The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to extend the pause imposed on emergency use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (J&amp;J) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> in the US as the researchers felt there is a lack of data on the rare blood clotting side effect.

US public health advisors concluded a long meeting on the use of the J&amp;J vaccine without a vote on Wednesday. The experts said they lacked information to make recommendations on the reports of blood clots as a side effect of the single-shot vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/early-findings-suggest-new-drug-could-be-gamechanging-to-treat-brain-cancer-377731" hreflang="en">Early findings suggest new drug could be 'gamechanging' to treat brain cancer</a>

A new date for the meeting has also not yet been decided. The vaccine will remain suspened at least for a week, according to reports.

However, this is not expected to slow down the vaccination process in the US, as the country still has Pfizer and Moderna shots.

However, J&amp;J is a single-shot vaccine that could have helped fasten the vaccination drive in the US.

The vaccine was rolled back after six women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed brain blood clots, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after they received the J&amp; vaccine shot.

This has come after AstraZeneca’s use was also temporarily suspended in several European countries after a similar side effect was reported. However, EMA had ruled that the blood clots were a rare side effect and countries could continue using the vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to extend the pause imposed on emergency use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine in the US as the researchers felt there is a lack of data on the rare blood clotting side effect.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to extend the pause imposed on emergency use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine in the US as the researchers felt there is a lack of data on the rare blood clotting side effect. US public health advisors concluded a long meeting on the use of the J&J vaccine without a vote on Wednesday. The experts said they lacked information to make recommendations on the reports of blood clots as a side effect of the single-shot vaccine. Also read | Early findings suggest new drug could be 'gamechanging' to treat brain cancer A new date for the meeting has also not yet been decided. The vaccine will remain suspened at least for a week, according to reports. However, this is not expected to slow down the vaccination process in the US, as the country still has Pfizer and Moderna shots. However, J&J is a single-shot vaccine that could have helped fasten the vaccination drive in the US. The vaccine was rolled back after six women between the ages of 18 and 48 developed brain blood clots, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after they received the J& vaccine shot. This has come after AstraZeneca’s use was also temporarily suspended in several European countries after a similar side effect was reported. However, EMA had ruled that the blood clots were a rare side effect and countries could continue using the vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

US continues pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine over reports of blood clots

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus.</a>

The mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-fastest-to-administer-100-million-covid-vaccine-doses-376682" hreflang="en">India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses</a>

"From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said.

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आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… <a href="https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl">https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1381095427034861570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks &amp; motivate others &amp; if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-infections-hit-another-record-weekend-lockdown-in-maharashtra-376594" hreflang="en">India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra&nbsp;</a>

This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively.

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— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1381104813740490759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive.

The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-fastest-nation-to-administer-100-vaccine-jabs-376754/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours.

This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now.

A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus.

In a bid to vaccinate more people on priority, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched 'Teeka Utsav' around the country to inoculate the maximum number of people against the deadly coronavirus. The mass vaccination programme will continue from April 11 to 14 and the PM has urged all Chief Ministers to monitor the situation closely. Also read | India fastest to administer 100 million COVID vaccine doses "From today onwards, all of us are launching the Teeka Utsav across the country. I have four requests from the countrymen in this phase of the fight against Corona," Modi said. आज से हम सभी, देशभर में टीका उत्सव की शुरुआत कर रहे हैं। कोरोना के खिलाफ लड़ाई के इस चरण में देशवासियों से मेरे चार आग्रह हैं… https://t.co/8zXZ0bqYgl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 11, 2021 × "I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks & motivate others & if someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area," he added. Also read | India's Covid infections hit another record, weekend lockdown in Maharashtra This has come a day after India became the fastest country to administer 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses in just 85 days, leaving behind countries such as the US and China that took 89 and 102 days respectively. टीका उत्सव पर देशवासियों से आग्रह। pic.twitter.com/GvGV3OCnP7 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 11, 2021 × Frontline workers, citizens aged 60 and above as well as those aged 45 years and above have been given preference in the initial stages of India's coronavirus vaccination drive. The programme has been launched to control the widespread of coronavirus cases in the country. Watch | On Sunday morning, the Union Health Ministry reported 152,879 new Covid cases, 90,584 discharges, and 839 deaths in the last 24 hours. This has increased the total Covid toll to 13,358,805, out of which 1,108,087are active cases, death toll to 169,275, while 12,081,443 people have recovered till now. A total of 101,595,147 people have been vaccinated till now.

PM Modi launches 'Teeka Utsav' as India records 152,879 new Covid cases

&nbsp;Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked the European Union (EU) to allow the shipping of the 3.1 million outstanding AstraZeneca&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> to Australia.

Acknowledging the recent reports and rumours, Morrison also said that his government had not made many rosy assessments in front of the public about the state of its coronavirus vaccine rollout.

While demanding the EU releases the shipping of the vaccines, Morrison also stressed that he had not made any criticism of the EU over its handling of this matter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-death-toll-surpasses-3-million-amid-resurgence-of-infections-375787" hreflang="en">Coronavirus global death toll surpasses 3 million amid resurgence</a>

The Morrison government had issued a report accusing the European Commission of "arguing semantics" by claiming that the EU had blocked nearly 250,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine from coming to Australia.

It also claimed that the commission had hinted about blocking other applications to export vaccine doses from the region too.

The government also claimed that the EU has failed to respond to any of Australia’s requests for one million AstraZeneca doses to be made available to Papua New Guinea —one of the worst-hit countries in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mecca-only-vaccine-pilgrims-allowed-375780">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mecca-only-vaccine-pilgrims-allowed-375780/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I can assure you that the first million of those will be used to support the humanitarian effort that we're putting in place for Papua New Guinea," Morrison said.

However, Scott Morrison has denied blaming the EU for the shortfall of the vaccine in Australia. "I want to stress that at no time yesterday did I make any comment about the actions of the European Union,"&nbsp;he told the reporters. "Any suggestion that I, in any way, made any criticism of the European Union yesterday would be completely incorrect."

His statement came after Morrison claimed that nearly 3.1 million doses of vaccine had not come through due to EU’s block.

"It's straightforward maths. 3.1 million out of 3.8 million doses did not come to Australia,"&nbsp;he said. "That obviously had a very significant impact on the early rollout of the vaccination program."

He has stressed that there is no conflict between Australia and the EU. "I mean, all I’ve simply done today is set out very clearly that 3.1 million vaccines didn’t arrive in Australia," he said. "It’s not a dispute. It’s not a conflict. It’s not an argument. It’s not a clash. It’s just a simple fact. And I’m simply explaining to the Australian public that supply issues is what’s constraining and has constrained, particularly over the recent months, the overall rollout of the vaccine."

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked the European Union (EU) to allow the shipping of the 3.1 million outstanding AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to Australia.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison has asked the European Union (EU) to allow the shipping of the 3.1 million outstanding AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to Australia. Acknowledging the recent reports and rumours, Morrison also said that his government had not made many rosy assessments in front of the public about the state of its coronavirus vaccine rollout. While demanding the EU releases the shipping of the vaccines, Morrison also stressed that he had not made any criticism of the EU over its handling of this matter. Also read | Coronavirus global death toll surpasses 3 million amid resurgence The Morrison government had issued a report accusing the European Commission of "arguing semantics" by claiming that the EU had blocked nearly 250,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine from coming to Australia. It also claimed that the commission had hinted about blocking other applications to export vaccine doses from the region too. The government also claimed that the EU has failed to respond to any of Australia’s requests for one million AstraZeneca doses to be made available to Papua New Guinea —one of the worst-hit countries in the region. Watch | "I can assure you that the first million of those will be used to support the humanitarian effort that we're putting in place for Papua New Guinea," Morrison said. However, Scott Morrison has denied blaming the EU for the shortfall of the vaccine in Australia. "I want to stress that at no time yesterday did I make any comment about the actions of the European Union," he told the reporters. "Any suggestion that I, in any way, made any criticism of the European Union yesterday would be completely incorrect." His statement came after Morrison claimed that nearly 3.1 million doses of vaccine had not come through due to EU’s block. "It's straightforward maths. 3.1 million out of 3.8 million doses did not come to Australia," he said. "That obviously had a very significant impact on the early rollout of the vaccination program." He has stressed that there is no conflict between Australia and the EU. "I mean, all I’ve simply done today is set out very clearly that 3.1 million vaccines didn’t arrive in Australia," he said. "It’s not a dispute. It’s not a conflict. It’s not an argument. It’s not a clash. It’s just a simple fact. And I’m simply explaining to the Australian public that supply issues is what’s constraining and has constrained, particularly over the recent months, the overall rollout of the vaccine." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Scott Morrison denies blaming EU for Australia's slow AstraZeneca vaccine rollout

After successfully administering the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> to almost all the senior citizens of the country, the US is now aiming to make all adults eligible to receive the vaccine by April 19.

