoen € uit de coronaprovisie 2020. Ook in de coronaprovisie 2021 is nog 500 miljoen beschikbaar voor o.a. vaccins. — Eva De Bleeker (@EvaDeBleeker) December 17, 2020 × However, her earlier tweet which had a table of the price list was quickly deleted. But many were successful in taking screenshots of her tweet. The list showed prices of different COVID-19 vaccines which Belgium has bought to fight the coronavirus pandemic. When Bleeker made this information public, the pharmaceutical companies voiced their concerns against such a step as they claim this information falls under confidential information which is not supposed to be made public, as per the laws. Also read | US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine "These prices are covered by a confidentiality clause in the contract with the European commission," said Elisabeth Schraepen, the US drugmaker’s spokeswoman for the Benelux region. As per the list uploaded, Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is the cheapest and Moderna has been shown to be the most expensive. While this information is not new, the step taken by Bleeker puts the companies in a tough spot as this can now give various countries an upper hand in negotiating the prices. Meanwhile, the EU has denied passing a comment in this controversy. "We can’t say anything about this case, everything about vaccines and prices are covered by confidentiality clauses, in the interests of society and also in the interests of negotiations ongoing," said a spokesman for the European Commission.

Belgian minister 'accidentally' reveals COVID-19 vaccine price list on Twitter

All five babies born to women with COVID-19 infection during a study in Singapore have had antibodies against the virus, although the researchers said it is not yet clear what level of protection this may offer.

The findings from a study of 16 women released on Friday also found that most were mildy infected, while more severe reactions occurred in older women with a high body mass index - a trend that is mirrored in the general population.

Of the five who had delivered their babies by the time the study was published, all had antibodies, according to the Singapore Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Network.

The number of antibodies in the babies varied, and was higher among those whose mothers’ had been infected nearer to the time of delivery, the researchers said. Further monitoring is required to see whether the antibodies will decline as the babies get older, they added.

All five babies born to women with COVID-19 infection during a study in Singapore have had antibodies against the virus, although the researchers said it is not yet clear what level of protection this may offer.

All five babies born to women with COVID-19 infection during a study in Singapore have had antibodies against the virus, although the researchers said it is not yet clear what level of protection this may offer. The findings from a study of 16 women released on Friday also found that most were mildy infected, while more severe reactions occurred in older women with a high body mass index - a trend that is mirrored in the general population. Of the five who had delivered their babies by the time the study was published, all had antibodies, according to the Singapore Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Network. The number of antibodies in the babies varied, and was higher among those whose mothers’ had been infected nearer to the time of delivery, the researchers said. Further monitoring is required to see whether the antibodies will decline as the babies get older, they added.

Babies born to COVID-19 mothers have antibodies, Singapore study finds

After several countries started mass vaccination drive, Spain, too, has decided to start immunising people against the novel coronavirus from December 27.

The mass vaccination drive will be starting a day after the country receives its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the country's health minister Salvador Illa announced on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-the-end-of-coronavirus-us-vice-president-mike-pence-receives-vaccine-jab-350801" hreflang="en">'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab</a>

Spain locals will be receiving doses of the approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus. While the government will be giving access to everyone for the vaccine, the officials are still urging locals to make sure they follow the existing COVID-19 regulations.

"This is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, not the end, so we must continue to keep our guard up," Salvador Illa said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-supreme-court-paves-way-for-sanctions-against-covid-anti-vaxxers-350797" hreflang="en">Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers</a>

As per the initial plans laid out by the government, elderly locals and staff members in the nursing homes will be given preference for the vaccine. After the hospital staff and elderly residents, health workers and other people prone to the virus will be receiving the next doses.

The Spanish government has estimated vaccinating 15-20 million out of a population of 47 million people by the end of the month of June.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-nurse-passes-out-after-getting-pfizer-biontechs-covid-19-vaccine-350712" hreflang="en">Watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine</a>

This statement came a day after the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to begin vaccinating the people of European countries between December 27-29. Spain, like the rest of the EU, will be relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for now.

Spain was one of the worst hit countries of the continent as more than 1.7 million were infected by the virus, taking nearly 48,000 lives.

After several countries started mass vaccination drive, Spain, too, has decided to start immunising people against the novel coronavirus from December 27. The mass vaccination drive will be starting a day after the country receives its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the country's health minister Salvador Illa announced on Friday.

After several countries started mass vaccination drive, Spain, too, has decided to start immunising people against the novel coronavirus from December 27. The mass vaccination drive will be starting a day after the country receives its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the country's health minister Salvador Illa announced on Friday. Also read| 'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab Spain locals will be receiving doses of the approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus. While the government will be giving access to everyone for the vaccine, the officials are still urging locals to make sure they follow the existing COVID-19 regulations. "This is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, not the end, so we must continue to keep our guard up," Salvador Illa said. Also read| Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers As per the initial plans laid out by the government, elderly locals and staff members in the nursing homes will be given preference for the vaccine. After the hospital staff and elderly residents, health workers and other people prone to the virus will be receiving the next doses. The Spanish government has estimated vaccinating 15-20 million out of a population of 47 million people by the end of the month of June. Also read| Watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine This statement came a day after the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to begin vaccinating the people of European countries between December 27-29. Spain, like the rest of the EU, will be relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for now. Spain was one of the worst hit countries of the continent as more than 1.7 million were infected by the virus, taking nearly 48,000 lives.

Spain to start mass vaccination drive against COVID-19 next week

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as US authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic.

Vice President Mike Pence will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said. Both men will receive the shot publicly in an effort to boost confidence in the safety of the vaccine, which will become widely available to the public next year.

“I don’t want to get ahead of the line but I want to make sure that we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take,” Biden said at an event earlier on Wednesday.

Biden, 78, is in a high-risk category for the coronavirus because of his age.

Biden has vowed to make the fight against the virus his top priority when he takes office on Jan. 20. President Donald Trump, who lost the Nov. 3 election to Biden, has frequently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, which has killed 304,187 Americans so far and feuded with his top public health officials.

Trump will get the vaccine himself as soon as his medical team determines it is best, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday. The president was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 this fall.

Initial doses of the vaccine, which became available in the United States this week, have been set aside for doctors, nurses and other frontline medical workers, along with residents and staff of nursing homes and some U.S. government officials.

U.S. officials aim to get 2.9 million doses of the vaccine, developed by Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE, by week’s end.

One health worker in Alaska had a severe allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine, officials said on Wednesday in what is believed to be the only adverse reaction so far in the United States.

A significant portion of the American public has shown disdain for basic public health recommendations, such as wearing a mask, and only 61% of respondents in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll said they were open to getting vaccinated.

Scientists believe that “herd immunity” against the virus could be achieved once about 70% of the population has been exposed to it, either through natural infection or a vaccine.

Some 16.7 million Americans have been infected so far, equal to roughly 5% of the population. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said.

Biden’s transition team did not say when Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would get the vaccine.

‘US SHOULD LEAD THE WAY’

Biden is building his incoming administration as he prepares for his inauguration next month.

On Wednesday, he introduced former presidential rival Pete Buttigieg as his choice for U.S. transportation secretary to take the lead in upgrading America’s ageing infrastructure.

Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary confirmed by the Senate if he is approved.

“The Biden-Harris Cabinet will be a historic Cabinet - a Cabinet that looks like America, a Cabinet that taps into the best of America, a Cabinet that is opening doors and breaking down barriers and accessing the full range of talent ... in this nation,” Biden said as he puts forth what is shaping up to be the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history.

Appearing with Buttigieg in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said the 38-year-old would confront the task of restoring what he called “our crumbling roads, bridges and ports.” Biden has proposed a massive boost in infrastructure spending.

Buttigieg emerged from relative obscurity to mount a surprisingly robust campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination eventually won by Biden. A military veteran who served in Afghanistan, Buttigieg is in the vanguard of the next generation of Democratic politicians and is widely seen as a future presidential contender.

“Americans shouldn’t settle for less than our peers in the developed world when it comes to our roads and bridges, our railways and transit systems. The U.S. should lead the way, and I know that in this administration we will,” Buttigieg said.

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as US authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic.

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as US authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic. Vice President Mike Pence will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said. Both men will receive the shot publicly in an effort to boost confidence in the safety of the vaccine, which will become widely available to the public next year. “I don’t want to get ahead of the line but I want to make sure that we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take,” Biden said at an event earlier on Wednesday. Biden, 78, is in a high-risk category for the coronavirus because of his age. Biden has vowed to make the fight against the virus his top priority when he takes office on Jan. 20. President Donald Trump, who lost the Nov. 3 election to Biden, has frequently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, which has killed 304,187 Americans so far and feuded with his top public health officials. Trump will get the vaccine himself as soon as his medical team determines it is best, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday. The president was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 this fall. Initial doses of the vaccine, which became available in the United States this week, have been set aside for doctors, nurses and other frontline medical workers, along with residents and staff of nursing homes and some U.S. government officials. U.S. officials aim to get 2.9 million doses of the vaccine, developed by Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE, by week’s end. One health worker in Alaska had a severe allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine, officials said on Wednesday in what is believed to be the only adverse reaction so far in the United States. A significant portion of the American public has shown disdain for basic public health recommendations, such as wearing a mask, and only 61% of respondents in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll said they were open to getting vaccinated. Scientists believe that “herd immunity” against the virus could be achieved once about 70% of the population has been exposed to it, either through natural infection or a vaccine. Some 16.7 million Americans have been infected so far, equal to roughly 5% of the population. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said. Biden’s transition team did not say when Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would get the vaccine. ‘US SHOULD LEAD THE WAY’ Biden is building his incoming administration as he prepares for his inauguration next month. On Wednesday, he introduced former presidential rival Pete Buttigieg as his choice for U.S. transportation secretary to take the lead in upgrading America’s ageing infrastructure. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary confirmed by the Senate if he is approved. “The Biden-Harris Cabinet will be a historic Cabinet - a Cabinet that looks like America, a Cabinet that taps into the best of America, a Cabinet that is opening doors and breaking down barriers and accessing the full range of talent ... in this nation,” Biden said as he puts forth what is shaping up to be the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history. Appearing with Buttigieg in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said the 38-year-old would confront the task of restoring what he called “our crumbling roads, bridges and ports.” Biden has proposed a massive boost in infrastructure spending. Buttigieg emerged from relative obscurity to mount a surprisingly robust campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination eventually won by Biden. A military veteran who served in Afghanistan, Buttigieg is in the vanguard of the next generation of Democratic politicians and is widely seen as a future presidential contender. “Americans shouldn’t settle for less than our peers in the developed world when it comes to our roads and bridges, our railways and transit systems. The U.S. should lead the way, and I know that in this administration we will,” Buttigieg said.

Joe Biden to get Covid-19 vaccine next week; Mike Pence to receive it on December 18

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be quarantining after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. He although had tested negative, the US State Department said on Wednesday.

"Secretary Pompeo has been identified as having come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. For reasons of privacy we can’t identify that individual," a spokesperson for the State Department said.

"The secretary has been tested and is negative. In accordance with CDC guidelines, he will be in quarantine. He is being closely monitored by the department’s medical team."

Pompeo did not attend President Donald Trump's cabinet meeting at the White House which took place earlier on Wednesday.

Diplomats said the State Department cancelled a holiday reception for the foreign missions in Washington that was due to take place later on Wednesday.

Pompeo has come under criticism for going ahead with the planning of several holiday parties, defying guidelines from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which describes large in-person gatherings as "highest risk" for the spread of the disease.

The United States has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus, with confirmed cases over 16.7 million and deaths over 305,000. Many states recently tightened their restrictions due to a rise in the cases.

President Donald Trump and his administration have been widely criticised for their consistently lax approach to mask-wearing and social distancing at the White House. Critics say his handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been among the top reasons why he lost his November 3 re-election bid to Democrat Joe Biden, due to take office on January 20.

Trump himself was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October, while a large number of his staff, including some of his closest aides, also tested positive and later recovered.

Also, Washington Post reported that Pompeo cancelled a speech he was due to give at another indoor holiday party that took place late on Tuesday and whose invites had been sent out to 900 people, drawing wide criticism.