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday announced during his White House remarks that every adult above the age of 18 will now be eligible to stand in the virtual line for&nbsp;getting vaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-drug-regulator-denies-having-found-causal-link-between-astrazeneca-and-blood-clots-375781" hreflang="en">EU drug regulator denies having found causal link between AstraZeneca and blood clots</a>

However, he also warned the country against not following the coronavirus-related precautions and restrictions laid out by the experts.

"We aren't at the finish line. We still have a lot of work to do," he said from the White House. "We're still in a life-and-death race against this virus."

Since the announcement, the majority of the states have already assured that they will be able to meet the timeline, which states the goal to be achieved two weeks prior to the initial May 1 deadline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mecca-only-vaccine-pilgrims-allowed-375780">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-mecca-only-vaccine-pilgrims-allowed-375780/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition to this, states such as New Jersey and Oregon have announced that all Americans over the age of 16 will now be eligible to sign up for a vaccine on April 19.

Biden also stressed that making all adults eligible for the vaccine would help bring clarity as there will be "no more confusing rules, no more confusing restrictions".

He has urged everyone to get registered and get a vaccine shot against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible.

"When you go home, get all your friends, tell them, 'Get a shot when they can,"&nbsp;he said. "That's how we're going to beat this."

Meanwhile, the White House Press Secretary has reported that the government will be delivering more than 28 million vaccine shots to the US states this week.

She also stressed that the government does not support the idea of a federal vaccine database or a vaccine passport.

"The government is not now, nor will we be supporting a system that requires Americans to carry a credential," Psaki said. "There will be no federal vaccinations database and no federal mandate requiring everyone to obtain a single vaccination credential."

Biden has assured people that he will put his best foot forward to bring the country out of the pandemic soon. "I want to have an Independence Day – an independence from the Covid," he said. "How much death, disease and misery are we going to see between now and then."

After successfully administering the coronavirus vaccine to almost all the senior citizens of the country, the US is now aiming to make all adults eligible to receive the vaccine by April 19.

After successfully administering the coronavirus vaccine to almost all the senior citizens of the country, the US is now aiming to make all adults eligible to receive the vaccine by April 19. The US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced during his White House remarks that every adult above the age of 18 will now be eligible to stand in the virtual line for getting vaccinated. Also read | EU drug regulator denies having found causal link between AstraZeneca and blood clots However, he also warned the country against not following the coronavirus-related precautions and restrictions laid out by the experts. "We aren't at the finish line. We still have a lot of work to do," he said from the White House. "We're still in a life-and-death race against this virus." Since the announcement, the majority of the states have already assured that they will be able to meet the timeline, which states the goal to be achieved two weeks prior to the initial May 1 deadline. Watch | In addition to this, states such as New Jersey and Oregon have announced that all Americans over the age of 16 will now be eligible to sign up for a vaccine on April 19. Biden also stressed that making all adults eligible for the vaccine would help bring clarity as there will be "no more confusing rules, no more confusing restrictions". He has urged everyone to get registered and get a vaccine shot against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. "When you go home, get all your friends, tell them, 'Get a shot when they can," he said. "That's how we're going to beat this." Meanwhile, the White House Press Secretary has reported that the government will be delivering more than 28 million vaccine shots to the US states this week. She also stressed that the government does not support the idea of a federal vaccine database or a vaccine passport. "The government is not now, nor will we be supporting a system that requires Americans to carry a credential," Psaki said. "There will be no federal vaccinations database and no federal mandate requiring everyone to obtain a single vaccination credential." Biden has assured people that he will put his best foot forward to bring the country out of the pandemic soon. "I want to have an Independence Day – an independence from the Covid," he said. "How much death, disease and misery are we going to see between now and then."

All adults in US eligible for COVID-19 vaccine from 19 April: President Joe Biden

Europe’s drug regulator has denied establishing a causal connection between the AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> and the formation of blood clots.

A little after a senior official claimed that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had already established a link between the AstraZeneca-Oxford jab and a rare blood clotting syndrome, the regulator has backtracked on the official’s statement and has said that it has “not yet reached a conclusion and the review is currently ongoing”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-only-immunised-pilgrims-to-mecca-375572" hreflang="en">Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca</a>

EMA’s head of vaccines, Marco Cavaleri, had earlier told a local Italian newspaper that “it is clear there is a link with the vaccine … But we still do not know what causes this reaction”.

The clash of statements has come after a few European countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as many suspected the formation of blood clots in the people who got the jab.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-singapore-set-to-accept-coronavirus-digital-passport-375533" hreflang="en">Now, Singapore set to accept coronavirus digital passport</a>

However, the EMA had denied these reports and reiterated that the vaccine is safe and effective. It also added that it could, however, not completely rule out the possibility and thus would continue to investigate.

The regulator and other experts have asked people to continue taking the vaccine till the investigation is completed as the benefits have outweighed the possibility of danger, till now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-thailand-is-prioritising-phuket-for-early-coronavirus-vaccine-rollout-375480" hreflang="en">Why Thailand is prioritising Phuket for early coronavirus vaccine rollout</a>

For now, the EMA is investigating the death of 14 people who developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) after getting a shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine around March 22 and lost their lives to it.

“We are trying to get a precise picture of what is happening, to define in detail this syndrome due to the vaccine,” Cavaleri told the Italian newspaper. “Among the vaccinated, there are more cases of cerebral thrombosis … among young people than we would expect.”

Europe’s drug regulator has denied establishing a causal connection between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and the formation of blood clots. A little after a senior official claimed that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had already established a link between the AstraZeneca-Oxford jab and a rare blood clotting syndrome, the regulator has backtracked on the official’s statement and has said that it has “not yet reached a conclusion and the review is currently ongoing”.

Europe’s drug regulator has denied establishing a causal connection between the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and the formation of blood clots. A little after a senior official claimed that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had already established a link between the AstraZeneca-Oxford jab and a rare blood clotting syndrome, the regulator has backtracked on the official’s statement and has said that it has “not yet reached a conclusion and the review is currently ongoing”. Also read | Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca EMA’s head of vaccines, Marco Cavaleri, had earlier told a local Italian newspaper that “it is clear there is a link with the vaccine … But we still do not know what causes this reaction”. The clash of statements has come after a few European countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as many suspected the formation of blood clots in the people who got the jab. Also read | Now, Singapore set to accept coronavirus digital passport However, the EMA had denied these reports and reiterated that the vaccine is safe and effective. It also added that it could, however, not completely rule out the possibility and thus would continue to investigate. The regulator and other experts have asked people to continue taking the vaccine till the investigation is completed as the benefits have outweighed the possibility of danger, till now. Also read | Why Thailand is prioritising Phuket for early coronavirus vaccine rollout For now, the EMA is investigating the death of 14 people who developed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) after getting a shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine around March 22 and lost their lives to it. “We are trying to get a precise picture of what is happening, to define in detail this syndrome due to the vaccine,” Cavaleri told the Italian newspaper. “Among the vaccinated, there are more cases of cerebral thrombosis … among young people than we would expect.”

EU drug regulator says it hasn't found causal link between AstraZeneca and blood clots

The United States reaped the fruits Friday of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> campaign against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=2">Covid-19</a> as it became the first nation to reach 100 million people, but Europe's rollout faced fresh impediments and South America tightened restrictions in the face of Brazil's soaring infections.

The United States reported surging job growth and loosened travel curbs as it reached around half of its adult population with at least one dose, with President Joe Biden vowing to cover the vast majority within weeks.

Led by a revival in the leisure and hospitality industries, the US economy created a mammoth 916,000 jobs in March, the Labor Department said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vaccinated-people-spread-the-virus-we-dont-know-scientists-say-374976" hreflang="en">Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say</a>

But infections remain on the rise in parts of the United States, prompting Biden to urge Americans to keep wearing masks and taking other precautions to stop the pandemic that has killed more than 2.8 million people worldwide.

"I plead with you. Don't give back the progress we've all fought so hard to achieve," Biden said in a brief address.

"We need to finish this job," he said. "We need every American to buckle down and keep their guard up in this homestretch."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, updated guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel without observing quarantines, although they should still wear masks.