(with inputs)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be quarantining after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. He although had tested negative, the US State Department said on Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be quarantining after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus. He although had tested negative, the US State Department said on Wednesday. "Secretary Pompeo has been identified as having come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. For reasons of privacy we can’t identify that individual," a spokesperson for the State Department said. "The secretary has been tested and is negative. In accordance with CDC guidelines, he will be in quarantine. He is being closely monitored by the department’s medical team." Pompeo did not attend President Donald Trump's cabinet meeting at the White House which took place earlier on Wednesday. Diplomats said the State Department cancelled a holiday reception for the foreign missions in Washington that was due to take place later on Wednesday. Pompeo has come under criticism for going ahead with the planning of several holiday parties, defying guidelines from US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which describes large in-person gatherings as "highest risk" for the spread of the disease. The United States has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus, with confirmed cases over 16.7 million and deaths over 305,000. Many states recently tightened their restrictions due to a rise in the cases. President Donald Trump and his administration have been widely criticised for their consistently lax approach to mask-wearing and social distancing at the White House. Critics say his handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been among the top reasons why he lost his November 3 re-election bid to Democrat Joe Biden, due to take office on January 20. Trump himself was diagnosed with COVID-19 in October, while a large number of his staff, including some of his closest aides, also tested positive and later recovered. Also, Washington Post reported that Pompeo cancelled a speech he was due to give at another indoor holiday party that took place late on Tuesday and whose invites had been sent out to 900 people, drawing wide criticism. (with inputs)

US Secy of State Pompeo to quarantine after contact with Covid-positive person

While the governments are turning towards various pharmaceutical companies for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>, some people have decided to rely on the infamous dark web for their shot to protection against the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

A recent report by&nbsp;Checkpoint Research has shown there has been an alarming increase in the amount of fake COVID-19 vaccines available on the dark web. Anybody, who is able to solve the mystery of the dark web, can order and purchase these fake vaccines...but by paying in bitcoins.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-identified-in-uk-london-in-tier-3-lockdown-349785" hreflang="en">New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in Tier 3 lockdown</a>

The concept of paying through bitcoins, and not traditional money has made tracking these transactions harder for the experts.

Checkpoint Research has also revealed that the advice being provided on the required dosage of the vaccine is also contradictory to the announcement made by the health experts around the globe. "When researchers communicated with one vendor, they offered to sell an unspecified Covid-19 vaccine for 0.01 BTC (around US$300), and claimed that 14 doses were required. This advice contradicts official announcements, which state that some coronavirus vaccines require two shots per person, each administered three weeks apart," the company said in a statement.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-administers-first-coronavirus-vaccine-donald-trump-congratulates-americans-349779">US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans</a>

These fake vaccines are being sold in the name of&nbsp;leading pharmaceuticals and are being priced for nearly&nbsp;$250 and above. "The range of medicines advertised by these vendors is extensive, from ‘available coronavirus vaccine $250’ to ‘Say bye bye to COVID19=CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE’ to ‘Buy fast.CORONA-VIRUS VACCINE IS OUT NOW’, and we have no way of knowing whether these are genuine," the post reads.

As per the data observed by the company, nearly&nbsp;1,062 new domains had cropped up since November out of which 400 domains had mentioned 'covid' and 'corona', and the researchers had downsized to six of them being highly suspicious.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-approves-pfizer-biontech-virus-vaccine-349764" hreflang="en">Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech virus vaccine</a>

The experts claim they had expected such activities to increase once the vaccines were announced and approved by leading governments. However, they are also urging masses not to get trapped in this dark side of the vaccine and not trust any kind of misinformation being spread around by a few.

While the governments are turning towards various pharmaceutical companies for coronavirus vaccines, some people have decided to rely on the infamous dark web for their shot to protection against the novel coronavirus.

While the governments are turning towards various pharmaceutical companies for coronavirus vaccines, some people have decided to rely on the infamous dark web for their shot to protection against the novel coronavirus. A recent report by Checkpoint Research has shown there has been an alarming increase in the amount of fake COVID-19 vaccines available on the dark web. Anybody, who is able to solve the mystery of the dark web, can order and purchase these fake vaccines...but by paying in bitcoins. Also read| New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in Tier 3 lockdown The concept of paying through bitcoins, and not traditional money has made tracking these transactions harder for the experts. Checkpoint Research has also revealed that the advice being provided on the required dosage of the vaccine is also contradictory to the announcement made by the health experts around the globe. "When researchers communicated with one vendor, they offered to sell an unspecified Covid-19 vaccine for 0.01 BTC (around US$300), and claimed that 14 doses were required. This advice contradicts official announcements, which state that some coronavirus vaccines require two shots per person, each administered three weeks apart," the company said in a statement. Also read| US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans These fake vaccines are being sold in the name of leading pharmaceuticals and are being priced for nearly $250 and above. "The range of medicines advertised by these vendors is extensive, from ‘available coronavirus vaccine $250’ to ‘Say bye bye to COVID19=CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE’ to ‘Buy fast.CORONA-VIRUS VACCINE IS OUT NOW’, and we have no way of knowing whether these are genuine," the post reads. As per the data observed by the company, nearly 1,062 new domains had cropped up since November out of which 400 domains had mentioned 'covid' and 'corona', and the researchers had downsized to six of them being highly suspicious. Also read| Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech virus vaccine The experts claim they had expected such activities to increase once the vaccines were announced and approved by leading governments. However, they are also urging masses not to get trapped in this dark side of the vaccine and not trust any kind of misinformation being spread around by a few.

Fake COVID-19 vaccines surge on dark web: Research

In accordance with the newly-reached European Union agreements Spain will abolish value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of COVID-19 vaccines and tests until the end of 2022, a senior official said Wednesday.

The government aims to cover large strata of people by the month of May. According to a tally by the John Hopkins University, Spain has a total of 1,720,056 cases with 47,344 fatalities.&nbsp;

In Spain COVID-19 vaccinations will be free for citizens and administered by the public health system, Spain's Finance Minister and Government Spokesperson Maria Jesus Montero told the press after the weekly cabinet meeting.

The decision, she explained, is in line with EU guidelines issued on Monday requiring member states to modify VAT rates to zero or reduce the rates "temporarily."

Meanwhile, Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa explained that Spain will kick off vaccination in January, aiming to cover a large percentage of the population by May.

It was the first time since August that the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants had fallen below 200.