The United States has suffered a catastrophic Covid toll at more than 550,000 people dead, with health measures polarizing the country since last year when Biden's predecessor Donald Trump criticized restrictions.

New woes in Europe

European nations have been struggling to speed up vaccination and several have returned to unpopular lockdowns, with France banning outdoor gatherings of more than six people.

Some of Europe's vaccination woes come from its reliance on the AstraZeneca jab, yet to be approved in the United States, after reports of blood clotting.

Such incidents are rare and the European Medicines Agency has said AstraZeneca is safe. But the Netherlands on Friday followed Germany in halting jabs of the vaccine for people under the age of 60.

"We must err on the side of caution, which is why it is wise to press the pause button now as a precaution," Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said.

Only 10 percent of Europe's total population has received one vaccine dose, and four percent have received two, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO director for Europe, Hans Kluge, on Thursday called the rollout "unacceptably slow."

Also complicating vaccination efforts is that India, often dubbed the "pharmacy of the world," has slowed down exports as it battles a major surge.

India has been ramping up vaccinations, expanding eligibility to everyone over age 45.

But on Friday the country reported 81,000 daily infections and 469 deaths, the highest since October.

Among those contracting Covid-19 was cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who checked into a Mumbai hospital as a precaution but said he hoped to return home within days.

China — where the pulmonary disease first emerged in 2019 in circumstances that remain a topic of intense speculation — as well as Russia have stepped up exports of their own vaccines.

Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac said it will double capacity to produce its vaccine to two billion doses a year.

Growing worries over Brazil

One of the worst Covid crises in the world is unfolding in Brazil, which has reported more deaths than any country after the United States with a staggering 66,500 Covid-19 fatalities in March alone.

Latin America's infections have soared past 25 million, according to an AFP tally, likely fueled by a seemingly more contagious variant first detected in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro on Friday extended restrictions, saying that hospitalizations had started to level off for the first time in weeks.

"You have to give a little more time, no matter how hard it is for companies and for those looking for work to earn a living. These decreases in people-to-people contact are already paying off," Mayor Eduardo Paes told reporters.

The city's famous beaches will remain off limits until April 19, when a daily nighttime curfew will also be lifted.

But he said that schools would reopen for in-person classes Tuesday.

The devastation in Brazil has frightened neighbors already battling their own surging caseloads. Peru and Ecuador announced fresh restrictions and Bolivia sealed the Brazilian border.

"We are in a very critical moment of the pandemic," Chilean government spokesman Jaime Bellolio said as he announced a closure of borders starting Monday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right ally of Trump, has dismissed the dangers of the virus and aired conspiracy theories, with the country's military chiefs and top ministers exiting in recent days amid the turmoil.

At a field hospital in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, one doctor said she was alarmed at the spread of the virus -- and frustrated to see many of her compatriots ignore face masks, shun social distancing guidelines and even flood to underground parties.

"I see no difference in people's behavior. People don't seem to understand the magnitude of this," said 53-year-old surgeon Marise Gomes.

The United States reaped the fruits Friday of its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as it became the first nation to reach 100 million people, but Europe's rollout faced fresh impediments and South America tightened restrictions in the face of Brazil's soaring infections.

The United States reaped the fruits Friday of its vaccination campaign against Covid-19 as it became the first nation to reach 100 million people, but Europe's rollout faced fresh impediments and South America tightened restrictions in the face of Brazil's soaring infections. The United States reported surging job growth and loosened travel curbs as it reached around half of its adult population with at least one dose, with President Joe Biden vowing to cover the vast majority within weeks. Led by a revival in the leisure and hospitality industries, the US economy created a mammoth 916,000 jobs in March, the Labor Department said. Also read | Can vaccinated people spread the virus? We don’t know, scientists say But infections remain on the rise in parts of the United States, prompting Biden to urge Americans to keep wearing masks and taking other precautions to stop the pandemic that has killed more than 2.8 million people worldwide. "I plead with you. Don't give back the progress we've all fought so hard to achieve," Biden said in a brief address. "We need to finish this job," he said. "We need every American to buckle down and keep their guard up in this homestretch." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, updated guidance to say that fully vaccinated people can travel without observing quarantines, although they should still wear masks. The United States has suffered a catastrophic Covid toll at more than 550,000 people dead, with health measures polarizing the country since last year when Biden's predecessor Donald Trump criticized restrictions. New woes in Europe European nations have been struggling to speed up vaccination and several have returned to unpopular lockdowns, with France banning outdoor gatherings of more than six people. Some of Europe's vaccination woes come from its reliance on the AstraZeneca jab, yet to be approved in the United States, after reports of blood clotting. Such incidents are rare and the European Medicines Agency has said AstraZeneca is safe. But the Netherlands on Friday followed Germany in halting jabs of the vaccine for people under the age of 60. "We must err on the side of caution, which is why it is wise to press the pause button now as a precaution," Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said. Only 10 percent of Europe's total population has received one vaccine dose, and four percent have received two, according to the World Health Organization. The WHO director for Europe, Hans Kluge, on Thursday called the rollout "unacceptably slow." Also complicating vaccination efforts is that India, often dubbed the "pharmacy of the world," has slowed down exports as it battles a major surge. India has been ramping up vaccinations, expanding eligibility to everyone over age 45. But on Friday the country reported 81,000 daily infections and 469 deaths, the highest since October. Among those contracting Covid-19 was cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who checked into a Mumbai hospital as a precaution but said he hoped to return home within days. China — where the pulmonary disease first emerged in 2019 in circumstances that remain a topic of intense speculation — as well as Russia have stepped up exports of their own vaccines. Chinese biopharmaceutical firm Sinovac said it will double capacity to produce its vaccine to two billion doses a year. Growing worries over Brazil One of the worst Covid crises in the world is unfolding in Brazil, which has reported more deaths than any country after the United States with a staggering 66,500 Covid-19 fatalities in March alone. Latin America's infections have soared past 25 million, according to an AFP tally, likely fueled by a seemingly more contagious variant first detected in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro on Friday extended restrictions, saying that hospitalizations had started to level off for the first time in weeks. "You have to give a little more time, no matter how hard it is for companies and for those looking for work to earn a living. These decreases in people-to-people contact are already paying off," Mayor Eduardo Paes told reporters. The city's famous beaches will remain off limits until April 19, when a daily nighttime curfew will also be lifted. But he said that schools would reopen for in-person classes Tuesday. The devastation in Brazil has frightened neighbors already battling their own surging caseloads. Peru and Ecuador announced fresh restrictions and Bolivia sealed the Brazilian border. "We are in a very critical moment of the pandemic," Chilean government spokesman Jaime Bellolio said as he announced a closure of borders starting Monday. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right ally of Trump, has dismissed the dangers of the virus and aired conspiracy theories, with the country's military chiefs and top ministers exiting in recent days amid the turmoil. At a field hospital in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, one doctor said she was alarmed at the spread of the virus -- and frustrated to see many of her compatriots ignore face masks, shun social distancing guidelines and even flood to underground parties. "I see no difference in people's behavior. People don't seem to understand the magnitude of this," said 53-year-old surgeon Marise Gomes.

US reaches 100 million with vaccines as Europe faces hiccups

A year spent hiding at home from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> has given Anne Bertolino, 96, a lot of time to dwell on the past: the anti-Semitic abuse she suffered on the streets of Hamburg, Germany, as a child; the grandparents who pushed for her and her sister to leave the country for their own safety; and her mother, a widow who was killed in Auschwitz.

She has ached to return to a more normal life, when she socialized at a senior center instead of sitting in her apartment in Queens and watching old episodes of "The Jack Benny Program" and home makeover shows whose names she never learned.

“I am alone all the time so I have been thinking about the past a lot,” she said. “Unfortunately, I can’t forget anything. It drives me crazy.”

As millions of New Yorkers have gotten <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> and have begun to enjoy a taste of life after the pandemic, many like her have remained stuck at home. Bertolino, who uses a wheelchair and whose eyesight is fading, considered vaccine appointments unattainable, hidden behind an impenetrable tangle of websites.

Despite having been eligible for vaccination since January, only 42% of New Yorkers 85 and older have been fully vaccinated, according to recent city data, which has jolted community groups into action. For Jewish organizations, the fact that this age group includes many Holocaust survivors — some of their community’s most vulnerable and treasured members — has created an all-hands-on-deck emergency.

“The survivors serve a tremendous role in the community, more than I think a lot of them may realize,” said Avi Greenstein, the chief executive of the Boro Park Jewish Community Center, which has helped over 750 survivors get vaccinated in recent weeks.