(With inputs from agencies)

In accordance with the newly-reached European Union agreements Spain will abolish value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of COVID-19 vaccines and tests until the end of 2022, a senior official said Wednesday.

In accordance with the newly-reached European Union agreements Spain will abolish value-added tax (VAT) on the sale of COVID-19 vaccines and tests until the end of 2022, a senior official said Wednesday. The government aims to cover large strata of people by the month of May. According to a tally by the John Hopkins University, Spain has a total of 1,720,056 cases with 47,344 fatalities. In Spain COVID-19 vaccinations will be free for citizens and administered by the public health system, Spain's Finance Minister and Government Spokesperson Maria Jesus Montero told the press after the weekly cabinet meeting. The decision, she explained, is in line with EU guidelines issued on Monday requiring member states to modify VAT rates to zero or reduce the rates "temporarily." Meanwhile, Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa explained that Spain will kick off vaccination in January, aiming to cover a large percentage of the population by May. It was the first time since August that the 14-day cumulative number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants had fallen below 200. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain to provide tax-free coronavirus vaccines and tests until 2022 end 

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday officially registered the coronavirus vaccine produced by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm, saying it was 86 per cent effective according to the analysis of third-phase trials.

The health ministry "has announced the official registration" of the vaccine, state news agency WAM said, without elaborating on how it would now be used.&nbsp;

The vaccine has been undergoing third-phase trials in the Emirates since July, and it was approved for emergency use for healthcare workers in September.

"The announcement is a significant vote of confidence by the UAE’s health authorities in the safety and efficacy of this vaccine," WAM said.

UAE health officials have reviewed Sinopharm's interim analysis of the third-phase trials which shows it is 86 per cent effective against coronavirus, the report said.

"The analysis also shows the vaccine to have 99 per cent seroconversion rate of neutralising antibody and 100 per cent effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease.

"Furthermore, the analysis shows no serious safety concerns."

China has four vaccine products in the final stages of development, three of which -- including Sinopharm -- use an inactivated form of the novel coronavirus to boost immunity.

This means they only need to be refrigerated and can be easily distributed compared to jabs developed by rivals Pfizer and BioNTech or Moderna, which have reported efficacy of 95 per cent and 94 per cent respectively but need to be transported at minus 70 to 20 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

However, Chinese drugmakers have not released any data on their vaccines' safety or efficacy.

Chinese vaccine makers also have chequered reputations, after major scandals at home involving expired or poor quality products. While the government's domestic handling of the virus has won support within China, overseas buyers are cautious.

Chinese vaccine frontrunners Sinovac and Sinopharm have pre-orders for less than 500 million doses in total by mid-November, according to data from London consultancy Airfinity, mostly from countries that have participated in trials.

Two vaccines have undergone third-phase trials in the UAE, the Sinopharm project and Russia's Sputnik-V, named after the Soviet-era satellite.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said in November that he had received an experimental coronavirus vaccine, joining other top UAE officials to take part in the trials.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday officially registered the coronavirus vaccine produced by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm, saying it was 86 per cent effective according to the analysis of third-phase trials.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday officially registered the coronavirus vaccine produced by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm, saying it was 86 per cent effective according to the analysis of third-phase trials. The health ministry "has announced the official registration" of the vaccine, state news agency WAM said, without elaborating on how it would now be used. The vaccine has been undergoing third-phase trials in the Emirates since July, and it was approved for emergency use for healthcare workers in September. "The announcement is a significant vote of confidence by the UAE’s health authorities in the safety and efficacy of this vaccine," WAM said. UAE health officials have reviewed Sinopharm's interim analysis of the third-phase trials which shows it is 86 per cent effective against coronavirus, the report said. "The analysis also shows the vaccine to have 99 per cent seroconversion rate of neutralising antibody and 100 per cent effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease. "Furthermore, the analysis shows no serious safety concerns." China has four vaccine products in the final stages of development, three of which -- including Sinopharm -- use an inactivated form of the novel coronavirus to boost immunity. This means they only need to be refrigerated and can be easily distributed compared to jabs developed by rivals Pfizer and BioNTech or Moderna, which have reported efficacy of 95 per cent and 94 per cent respectively but need to be transported at minus 70 to 20 degrees Celsius. However, Chinese drugmakers have not released any data on their vaccines' safety or efficacy. Chinese vaccine makers also have chequered reputations, after major scandals at home involving expired or poor quality products. While the government's domestic handling of the virus has won support within China, overseas buyers are cautious. Chinese vaccine frontrunners Sinovac and Sinopharm have pre-orders for less than 500 million doses in total by mid-November, according to data from London consultancy Airfinity, mostly from countries that have participated in trials. Two vaccines have undergone third-phase trials in the UAE, the Sinopharm project and Russia's Sputnik-V, named after the Soviet-era satellite. Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum said in November that he had received an experimental coronavirus vaccine, joining other top UAE officials to take part in the trials.

UAE registers China's Sinopharm vaccine, says 86% effective

Indonesia received its first shipment of coronavirus vaccine from China on Sunday, President Joko Widodo said, as the government prepares a mass inoculation programme. 
 
Jokowi, as the president is widely known, said in an online briefing that the Southeast Asian country received 1.2 million doses from China`s Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a vaccine Indonesia has been testing since August.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-seeks-emergency-approval-for-covid-vaccine-in-india-347819" hreflang="en">Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India</a> 
 
He added that the government plans to receive another 1.8 million doses in early January. 
 
Late-stage trials of the Sinovac vaccine are also under way in Brazil and Turkey, with interim results on efficiency from Brazil expected by mid-December.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-food-programme-warns-2021-will-bring-catastrophic-humanitarian-crisis-347960">World Food Programme warns 2021 will bring 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis</a> 
 
Indonesia is also expected this month to receive shipments of raw materials to produce 15 million doses and materials for 30 million doses next month, the president said. 
 
The vaccine still needs to be evaluated by the country`s food and drug agency (BPOM) while his administration continues to prepare for distributing the vaccine across the vast archipelago of 270 million people, Jokowi said. 
 
"We have been preparing for months through simulations in several provinces and I am sure that once it is decided that we can begin the vaccination, everything will be ready," he said. 
 