He added: “The community looks at them and can say, ‘Wow, these people and their perseverance, this is the reason we are still around.’”

There are roughly 350,000 Holocaust survivors alive today, Jewish groups say, and New York City is home to one of the largest populations of them in the world. About 20,000 live in the five boroughs, 80% of those in Brooklyn, with an estimated 15,000 living in the suburbs, according to community leaders.

By now, all Holocaust survivors are over 75, and many live in financial hardship. Forty percent of survivors in the New York area live below the poverty line, according to Eric S. Goldstein, the chief executive of the UJA-Federation of New York.

It is one of several organizations that provide support services to Holocaust survivors, and in recent months it has helped 2,635 of them get vaccinated.

“No one is more deserving of community support than these people in their remaining years,” Goldstein said.

Bertolino finally received her first shot of the vaccine on a rainy day last month at an event for Holocaust survivors at a senior center in Flushing. She woke early to prepare for the excursion, donning pearls and a surgical mask for the occasion, and traveled across Queens in an Uber — her wheelchair in the trunk — with a home health aide.

“I can’t wait until everybody can come visit again,” Bertolino said, sitting in an observation area after receiving her shot in a mostly empty auditorium. “But you manage. You can get used to anything.”

Jewish groups have organized vaccination events across the city, getting senior centers, clinics and other sites to set aside time blocks when they can book appointments for groups of survivors.

The event Bertolino attended was organized by Selfhelp Community Services, which provides aid to more than 5,000 survivors of Nazi persecution in the New York area. It has helped more than 600 survivors get at least one dose of the vaccine, according to Hanan Simhon, who runs the group’s Holocaust survivor programs.

Eva Rose, 96, also trekked to Flushing from her home in Astoria to receive her first shot of the vaccine. She said the last year had been “very lousy.”

Like many survivors, she recounted a year filled with monotonous days watching TV and reflecting on the past, a rhythm broken only by visits from a home health aide or an occasional relative.

“I watch a lot of the news. The news has made every one of us crazy,” she said. “But I am still here, thank God.”

Rose, who was born in Hungary, said she lost 30 family members in the Holocaust and was a slave laborer at a facility next to Auschwitz that was owned by the German arms manufacturer Krupp.

She was one of the few workers there not killed in Auschwitz, she said. Krupp executives were later convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg trials. The company now pays her a pension, but Rose said she views it as symbolic.

“Germany pays for some things, but they could never pay for what I lost,” she said.

Much of the assistance upon which elderly survivors rely is financed by the German government, which has paid more than $80 billion in reparations to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, an organization founded in 1951 to negotiate on behalf of Holocaust victims.

The Claims Conference works with roughly 20,000 survivors in the New York area, said its president, Gideon Taylor. It spent $69.7 million on them in 2020 — on things like home health care, food and medicine, social activities and dental care — and expects to spend $73 million in 2021, he said.

On Wednesday, the conference announced a new program, funded by $13.5 million from the German government, to help survivors worldwide get vaccinated. It said the funds will pay for transportation to and from a vaccination site, counseling and follow-up care in dozens of countries.

Studies have suggested that older people are better able to cope with hardship and turmoil than the young, but for Holocaust survivors the picture can be more complicated.

The trauma of the Nazi genocide has indeed given them deep reserves of fortitude that helped them manage the pandemic, experts say. But that same trauma has lingered in their lives in ways that a year of isolation, anxiety and fear has done nothing to assuage.

“The pandemic is in no way the same as the Holocaust, but we do know that events can trigger deep and painful memories, and that is what has happened here for many people,” Taylor said. “Is it safe to go outside? How will I get food? When will I see my friends and family? How long do I have to hide from the world?”

He added: “The pandemic has been an intertwined story of renewed trauma and renewed resilience, both coexisting inside people at the same time.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was moved after attending a vaccination event for Holocaust survivors in Borough Park, Brooklyn, and dedicated part of one of his recent news conferences to talking about and showing photos of his visit.

“I came away from this meeting, this moment with — just filled with hope and appreciation for a human strength and resilience and faith,” the mayor said at the news conference.

Bertolino said she and her sister left Germany on April 13, 1939, as part of an effort organized by a prominent Jewish woman in Hamburg. Thousands of Jewish children escaped Nazi Germany in similar convoys, called Kindertransport, that left German-occupied lands in the spring and summer of 1939. Most of the convoys went to Britain, but all of them stopped when war began that fall.

Bertolino said she lived with a Swedish foster family in the rural town of Mellerud for two years, a time she remembers as frightening but also filled with the kind of freedom she had never known under Nazi rule.

She left the town after two years and moved to Stockholm to work and live with other young Jewish refugees in an apartment paid for by the local Jewish community.

She never saw her family again. After the war she learned that her mother had been killed but her grandmother survived in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Her grandmother went back to Hamburg and lived the rest of her days at a Jewish retirement home. Bertolino never got the chance to visit, but she can still recite its address.

She got married, had a daughter and moved to New York. But her daughter, now 75, has dementia and lives with caretakers elsewhere in the city. Bertolino has not had much company lately, aside from a home health aide who comes in the mornings.

Together, they watch the news sometimes. Lately, Bertolino has recoiled at reports of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.

“That is the kind of thing I have been on the receiving end of,” she said. “When I hear about things like that, it is like I can see my mother standing right in front of me.”

To busy her mind and pass the time, she tries to think about good things. Affectionate squabbles she would have with her husband over taking out the trash. Recipes she used to make when standing at the stove was not so hard. How her mother might react to the idea of her daughter’s 97th birthday in May.

And she repeats little sayings to keep her spirits up. A favorite: “What you cannot cure, you must endure.”

A year spent hiding at home from the coronavirus has given Anne Bertolino, 96, a lot of time to dwell on the past: the anti-Semitic abuse she suffered on the streets of Hamburg, Germany, as a child; the grandparents who pushed for her and her sister to leave the country for their own safety; and her mother, a widow who was killed in Auschwitz.