Indonesia`s daily number of coronavirus infections have accelerated in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases reaching 575,796 on Sunday with 17,740 deaths, the highest in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia received its first shipment of coronavirus vaccine from China on Sunday, President Joko Widodo said, as the government prepares a mass inoculation programme.

Indonesia received its first shipment of coronavirus vaccine from China on Sunday, President Joko Widodo said, as the government prepares a mass inoculation programme. Jokowi, as the president is widely known, said in an online briefing that the Southeast Asian country received 1.2 million doses from China`s Sinovac Biotech Ltd., a vaccine Indonesia has been testing since August. Also read| Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India He added that the government plans to receive another 1.8 million doses in early January. Late-stage trials of the Sinovac vaccine are also under way in Brazil and Turkey, with interim results on efficiency from Brazil expected by mid-December. Also read| World Food Programme warns 2021 will bring 'catastrophic' humanitarian crisis Indonesia is also expected this month to receive shipments of raw materials to produce 15 million doses and materials for 30 million doses next month, the president said. The vaccine still needs to be evaluated by the country`s food and drug agency (BPOM) while his administration continues to prepare for distributing the vaccine across the vast archipelago of 270 million people, Jokowi said. "We have been preparing for months through simulations in several provinces and I am sure that once it is decided that we can begin the vaccination, everything will be ready," he said. Indonesia`s daily number of coronavirus infections have accelerated in recent weeks, with total confirmed cases reaching 575,796 on Sunday with 17,740 deaths, the highest in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia receives first COVID vaccine from China's Sinovac

On the heels of last month’s news of stunning results from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s experimental COVID-19 vaccines, Sen. Rand Paul tweeted a provocative comparison.

The new vaccines were 90% and 94.5% effective, Paul said. But “naturally acquired” COVID-19 was even better, at 99.9982%, he claimed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biggest-crisis-south-korea-tightens-covid-19-restrictions-amid-record-high-surge-347930" hreflang="en">South Korea tightens COVID-19 restrictions amid record high surge</a>

Paul, R-Ky., is one of many people who have extolled the benefits of contracting the coronavirus. The senator was diagnosed with the disease this year and has argued that surviving a bout of COVID-19 confers greater protection and poses fewer risks than getting vaccinated.

The trouble with that logic is that it’s difficult to predict who will survive an infection unscathed, said Jennifer Gommerman, an immunologist at the University of Toronto. Given all of the unknowns — like a region’s hospital capacity or the strength of a person’s immune response — choosing the disease over the vaccine is “a very bad decision,” she said.

The primary advantage of a vaccine is that it’s predictable and safe, she said. “It’s been optimally tailored to generate an effective immune response.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-behind-oxford-covid-vaccine-to-soon-start-final-trials-of-malaria-jab-347811" hreflang="en">Scientists behind Oxford Covid vaccine to soon start final trials of Malaria jab</a>

We asked experts to weigh in on some key questions.

Which produces a stronger immune response: a natural infection or a vaccine?

The short answer: We don’t know. But COVID-19 vaccines have predictably prevented illness, and they are a far safer bet, experts said.

Vaccines for some pathogens, like pneumococcal bacteria, induce better immunity than the natural infection does. Early evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines may fall into this category. Volunteers who received the Moderna shot had more antibodies in their blood than did people who had been sick with COVID-19.

I’m young, healthy and at low risk of COVID. Why not take my chances with that rather than get a rushed vaccine?

The experts were unanimous in their answer: COVID-19 is by far the more dangerous option.

“It’s clear that one is less problematic for the body to recover from them than the other. There’s more risk with natural infection,” said Marion Pepper, an immunologist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

People who are obese or who have diseases like diabetes are particularly susceptible to severe cases of COVID-19. On average, the virus seems to be less risky for younger people, and women tend to fare better than men. But beyond those broad generalizations, doctors don’t know why some people get very sick and die while others have no symptoms.

On the heels of last month’s news of stunning results from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s experimental COVID-19 vaccines, Sen. Rand Paul tweeted a provocative comparison.

On the heels of last month’s news of stunning results from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s experimental COVID-19 vaccines, Sen. Rand Paul tweeted a provocative comparison. The new vaccines were 90% and 94.5% effective, Paul said. But “naturally acquired” COVID-19 was even better, at 99.9982%, he claimed. Also read| South Korea tightens COVID-19 restrictions amid record high surge Paul, R-Ky., is one of many people who have extolled the benefits of contracting the coronavirus. The senator was diagnosed with the disease this year and has argued that surviving a bout of COVID-19 confers greater protection and poses fewer risks than getting vaccinated. The trouble with that logic is that it’s difficult to predict who will survive an infection unscathed, said Jennifer Gommerman, an immunologist at the University of Toronto. Given all of the unknowns — like a region’s hospital capacity or the strength of a person’s immune response — choosing the disease over the vaccine is “a very bad decision,” she said. The primary advantage of a vaccine is that it’s predictable and safe, she said. “It’s been optimally tailored to generate an effective immune response.” Also read| Scientists behind Oxford Covid vaccine to soon start final trials of Malaria jab We asked experts to weigh in on some key questions. Which produces a stronger immune response: a natural infection or a vaccine? The short answer: We don’t know. But COVID-19 vaccines have predictably prevented illness, and they are a far safer bet, experts said. Vaccines for some pathogens, like pneumococcal bacteria, induce better immunity than the natural infection does. Early evidence suggests that the COVID-19 vaccines may fall into this category. Volunteers who received the Moderna shot had more antibodies in their blood than did people who had been sick with COVID-19. I’m young, healthy and at low risk of COVID. Why not take my chances with that rather than get a rushed vaccine? The experts were unanimous in their answer: COVID-19 is by far the more dangerous option. “It’s clear that one is less problematic for the body to recover from them than the other. There’s more risk with natural infection,” said Marion Pepper, an immunologist at the University of Washington in Seattle. People who are obese or who have diseases like diabetes are particularly susceptible to severe cases of COVID-19. On average, the virus seems to be less risky for younger people, and women tend to fare better than men. But beyond those broad generalizations, doctors don’t know why some people get very sick and die while others have no symptoms.

Is ‘natural immunity’ from COVID better than a vaccine?

Gujarat has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccination, which would start with around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday.