A year spent hiding at home from the coronavirus has given Anne Bertolino, 96, a lot of time to dwell on the past: the anti-Semitic abuse she suffered on the streets of Hamburg, Germany, as a child; the grandparents who pushed for her and her sister to leave the country for their own safety; and her mother, a widow who was killed in Auschwitz. She has ached to return to a more normal life, when she socialized at a senior center instead of sitting in her apartment in Queens and watching old episodes of "The Jack Benny Program" and home makeover shows whose names she never learned. “I am alone all the time so I have been thinking about the past a lot,” she said. “Unfortunately, I can’t forget anything. It drives me crazy.” As millions of New Yorkers have gotten vaccinated and have begun to enjoy a taste of life after the pandemic, many like her have remained stuck at home. Bertolino, who uses a wheelchair and whose eyesight is fading, considered vaccine appointments unattainable, hidden behind an impenetrable tangle of websites. Despite having been eligible for vaccination since January, only 42% of New Yorkers 85 and older have been fully vaccinated, according to recent city data, which has jolted community groups into action. For Jewish organizations, the fact that this age group includes many Holocaust survivors — some of their community’s most vulnerable and treasured members — has created an all-hands-on-deck emergency. “The survivors serve a tremendous role in the community, more than I think a lot of them may realize,” said Avi Greenstein, the chief executive of the Boro Park Jewish Community Center, which has helped over 750 survivors get vaccinated in recent weeks. He added: “The community looks at them and can say, ‘Wow, these people and their perseverance, this is the reason we are still around.’” There are roughly 350,000 Holocaust survivors alive today, Jewish groups say, and New York City is home to one of the largest populations of them in the world. About 20,000 live in the five boroughs, 80% of those in Brooklyn, with an estimated 15,000 living in the suburbs, according to community leaders. By now, all Holocaust survivors are over 75, and many live in financial hardship. Forty percent of survivors in the New York area live below the poverty line, according to Eric S. Goldstein, the chief executive of the UJA-Federation of New York. It is one of several organizations that provide support services to Holocaust survivors, and in recent months it has helped 2,635 of them get vaccinated. “No one is more deserving of community support than these people in their remaining years,” Goldstein said. Bertolino finally received her first shot of the vaccine on a rainy day last month at an event for Holocaust survivors at a senior center in Flushing. She woke early to prepare for the excursion, donning pearls and a surgical mask for the occasion, and traveled across Queens in an Uber — her wheelchair in the trunk — with a home health aide. “I can’t wait until everybody can come visit again,” Bertolino said, sitting in an observation area after receiving her shot in a mostly empty auditorium. “But you manage. You can get used to anything.” Jewish groups have organized vaccination events across the city, getting senior centers, clinics and other sites to set aside time blocks when they can book appointments for groups of survivors. The event Bertolino attended was organized by Selfhelp Community Services, which provides aid to more than 5,000 survivors of Nazi persecution in the New York area. It has helped more than 600 survivors get at least one dose of the vaccine, according to Hanan Simhon, who runs the group’s Holocaust survivor programs. Eva Rose, 96, also trekked to Flushing from her home in Astoria to receive her first shot of the vaccine. She said the last year had been “very lousy.” Like many survivors, she recounted a year filled with monotonous days watching TV and reflecting on the past, a rhythm broken only by visits from a home health aide or an occasional relative. “I watch a lot of the news. The news has made every one of us crazy,” she said. “But I am still here, thank God.” Rose, who was born in Hungary, said she lost 30 family members in the Holocaust and was a slave laborer at a facility next to Auschwitz that was owned by the German arms manufacturer Krupp. She was one of the few workers there not killed in Auschwitz, she said. Krupp executives were later convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg trials. The company now pays her a pension, but Rose said she views it as symbolic. “Germany pays for some things, but they could never pay for what I lost,” she said. Much of the assistance upon which elderly survivors rely is financed by the German government, which has paid more than $80 billion in reparations to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, an organization founded in 1951 to negotiate on behalf of Holocaust victims. The Claims Conference works with roughly 20,000 survivors in the New York area, said its president, Gideon Taylor. It spent $69.7 million on them in 2020 — on things like home health care, food and medicine, social activities and dental care — and expects to spend $73 million in 2021, he said. On Wednesday, the conference announced a new program, funded by $13.5 million from the German government, to help survivors worldwide get vaccinated. It said the funds will pay for transportation to and from a vaccination site, counseling and follow-up care in dozens of countries. Studies have suggested that older people are better able to cope with hardship and turmoil than the young, but for Holocaust survivors the picture can be more complicated. The trauma of the Nazi genocide has indeed given them deep reserves of fortitude that helped them manage the pandemic, experts say. But that same trauma has lingered in their lives in ways that a year of isolation, anxiety and fear has done nothing to assuage. “The pandemic is in no way the same as the Holocaust, but we do know that events can trigger deep and painful memories, and that is what has happened here for many people,” Taylor said. “Is it safe to go outside? How will I get food? When will I see my friends and family? How long do I have to hide from the world?” He added: “The pandemic has been an intertwined story of renewed trauma and renewed resilience, both coexisting inside people at the same time.” Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was moved after attending a vaccination event for Holocaust survivors in Borough Park, Brooklyn, and dedicated part of one of his recent news conferences to talking about and showing photos of his visit. “I came away from this meeting, this moment with — just filled with hope and appreciation for a human strength and resilience and faith,” the mayor said at the news conference. Bertolino said she and her sister left Germany on April 13, 1939, as part of an effort organized by a prominent Jewish woman in Hamburg. Thousands of Jewish children escaped Nazi Germany in similar convoys, called Kindertransport, that left German-occupied lands in the spring and summer of 1939. Most of the convoys went to Britain, but all of them stopped when war began that fall. Bertolino said she lived with a Swedish foster family in the rural town of Mellerud for two years, a time she remembers as frightening but also filled with the kind of freedom she had never known under Nazi rule. She left the town after two years and moved to Stockholm to work and live with other young Jewish refugees in an apartment paid for by the local Jewish community. She never saw her family again. After the war she learned that her mother had been killed but her grandmother survived in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Her grandmother went back to Hamburg and lived the rest of her days at a Jewish retirement home. Bertolino never got the chance to visit, but she can still recite its address. She got married, had a daughter and moved to New York. But her daughter, now 75, has dementia and lives with caretakers elsewhere in the city. Bertolino has not had much company lately, aside from a home health aide who comes in the mornings. Together, they watch the news sometimes. Lately, Bertolino has recoiled at reports of hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. “That is the kind of thing I have been on the receiving end of,” she said. “When I hear about things like that, it is like I can see my mother standing right in front of me.” To busy her mind and pass the time, she tries to think about good things. Affectionate squabbles she would have with her husband over taking out the trash. Recipes she used to make when standing at the stove was not so hard. How her mother might react to the idea of her daughter’s 97th birthday in May. And she repeats little sayings to keep her spirits up. A favorite: “What you cannot cure, you must endure.”

The push to vaccinate 20,000 Holocaust survivors in New York

While the third-world countries are struggling to get coronavirus vaccine, a factory in the US ruined nearly 15 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines.</a>

Johnson &amp; Johnson is a single-shot vaccine, which has been marketing itself as a way to boost the speed of inoculation drives all across the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549">EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far</a>

The pharmaceutical company claims the authorities found a batch of doses at a Baltimore plant, run by Emergent BioSolutions, "that did not meet quality standards".&nbsp;

These doses have been discarded now and the company claims that the batch "was never advanced to the filling and finishing stages of our manufacturing process".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-russia-registers-covid-19-vaccine-for-animals-374543">In a first, Russia registers Covid-19 vaccine for animals</a>

However, the company has not confirmed the specific number of affected doses and has not stated the exact reason as to why the doses did not meet "quality standards".

The FDA said it is "aware of the situation" and the pharma company claimed it to be an important step as "quality and safety continue to be our top priority".

Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-countries-on-high-alert-amid-surge-in-covid-19-infections-374421">European countries on high alert amid surge in COVID-19 infections</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-countries-on-high-alert-amid-surge-in-covid-19-infections-374421/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Johnson &amp; Johnson will also be sending another team of experts on the site to "supervise, direct and support all manufacturing of the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine".

While this comes as a big blow to the production rate, the company is still hoping to meet its set target by the year-end.

"We continue to expect to deliver our Covid-19 vaccine at a rate of more than one billion doses by the end of 2021," Johnson &amp; Johnson said.

While the third-world countries are struggling to get coronavirus vaccine, a factory in the US ruined nearly 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccines.

While the third-world countries are struggling to get coronavirus vaccine, a factory in the US ruined nearly 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccines. Johnson & Johnson is a single-shot vaccine, which has been marketing itself as a way to boost the speed of inoculation drives all across the world. Also read | EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far The pharmaceutical company claims the authorities found a batch of doses at a Baltimore plant, run by Emergent BioSolutions, "that did not meet quality standards". These doses have been discarded now and the company claims that the batch "was never advanced to the filling and finishing stages of our manufacturing process". Also read | In a first, Russia registers Covid-19 vaccine for animals However, the company has not confirmed the specific number of affected doses and has not stated the exact reason as to why the doses did not meet "quality standards". The FDA said it is "aware of the situation" and the pharma company claimed it to be an important step as "quality and safety continue to be our top priority". Also watch | European countries on high alert amid surge in COVID-19 infections Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson will also be sending another team of experts on the site to "supervise, direct and support all manufacturing of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine". While this comes as a big blow to the production rate, the company is still hoping to meet its set target by the year-end. "We continue to expect to deliver our Covid-19 vaccine at a rate of more than one billion doses by the end of 2021," Johnson & Johnson said.

US: 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed

Pakistan has been struggling to vaccinate the population amid a surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases. However, the South Asian country has hit yet another snag in this process after nearly 550 doses have gone missing.

As per local media, approximately 550 doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> have gone missing from a hospital in Lahore.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-hit-pak-pm-imran-khans-in-person-meeting-sets-twitter-abuzz-373100" hreflang="en">Covid-hit Pak PM Imran Khan's in-person meeting sets Twitter abuzz</a>

While there has been no explanation from any authority about the missing vaccine doses, the principal of the Services Hospital has claimed that the vaccines have not disappeared. He has reported that there has been an issue with the compilation of records.

Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said the government is already carrying out an audit of the vaccine doses and a report of the conclusion will soon be delivered to the authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-prime-minister-imran-khan-rules-out-general-lockdown-374601" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan rules out general lockdown</a>

It has also been reported that an additional 350 doses of vaccine stored at Lahore's Government Mozang Teaching Hospital have "gone to waste".

After the 350 doses went to "waste", the medical superintendent of the Services Hospital was suspended from his duties immediately.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jumping-queue-pak-minister-creates-stir-for-getting-family-vaccinated-against-covid-19-374293" hreflang="en">Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19&nbsp;</a>

Pakistan has been struggling to contain the spread of the virus and has also been trying to catch up in vaccinating people.&nbsp;

As of now, 0.8 million doses have been administered to locals till now. Pakistan had received 0.5 million vaccines from China on February 01.

Locals in Pakistan have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, leading to a low turnout in the inoculation drives.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been struggling to vaccinate the population amid a surge of coronavirus cases. However, the South Asian country has hit yet another snag in this process after nearly 550 doses have gone missing.

Pakistan has been struggling to vaccinate the population amid a surge of coronavirus cases. However, the South Asian country has hit yet another snag in this process after nearly 550 doses have gone missing. As per local media, approximately 550 doses of coronavirus vaccine have gone missing from a hospital in Lahore. Also read | Covid-hit Pak PM Imran Khan's in-person meeting sets Twitter abuzz While there has been no explanation from any authority about the missing vaccine doses, the principal of the Services Hospital has claimed that the vaccines have not disappeared. He has reported that there has been an issue with the compilation of records. Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said the government is already carrying out an audit of the vaccine doses and a report of the conclusion will soon be delivered to the authorities. Also read | Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan rules out general lockdown It has also been reported that an additional 350 doses of vaccine stored at Lahore's Government Mozang Teaching Hospital have "gone to waste". After the 350 doses went to "waste", the medical superintendent of the Services Hospital was suspended from his duties immediately. Also read| Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19 Pakistan has been struggling to contain the spread of the virus and has also been trying to catch up in vaccinating people. As of now, 0.8 million doses have been administered to locals till now. Pakistan had received 0.5 million vaccines from China on February 01. Locals in Pakistan have been hesitant about getting vaccinated, leading to a low turnout in the inoculation drives.

Lahore: 550 doses of coronavirus vaccine go missing; 350 go to waste

Amid a surge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide closure of schools and a limited lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

In a bid to confront the COVID-19 infections, Macron has ordered a temporary closure of all schools in the area a few days after announcing that the country will not be going into a lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-15-million-doses-of-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-destroyed-374630">US: 15 million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed</a>

"We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said.

The 43-year-old leader has faced immense criticism from the opposition for not being able to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Macron had taken the decision to not impose a third lockdown despite the recommendation from medical experts and doctors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHm-uLi9zvAhUwyDgGHQvnB9U4ChAWMAJ6BAgIEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AgmE1_40hVHdRzAJboRmc" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-age-related-risk-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-found-so-far-374549" target="_blank">EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far</a>

On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops.

However, as expected, the President did not ask people to stay at home or avoid public gatherings.

Defending his move to not shut down the country in January during a surge helped the economy, he claimed. Macron said by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic".

On Wednesday, the European nation registered more than 53,000 new cases and 304 new deaths, bring its total toll to 95,667.

The number is expected to rise as more and more people are stepping outdoors to enjoy the incoming summer sun in parks.

He also took this opportunity to urge people to go and get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated.</a> "Thanks to the vaccine, the way out of the crisis is emerging," he said. "We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week."

Amid a surge of coronavirus cases in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide closure of schools and a limited lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Amid a surge of coronavirus cases in France, President Emmanuel Macron has announced a nationwide closure of schools and a limited lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. In a bid to confront the COVID-19 infections, Macron has ordered a temporary closure of all schools in the area a few days after announcing that the country will not be going into a lockdown. Also read | US: 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine destroyed "We have adopted a strategy since the beginning of the year that aims to contain the epidemic without shutting ourselves in," he said. The 43-year-old leader has faced immense criticism from the opposition for not being able to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Macron had taken the decision to not impose a third lockdown despite the recommendation from medical experts and doctors. Also read | EU says no age-related risk of AstraZeneca vaccine found so far On Wednesday, while addressing the nation with the concern of rising cases, Macron announced the tightening of restrictions in form of school closure, travel restrictions across the country and closure of non-essential shops. However, as expected, the President did not ask people to stay at home or avoid public gatherings. Defending his move to not shut down the country in January during a surge helped the economy, he claimed. Macron said by not imposing lockdown, "we gained precious weeks of liberty, weeks of learning for our children, we allowed hundreds of thousands of workers to keep their head above water, without losing control of the epidemic". On Wednesday, the European nation registered more than 53,000 new cases and 304 new deaths, bring its total toll to 95,667. The number is expected to rise as more and more people are stepping outdoors to enjoy the incoming summer sun in parks. He also took this opportunity to urge people to go and get vaccinated. "Thanks to the vaccine, the way out of the crisis is emerging," he said. "We will do everything to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate! Without rest, without holidays. Saturday and Sunday just like in the week."

Macron orders closure of schools amid surge in coronavirus cases

The Central government on Thursday said that vaccination against coronavirus will be offered on all days in the month of April at both public and private sector vaccination centres.

The Centre has written to all States and Union Territories today and asked them to make necessary arrangements to provide COVID vaccination in these covid vaccination centres on all days of the month including gazetted holidays during April 2021, the ministry said.

"This step has been taken after detailed deliberations with the States/UTs on 31st March, 2021 to optimally utilize all COVID Vaccination Centres across the public and private sectors to ensure rapid increase in the pace and coverage of COVID vaccination. This decision is in line with the graded and pro-active approach employed by the Government of India along with the States/UTs for COVID-19 vaccination," it said.

The decision comes on a day when the third phase of vaccination began in India on Thursday, with all those above 45 years of age eligible to get the jabs.

&nbsp;On Thursday, India recorded a massive surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, reporting 72,330 cases in the last 24 hours.

With the latest addition, the country's tally has soared to 12,221,665, according to the government. The active cases have hit 584,055, and India is now the fifth-worst hit country. The death toll from the deadly infection jumped to 162,960.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Central government on Thursday said that vaccination against coronavirus will be offered on all days in the month of April at both public and private sector vaccination centres.

The Central government on Thursday said that vaccination against coronavirus will be offered on all days in the month of April at both public and private sector vaccination centres. The Centre has written to all States and Union Territories today and asked them to make necessary arrangements to provide COVID vaccination in these covid vaccination centres on all days of the month including gazetted holidays during April 2021, the ministry said. "This step has been taken after detailed deliberations with the States/UTs on 31st March, 2021 to optimally utilize all COVID Vaccination Centres across the public and private sectors to ensure rapid increase in the pace and coverage of COVID vaccination. This decision is in line with the graded and pro-active approach employed by the Government of India along with the States/UTs for COVID-19 vaccination," it said. The decision comes on a day when the third phase of vaccination began in India on Thursday, with all those above 45 years of age eligible to get the jabs. On Thursday, India recorded a massive surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, reporting 72,330 cases in the last 24 hours. With the latest addition, the country's tally has soared to 12,221,665, according to the government. The active cases have hit 584,055, and India is now the fifth-worst hit country. The death toll from the deadly infection jumped to 162,960. (With inputs from agencies)

At all public and private sector centres: Covid vaccination throughout April, including gazetted holidays

War-torn Yemen received the first shipment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccines</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, the UN children's agency said, a week after the country's coronavirus committee warned of a public health "emergency".

The AstraZeneca doses arrived in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen's de facto capital, where the internationally recognised government is based after being routed from Sanaa in the north by Huthi rebels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-covid-19-vaccines-to-over-80-countries-fiji-the-latest-entrant-374440" hreflang="en">India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant</a>&nbsp;

"Yemen received 360,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses shipped via the Covax facility," UNICEF said in a statement, referring to the World Health Organization-backed scheme to provide jabs to countries in need.

"This first batch is part of 1.9 million doses that Yemen will initially receive throughout 2021," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-halts-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-for-elderly-amid-reports-of-rare-disorder-374381" hreflang="en">Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder</a>

Last week Yemen's coronavirus committee urged the government to declare a public health "state of emergency" amid a surge in infections.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) had also warned the number of critically Covid-19 patients was rising across the country, urging assistance from donor countries and specialised groups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-will-need-new-vaccines-to-fight-coronavirus-in-a-year-say-major-scientists-374249" hreflang="en">World will need new vaccines to fight coronavirus in a year, say major scientists</a>

Yemen has officially recorded more than 4,000 virus cases among its 30 million people, including 863 deaths -- but experts say the real toll is likely higher.

The country has been mired in a disastrous war for over six years which has left it on the brink of famine. Its healthcare system is in ruins.

A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in 2015 to shore up the government, and since then the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, and displaced millions.

The United Nations calls the situation there the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

War-torn Yemen received the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines on Wednesday, the UN children's agency said, a week after the country's coronavirus committee warned of a public health "emergency".