"The Gujarat government has put together a cold chain infrastructure to store and transport the COVID-19 vaccine and made lists of priority beneficiaries. The first priority will be given to healthcare workers," he said while addressing the convocation ceremony at Marwadi University on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, including 2.71 lakh government doctors, nurses, and lab technicians as well as 1.25 lakh doctors, nurses, lab technicians and employees of private hospitals engaged in the COVID-19 duty will be given the first priority. People who will be vaccinated will be notified in advance through SMS about the date, time, and place," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-seeks-emergency-approval-for-covid-vaccine-in-india-347819">Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India</a> 
 
He further said permanent refrigeration facility is available across 2,189 Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres.&nbsp;

"The Union government has provided 150 out of 169 ice-lined refrigerators. The state will also arrange for 30 deep freezers," he said.

Meanwhile, the CM gave gold medals to the toppers during the convocation ceremony.

Gujarat has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccination, which would start with around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday.

Gujarat has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccination, which would start with around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday. "The Gujarat government has put together a cold chain infrastructure to store and transport the COVID-19 vaccine and made lists of priority beneficiaries. The first priority will be given to healthcare workers," he said while addressing the convocation ceremony at Marwadi University on Saturday. "Around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, including 2.71 lakh government doctors, nurses, and lab technicians as well as 1.25 lakh doctors, nurses, lab technicians and employees of private hospitals engaged in the COVID-19 duty will be given the first priority. People who will be vaccinated will be notified in advance through SMS about the date, time, and place," he added. Also Read | Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India He further said permanent refrigeration facility is available across 2,189 Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres. "The Union government has provided 150 out of 169 ice-lined refrigerators. The state will also arrange for 30 deep freezers," he said. Meanwhile, the CM gave gold medals to the toppers during the convocation ceremony.

Gujarat has started preparations for COVID-19 vaccination: CM

The&nbsp;Haryana health minister Anil Vij has tested positive for the novel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> after taking a trial shot of&nbsp;Bharat Biotech's Covaxin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>.

"I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona," he posted on Twitter.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-adds-36652-new-coronavirus-cases-death-toll-stands-at-139700-347634" hreflang="en">India adds 36,652 new coronavirus cases; death toll stands at 139,700</a>

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I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona.
— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilvijminister/status/1335093819654619137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Anil Vij, a&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, had taken a trial shot of India's COVID-19 vaccine's third phase of trial in Haryana on November 20. "I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine #Covaxin a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of &nbsp;Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose," he had announced through Twitter.

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I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covaxin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covaxin</a> a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose.
— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilvijminister/status/1329393082614202369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A few weeks later when the minister was in Chandigarh, he reported fatigue and decided to get himself tested. "He got tested himself today morning and the result is positive. The staff will be tested today itself," his team had reported.

The news of him testing positive after administering a trial dose has raised questions about Bharat Biotech's vaccine's effectiveness.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citing-tech-issues-un-covid-19-summit-nixes-adar-poonawalla-video-347619" hreflang="en">Citing tech issues, UN Covid-19 summit nixes Adar Poonawalla video</a>

Indian pharmaceutical company has also released a statement after Anil Vij tested positive. "Covaxin clinical trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 14 days post the 2nd dose. Covaxin has been designed to be efficacious when subjects receive both doses," the company said. "The phase-3 trials are double-blinded and randomized, where 50% of subjects (participants in the trial) receive vaccine &amp; 50% of subjects receive placebo."

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COVAXINᵀᴹ trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. <a href="https://t.co/ZKmGuKbBMf">pic.twitter.com/ZKmGuKbBMf</a>
— BharatBiotech (@BharatBiotech) <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech/status/1335170865646850048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bharat Biotech had started phase 3 trial of the vaccine only after successfully completing the trial of the first two phases. The pharmaceutical company has engaged with nearly 26,000 volunteers for this vaccine's third phase trial in India — making it the largest ever such trial in India.

The Haryana health minister Anil Vij has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after taking a trial shot of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine. "I have been tested Corona positive.

The Haryana health minister Anil Vij has tested positive for the novel coronavirus after taking a trial shot of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine. "I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona," he posted on Twitter. Also read| India adds 36,652 new coronavirus cases; death toll stands at 139,700 I have been tested Corona positive. I am admitted in Civil Hospital Ambala Cantt. All those who have come in close contact to me are advised to get themselves tested for corona. — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) December 5, 2020 × Anil Vij, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, had taken a trial shot of India's COVID-19 vaccine's third phase of trial in Haryana on November 20. "I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine #Covaxin a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose," he had announced through Twitter. I Will be administered trial dose of Coronavirus vaccine #Covaxin a Bharat Biotech product Tomorrow at 11 am at Civil Hospital, Ambala Cantt under the expert supervision of a team of Doctors from PGI Rohtak and Health Department. I have volunteered to take the trial dose. — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) November 19, 2020 × A few weeks later when the minister was in Chandigarh, he reported fatigue and decided to get himself tested. "He got tested himself today morning and the result is positive. The staff will be tested today itself," his team had reported. The news of him testing positive after administering a trial dose has raised questions about Bharat Biotech's vaccine's effectiveness. Also read| Citing tech issues, UN Covid-19 summit nixes Adar Poonawalla video Indian pharmaceutical company has also released a statement after Anil Vij tested positive. "Covaxin clinical trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 14 days post the 2nd dose. Covaxin has been designed to be efficacious when subjects receive both doses," the company said. "The phase-3 trials are double-blinded and randomized, where 50% of subjects (participants in the trial) receive vaccine & 50% of subjects receive placebo." COVAXINᵀᴹ trials are based on a 2-dose schedule, given 28 days apart. The vaccine efficacy will be determined 2 weeks after the 2nd dose. pic.twitter.com/ZKmGuKbBMf — BharatBiotech (@BharatBiotech) December 5, 2020 × Bharat Biotech had started phase 3 trial of the vaccine only after successfully completing the trial of the first two phases. The pharmaceutical company has engaged with nearly 26,000 volunteers for this vaccine's third phase trial in India — making it the largest ever such trial in India.

Haryana minister Anil Vij tests positive for COVID-19 after trial Covaxin shot

The top US intelligence official has labelled China the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War Two.The highest number of any individual government apart from India which has already made agreements for 1.6 billion doses while the EU has secured a further 1.585 billion. In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-chief-says-china-has-created-biologically-enhanced-super-soldiers-347331">US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers</a> 
 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-presidents-biden-agree-to-get-vaccinated-on-camera-to-spread-awareness-347341">Former US presidents, Biden agree to get vaccinated on camera to spread awareness</a> 
 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/major-embarrassment-for-pakistan-at-un-over-100-countries-decline-to-extend-support-to-resolution-backed-by-it-347332">Major embarrassment for Pakistan at UN: Over 100 countries decline to extend support to resolution backed by it</a> 
 
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The top US intelligence official has labelled China the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War Two.The highest number of any individual government apart from India which has already made agreements for 1.

The top US intelligence official has labelled China the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War Two.The highest number of any individual government apart from India which has already made agreements for 1.6 billion doses while the EU has secured a further 1.585 billion. In a first, a Pakistan back UN resolution saw over half the members of the New York headquarter body not voting for. US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers Former US presidents, Biden agree to get vaccinated on camera to spread awareness Major embarrassment for Pakistan at UN: Over 100 countries decline to extend support to resolution backed by it

Morning news brief: Super soldiers of China, Covid vaccine and more

Britain has become the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, giving the green light to the Pfizer/BioNTech drug.

As authorities in the US and Europe probe other candidates, here is how countries have sped up their approval procedures to face up to the pandemic.

Britain: 'rolling reviews'

Britain was able to approve the Pfizer vaccine after the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave its all-clear.

The MHRA used a "rolling review" process from June to assess the vaccine in record time.

Teams of scientists had worked "around the clock" on different aspects of the safety assessment, often tackling several topics in parallel, MHRA chief June Raine said.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock and others claimed that Britain's departure from the EU had allowed it to approve the vaccine faster than its continental neighbours.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-have-broken-out-in-us-before-being-officially-confirmed-in-china-347127">Coronavirus could have broken out in US before being officially confirmed in China</a> 
 
"Unlike the EMA (European Medicines Agency), they can ask questions as they go and obtain responses faster as a single agency," said Penny Ward, professor in pharmaceutical medicine at King's College London.

Raine insisted that "no corners whatsoever have been cut" in the vaccine approval process.

Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, told the BBC on Thursday that "I actually don't expect other regulators... to be very far behind with this vaccine," saying approvals elsewhere were likely "a matter of days".

EU: accelerated procedures

The Amsterdam-based EMA, which regulates medicines across the 27 EU countries, has also turned to a "rolling review" process for safety and effectiveness data from Covid-19 vaccine developers.

All three of the most advanced candidates -- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/Astrazeneca -- have been subject to the scheme for several weeks already.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-immunise-100-million-people-by-february-top-official-347067">US to immunise 100 million people by February: Top official</a> 
 
According to the EMA, the accelerated procedures are granted for medicines "that fulfil an unmet medical need on the basis of less complete data than normally required."

The normal pipeline for vaccines would see all the data collected and submitted at the very start of the authorisation process.

An EMA decision on Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine is expected "by December 29 at the latest", while a ruling on Moderna's version should follow by January 12.

It is up to the European Commission in Brussels to issue the final green light.

US: advisory committee

Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have requested emergency use authorisation (EUA) for their Covid-19 vaccines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But the American process is slower than the British one and involves a public consultation.

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The FDA carries out its own analysis of the vaccine and calls on an independent advisory committee.

"The FDA process is a completely transparent process with independent experts commenting and asking questions and recommending or advising the agency," Moncef Slaoui, scientific advisor to Washington's Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program, said Wednesday.

The advisory committee is scheduled for a December 10 meeting on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and for Moderna on December 17.

FDA decisions on the two drugs should follow those meetings. If the agency approves them, the vaccines could be available in the US -- the world's hardest-hit country with more than 270,000 deaths -- in December.

Russia: simplified procedure

Testing on medical products under development is carried out by the Russian health ministry's "scientific centre for evaluation of medicines".

According to its official vaccine website, "unlike many countries, there is a system of state testing, using comparable medications, a double-blind study and other control tests independent of the developers".

President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to simplify procedures for state registration of some medicines, so as to speed up approval for a vaccine.

Testing on the country's Sputnik V vaccine began in mid-February, and on August 1 the first and second phases of clinical trials were complete.

Authorities approved the inoculation on August 11 before Phase 3 trials had even begun. The large-scale study on 40,000 volunteers is now complete, but results have not been made public.

Putin has told authorities to begin "large-scale" vaccinations among at-risk populations from next week.

The drugs should be made generally available to the Russian public in early 2021.

Russia has also started a mass vaccination campaign in the army, expecting to vaccinate 80,000 soldiers by the end of this year and more than 400,000 servicemen in the future.

China: Last-stage trials and emergency use

China has four coronavirus vaccines in phase 3 trials -- typically the last step before regulatory approval -- but has not released much of its data.

Although regulators have yet to approve China's vaccines for mass distribution, the country has approved some advanced candidates for emergency use, giving jabs to people ranging from state employees to international students since July.

Nearly a million people have already taken an experimental vaccine by Sinopharm, the company said in November. Another firm, Sinovac Biotech, earlier said almost all its employees and their families had voluntarily taken its vaccine.

Britain has become the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, giving the green light to the Pfizer/BioNTech drug. As authorities in the US and Europe probe other candidates, here is how countries have sped up their approval procedures to face up to the pandemic.