War-torn Yemen received the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines on Wednesday, the UN children's agency said, a week after the country's coronavirus committee warned of a public health "emergency". The AstraZeneca doses arrived in the southern port city of Aden, Yemen's de facto capital, where the internationally recognised government is based after being routed from Sanaa in the north by Huthi rebels. Also read | India sends COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries, Fiji the latest entrant "Yemen received 360,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses shipped via the Covax facility," UNICEF said in a statement, referring to the World Health Organization-backed scheme to provide jabs to countries in need. "This first batch is part of 1.9 million doses that Yemen will initially receive throughout 2021," it added. Also read | Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder Last week Yemen's coronavirus committee urged the government to declare a public health "state of emergency" amid a surge in infections. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) had also warned the number of critically Covid-19 patients was rising across the country, urging assistance from donor countries and specialised groups. Also read | World will need new vaccines to fight coronavirus in a year, say major scientists Yemen has officially recorded more than 4,000 virus cases among its 30 million people, including 863 deaths -- but experts say the real toll is likely higher. The country has been mired in a disastrous war for over six years which has left it on the brink of famine. Its healthcare system is in ruins. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened in 2015 to shore up the government, and since then the conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, and displaced millions. The United Nations calls the situation there the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen receives first coronavirus vaccines: UN

Putting a lot of concerns to rest, scientists have assured people that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> are effective even in pregnancies.

Experts at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have published research in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The researchers collected information from 131 women who had received either the Moderna or the Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/initial-investigation-of-pfizer-vaccines-shows-no-obvious-systemic-factors-hong-kong-says-373816" hreflang="en">Initial investigation of Pfizer vaccines shows no 'obvious systemic factors', Hong Kong says</a>

Of these 131, 84 women were pregnant, 31 were lactating and 16 were not pregnant. The researchers collected data between December 17, 2020, and March 02, 2021.

In all the women, the vaccine-induced antibody levels were the same, be it pregnant, lactating or non-pregnant women.

"These vaccines seem to work incredibly effectively in these women," said Galit Alter, a professor of medicine at the Ragon Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-vaccinations-cross-500-million-but-cases-continue-to-surge-373649" hreflang="en">Global vaccinations cross 500 million but cases continue to surge</a>

The researchers also observed that these women passed on the protective antibodies to their newborns, in form of breast milk and placenta.

"Nearly all the moms were getting a pretty decent level of antibodies to their babies," Alter said. However, it is not yet clear as to how long will these protective antibodies last in newborns.

It has also been observed that the antibody levels were "strikingly higher" in comparison to coronavirus infection during pregnancy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-calls-for-immediate-release-of-10-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-373521" hreflang="en">WHO calls for immediate release of 10 million Covid-19 vaccine doses</a>

To reach this conclusion, the participants had been asked to use the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's V-safe tool that allows people to track reaction after receiving a jab of the coronavirus vaccine.

As of now, CDC warns that pregnant women with coronavirus are at a higher risk for severe illness and adverse outcomes. CDC is aiming to study vaccine safety in nearly 13,000 pregnant women for all the authorised vaccines.&nbsp;

"This is an urgent need, because we're not only protecting one person in this vaccine effort, we're protecting two people at the same time," Alter said.

Putting a lot of concerns to rest, scientists have assured people that coronavirus vaccines are effective even in pregnancies. Experts at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have published research in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Putting a lot of concerns to rest, scientists have assured people that coronavirus vaccines are effective even in pregnancies. Experts at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have published research in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The researchers collected information from 131 women who had received either the Moderna or the Pfizer-BioNtech coronavirus vaccine. Also read | Initial investigation of Pfizer vaccines shows no 'obvious systemic factors', Hong Kong says Of these 131, 84 women were pregnant, 31 were lactating and 16 were not pregnant. The researchers collected data between December 17, 2020, and March 02, 2021. In all the women, the vaccine-induced antibody levels were the same, be it pregnant, lactating or non-pregnant women. "These vaccines seem to work incredibly effectively in these women," said Galit Alter, a professor of medicine at the Ragon Institute. Also read | Global vaccinations cross 500 million but cases continue to surge The researchers also observed that these women passed on the protective antibodies to their newborns, in form of breast milk and placenta. "Nearly all the moms were getting a pretty decent level of antibodies to their babies," Alter said. However, it is not yet clear as to how long will these protective antibodies last in newborns. It has also been observed that the antibody levels were "strikingly higher" in comparison to coronavirus infection during pregnancy. Also read | WHO calls for immediate release of 10 million Covid-19 vaccine doses To reach this conclusion, the participants had been asked to use the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's V-safe tool that allows people to track reaction after receiving a jab of the coronavirus vaccine. As of now, CDC warns that pregnant women with coronavirus are at a higher risk for severe illness and adverse outcomes. CDC is aiming to study vaccine safety in nearly 13,000 pregnant women for all the authorised vaccines. "This is an urgent need, because we're not only protecting one person in this vaccine effort, we're protecting two people at the same time," Alter said.

Coronavirus vaccines effective for pregnant women and newborns: Study

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine.

However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world.

While Kremlin had declined requests of giving any details, the Russian leader has now, himself, addressed questions of media regarding his vaccine shot.

During an interview on a Russian TV show, Putin said he opted to get the jab in private, rather than on television because he did not want to "ape" like other —hinting he did not want to follow other leaders and out on a show.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

He also stressed that he cannot get himself to do this on television simply because other world leaders did the same.

Putin also claimed that there is no use in putting on such a show as the vaccination can be easily faked.

"You can show the injection, but actually inject saline or just about anything," he said.

Talking about his experience of getting vaccinated, he revealed that he did feel slight discomfort after receiving the jab and has since then refrained from exercising.

The Kremlin had, earlier, denied requests of media for details. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera.

"We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world.

A few days ago, Russia's President Vladimir Putin got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with an unspecified Russian-made vaccine. However, unlike other world leaders, Putin decided to not have the process broadcasted in front of the media and the world. While Kremlin had declined requests of giving any details, the Russian leader has now, himself, addressed questions of media regarding his vaccine shot. During an interview on a Russian TV show, Putin said he opted to get the jab in private, rather than on television because he did not want to "ape" like other —hinting he did not want to follow other leaders and out on a show. Also read | Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details He also stressed that he cannot get himself to do this on television simply because other world leaders did the same. Putin also claimed that there is no use in putting on such a show as the vaccination can be easily faked. "You can show the injection, but actually inject saline or just about anything," he said. Talking about his experience of getting vaccinated, he revealed that he did feel slight discomfort after receiving the jab and has since then refrained from exercising. The Kremlin had, earlier, denied requests of media for details. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, earlier told reporters that the media would have to take the Kremlin's word for Putin's vaccination, adding the president did not like the idea of being vaccinated on camera. "We are deliberately not saying which shot the president will get, noting that all three Russian (-made) vaccines are absolutely reliable and effective," said Peskov.

'Cannot ape': Putin explains why he chose to get vaccinated in private

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race.

However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-accuses-russia-of-using-its-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-as-propaganda-tool-373370">France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool</a>

As of now, only 11.45 per cent of French locals have received the first jab of coronavirus, which is much less than 43.79 per cent of British locals.&nbsp;

France has been criticised for its slow speed of vaccination drive. However, Macron has now told the local media that France has significantly ramped up the pace of vaccination drives, and will soon be catching up with the UK.

"In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccine-summit-macron-expresses-frustration-over-lagging-vaccination-drive-373185">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-vaccine-summit-macron-expresses-frustration-over-lagging-vaccination-drive-373185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement is being understood to be a reference to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, which are produced in EU member states.

The EU has threatened to ban pharma firms from exporting COVID vaccines to the UK and other countries if the companies fail to achieve the target of the vaccine deliveries to the EU.

French foreign minister, meanwhile, feels that while the UK has rushed to give the first jab of coronavirus vaccine to as many citizens as possible, the ex-EU member will struggle to procure doses needed for the second jab.