Britain has become the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, giving the green light to the Pfizer/BioNTech drug. As authorities in the US and Europe probe other candidates, here is how countries have sped up their approval procedures to face up to the pandemic. Britain: 'rolling reviews' Britain was able to approve the Pfizer vaccine after the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave its all-clear. The MHRA used a "rolling review" process from June to assess the vaccine in record time. Teams of scientists had worked "around the clock" on different aspects of the safety assessment, often tackling several topics in parallel, MHRA chief June Raine said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock and others claimed that Britain's departure from the EU had allowed it to approve the vaccine faster than its continental neighbours. Also Read | Coronavirus could have broken out in US before being officially confirmed in China "Unlike the EMA (European Medicines Agency), they can ask questions as they go and obtain responses faster as a single agency," said Penny Ward, professor in pharmaceutical medicine at King's College London. Raine insisted that "no corners whatsoever have been cut" in the vaccine approval process. Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, told the BBC on Thursday that "I actually don't expect other regulators... to be very far behind with this vaccine," saying approvals elsewhere were likely "a matter of days". EU: accelerated procedures The Amsterdam-based EMA, which regulates medicines across the 27 EU countries, has also turned to a "rolling review" process for safety and effectiveness data from Covid-19 vaccine developers. All three of the most advanced candidates -- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/Astrazeneca -- have been subject to the scheme for several weeks already. Also Read | US to immunise 100 million people by February: Top official According to the EMA, the accelerated procedures are granted for medicines "that fulfil an unmet medical need on the basis of less complete data than normally required." The normal pipeline for vaccines would see all the data collected and submitted at the very start of the authorisation process. An EMA decision on Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine is expected "by December 29 at the latest", while a ruling on Moderna's version should follow by January 12. It is up to the European Commission in Brussels to issue the final green light. US: advisory committee Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have requested emergency use authorisation (EUA) for their Covid-19 vaccines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But the American process is slower than the British one and involves a public consultation. × The FDA carries out its own analysis of the vaccine and calls on an independent advisory committee. "The FDA process is a completely transparent process with independent experts commenting and asking questions and recommending or advising the agency," Moncef Slaoui, scientific advisor to Washington's Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program, said Wednesday. The advisory committee is scheduled for a December 10 meeting on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and for Moderna on December 17. FDA decisions on the two drugs should follow those meetings. If the agency approves them, the vaccines could be available in the US -- the world's hardest-hit country with more than 270,000 deaths -- in December. Russia: simplified procedure Testing on medical products under development is carried out by the Russian health ministry's "scientific centre for evaluation of medicines". According to its official vaccine website, "unlike many countries, there is a system of state testing, using comparable medications, a double-blind study and other control tests independent of the developers". President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to simplify procedures for state registration of some medicines, so as to speed up approval for a vaccine. Testing on the country's Sputnik V vaccine began in mid-February, and on August 1 the first and second phases of clinical trials were complete. Authorities approved the inoculation on August 11 before Phase 3 trials had even begun. The large-scale study on 40,000 volunteers is now complete, but results have not been made public. Putin has told authorities to begin "large-scale" vaccinations among at-risk populations from next week. The drugs should be made generally available to the Russian public in early 2021. Russia has also started a mass vaccination campaign in the army, expecting to vaccinate 80,000 soldiers by the end of this year and more than 400,000 servicemen in the future. China: Last-stage trials and emergency use China has four coronavirus vaccines in phase 3 trials -- typically the last step before regulatory approval -- but has not released much of its data. Although regulators have yet to approve China's vaccines for mass distribution, the country has approved some advanced candidates for emergency use, giving jabs to people ranging from state employees to international students since July. Nearly a million people have already taken an experimental vaccine by Sinopharm, the company said in November. Another firm, Sinovac Biotech, earlier said almost all its employees and their families had voluntarily taken its vaccine.

How the world has sped up vaccine approvals

After almost a year of the world fighting against the coronavirus pandemic, governments and pharmaceutical companies are rushing to roll out the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> and put an end to this pandemic.

In a bid to save people from the pandemic, the US-based company Moderna has revealed that the experts are hoping to roll out the vaccine for the general public before the end of the year.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-documents-show-china-bluntly-lied-about-covid-19-and-mishandled-early-pandemic-346590" hreflang="en">Leaked documents show China bluntly lied about Covid-19 and mishandled early pandemic</a>

Moderna revealed that the company is filing&nbsp;for emergency authorisation of its vaccine in the United States and Europe on Monday. This has also come with the warning of a "surge superimposed on the surge" in the US in December.

The news has come after&nbsp;Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech also applied for similar approvals last week with the hope of getting approval by the middle of the December.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-vaccine-100-effective-in-severe-cases-to-seek-us-eu-approval-346574" hreflang="en">Moderna vaccine 100% effective in severe cases; to seek US, EU approval</a>

"We believe that our vaccine will provide a new and powerful tool that may change the course of this pandemic," said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel.

Health Secretary Alex Azar, too, said he hopes the people of the US will be able to have access tot he vaccines by Christmas time. "We could be seeing both of these vaccines out and getting into people’s arms before Christmas.," he told local media.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-hospital-claims-to-have-administered-sputnik-v-to-civilians-last-week-346522" hreflang="en">Russian hospital claims to have administered Sputnik V to civilians last week</a>

Meanwhile, Anthony Fauci has urged people to exercise caution as the cases are expected to increase significantly following the holiday season, which started with Thanksgiving Day in the last week. "What we expect, unfortunately, as we go for the next couple of weeks into December is that we might see a surge superimposed on the surge we are already in," he told local media.

After almost a year of the world fighting against the coronavirus pandemic, governments and pharmaceutical companies are rushing to roll out the COVID-19 vaccines and put an end to this pandemic.

After almost a year of the world fighting against the coronavirus pandemic, governments and pharmaceutical companies are rushing to roll out the COVID-19 vaccines and put an end to this pandemic. In a bid to save people from the pandemic, the US-based company Moderna has revealed that the experts are hoping to roll out the vaccine for the general public before the end of the year. Also read| Leaked documents show China bluntly lied about Covid-19 and mishandled early pandemic Moderna revealed that the company is filing for emergency authorisation of its vaccine in the United States and Europe on Monday. This has also come with the warning of a "surge superimposed on the surge" in the US in December. The news has come after Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech also applied for similar approvals last week with the hope of getting approval by the middle of the December. Also read| Moderna vaccine 100% effective in severe cases; to seek US, EU approval "We believe that our vaccine will provide a new and powerful tool that may change the course of this pandemic," said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel. Health Secretary Alex Azar, too, said he hopes the people of the US will be able to have access tot he vaccines by Christmas time. "We could be seeing both of these vaccines out and getting into people’s arms before Christmas.," he told local media. Also read| Russian hospital claims to have administered Sputnik V to civilians last week Meanwhile, Anthony Fauci has urged people to exercise caution as the cases are expected to increase significantly following the holiday season, which started with Thanksgiving Day in the last week. "What we expect, unfortunately, as we go for the next couple of weeks into December is that we might see a surge superimposed on the surge we are already in," he told local media.

US predicts availability of COVID-19 ‘vaccines before Christmas’