"The United Kingdom has taken great pride in vaccinating well with the first dose except they have a problem with the second dose," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

The European countries and UK have been at crossroads when it comes to coronavirus vaccination, with the UK leading the race. However, French President Emmanuel Macron has claimed that France will have caught up with the UK on the number of people being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. Also read | France accuses Russia of using its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine as 'propaganda' tool As of now, only 11.45 per cent of French locals have received the first jab of coronavirus, which is much less than 43.79 per cent of British locals. France has been criticised for its slow speed of vaccination drive. However, Macron has now told the local media that France has significantly ramped up the pace of vaccination drives, and will soon be catching up with the UK. "In a few weeks we will have completely caught up with the British, who will meanwhile be increasingly dependent on us to vaccinate their population," he told a local newspaper. Watch | His statement is being understood to be a reference to the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, which are produced in EU member states. The EU has threatened to ban pharma firms from exporting COVID vaccines to the UK and other countries if the companies fail to achieve the target of the vaccine deliveries to the EU. French foreign minister, meanwhile, feels that while the UK has rushed to give the first jab of coronavirus vaccine to as many citizens as possible, the ex-EU member will struggle to procure doses needed for the second jab. "The United Kingdom has taken great pride in vaccinating well with the first dose except they have a problem with the second dose," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon

As per the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown lifting plan, all hairdressers and pubs can reopen from April 12, if serving the customers outdoors.

Johnson has also hinted that the pub-goers might have to provide evidence of whether or not they have been vaccinated, once the lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

As per local reports, the government is looking into people producing a negative COVID test as proof before entering a pub. However, a final decision has not been taken yet.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-capitalism-greed-gave-britain-its-vaccine-success-372951">&nbsp;Boris Johnson says capitalism, greed gave Britain its vaccine success</a>

While the decision has not been finalised yet, the pub owners are not very happy with it as some believe it may bring in a feeling of being discriminated against for those who have not been vaccinated yet.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has already planned his first trip to a pub. During a visit to a nursery school, when he was asked whether he has an appointment with the hairdresser for April 12, Johnson jokingly responded, "For the pub? Yes. For the haircut? I don't know about that."

"I need to get a haircut... I do need a haircut, I do badly need a haircut, it's going to happen," he added.

He used this opportunity to assure people that COVID vaccine certificates will surely have "a role" but "no decisions have been taken at all" yet on the usage and process of these certificates.

Johnson was also spotted trying to paint a picture of a bunch of bananas and proudly showcased it for the cameras.

As per the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown lifting plan, all hairdressers and pubs can reopen from April 12, if serving the customers outdoors.

As per the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown lifting plan, all hairdressers and pubs can reopen from April 12, if serving the customers outdoors. Johnson has also hinted that the pub-goers might have to provide evidence of whether or not they have been vaccinated, once the lockdown restrictions are relaxed. As per local reports, the government is looking into people producing a negative COVID test as proof before entering a pub. However, a final decision has not been taken yet. Also read | Boris Johnson says capitalism, greed gave Britain its vaccine success While the decision has not been finalised yet, the pub owners are not very happy with it as some believe it may bring in a feeling of being discriminated against for those who have not been vaccinated yet. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has already planned his first trip to a pub. During a visit to a nursery school, when he was asked whether he has an appointment with the hairdresser for April 12, Johnson jokingly responded, "For the pub? Yes. For the haircut? I don't know about that." "I need to get a haircut... I do need a haircut, I do badly need a haircut, it's going to happen," he added. He used this opportunity to assure people that COVID vaccine certificates will surely have "a role" but "no decisions have been taken at all" yet on the usage and process of these certificates. Johnson was also spotted trying to paint a picture of a bunch of bananas and proudly showcased it for the cameras.

'Pub? Yes, Haircut? No': Boris Johnson explains COVID vaccine certificates while painting bananas

After some months of relief, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave.

Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers. He told them that 70 districts have reported a 150 per cent increase in cases.

Today, India reported more than 35,000 daily cases — the highest in more than three months. Maharashtra is the worst affected state. It accounts for 65 per cent of the new cases.

Restrictions, lockdowns and night curfews are back in several cities.

Reports say Indian officials are blaming the surge on crowding and the reluctance of people to wear masks. New variants could be a factor too. India has recorded 400 cases of the UK, South African and Brazilian variants, as per reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covishield-vaccination-will-go-on-with-full-vigour-india-371323" hreflang="en">Covishield vaccination will go on with full vigour: India</a>

There is now a growing demand to open up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> programme. Rapid vaccination would definitely help in containing the surge.

In countries such as Israel, the UAE and UK, mass vaccination is slowing the spread of the virus. In fact, the decline has been sharp.

According to a report, about 6.5 per cent of the vaccine doses are going to waste in India. India's health ministry had distributed more than 75 million doses to states but only some 36 million doses have been used so far.

So, the supply of coronavirus vaccine is certainly not the issue. Taking a cautious approach could hurt India's chances of defeating the pandemic.

So, if the shots are safe, India should allow everyone to take the jab. Perhaps, it could take some lessons from Europe. The region's over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives.

Europe's vaccine drive hits back

Europe's pandemic response is in a state of disarray after several countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot while fresh cases are surging.

Reports say that&nbsp;across the EU, new infections have spiked. From 200 per million in mid-February to 270 per million as of last weekend, Italy — which was one of the biggest hotspots in Europe last year — is imposing another nationwide lockdown. It is a measure to slow down the third wave of cases.

Italy is now reporting more than 22,000 cases on average in seven days while an average of 360 people die&nbsp;every week, as per reports.

France is facing demands from health experts for another lockdown. Three days ago, France reported more than 26,000 new cases.

The country's resuscitation units are now running at nearly 82 per cent of their capacity which is the highest since November 2020 — when France was in its second lockdown.

There is a third wave in Germany too. In the past week, the number of cases grew by 20 per cent. Germany has extended its shutdown till March 28.

Europe is losing lives to the virus while vital doses are being wasted.

After some months of relief, coronavirus cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave. Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers.

After some months of relief, coronavirus cases are now once again surging in India. India may now have entered its second wave. Yesterday, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers. He told them that 70 districts have reported a 150 per cent increase in cases. Today, India reported more than 35,000 daily cases — the highest in more than three months. Maharashtra is the worst affected state. It accounts for 65 per cent of the new cases. Restrictions, lockdowns and night curfews are back in several cities. Reports say Indian officials are blaming the surge on crowding and the reluctance of people to wear masks. New variants could be a factor too. India has recorded 400 cases of the UK, South African and Brazilian variants, as per reports. Also read | Covishield vaccination will go on with full vigour: India There is now a growing demand to open up the vaccine programme. Rapid vaccination would definitely help in containing the surge. In countries such as Israel, the UAE and UK, mass vaccination is slowing the spread of the virus. In fact, the decline has been sharp. According to a report, about 6.5 per cent of the vaccine doses are going to waste in India. India's health ministry had distributed more than 75 million doses to states but only some 36 million doses have been used so far. So, the supply of coronavirus vaccine is certainly not the issue. Taking a cautious approach could hurt India's chances of defeating the pandemic. So, if the shots are safe, India should allow everyone to take the jab. Perhaps, it could take some lessons from Europe. The region's over-cautious approach to vaccines could be costing lives. Europe's vaccine drive hits back Europe's pandemic response is in a state of disarray after several countries suspended the use of the AstraZeneca shot while fresh cases are surging. Reports say that across the EU, new infections have spiked. From 200 per million in mid-February to 270 per million as of last weekend, Italy — which was one of the biggest hotspots in Europe last year — is imposing another nationwide lockdown. It is a measure to slow down the third wave of cases. Italy is now reporting more than 22,000 cases on average in seven days while an average of 360 people die every week, as per reports. France is facing demands from health experts for another lockdown. Three days ago, France reported more than 26,000 new cases. The country's resuscitation units are now running at nearly 82 per cent of their capacity which is the highest since November 2020 — when France was in its second lockdown. There is a third wave in Germany too. In the past week, the number of cases grew by 20 per cent. Germany has extended its shutdown till March 28. Europe is losing lives to the virus while vital doses are being wasted.

Lessons India can learn from Europe's coronavirus vaccine drive

People who get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> shots at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores may soon be able to verify their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> status at airports, schools and other locations using a health passport app on their smartphones.

The retail giant said Wednesday that it had signed on to an international effort to provide standardized digital vaccination credentials to people. The company joins a push already backed by major health centers and tech companies including Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Cerner, Epic Systems, the Mitre Corp. and the Mayo Clinic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-regulator-shrug-off-astrazeneca-vaccine-concerns-371478">EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns</a>

“Walmart is the first huge-scale administrator of vaccines that is committing to giving people a secure, verifiable record of their vaccinations,” said Paul Meyer, chief executive of the Commons Project Foundation, a nonprofit in Geneva that has developed health passport apps. “We think many others will follow.”

The company said people who get COVID shots at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will be able to use free health passport apps to verify their vaccination records and then generate smartphone codes that could allow them to board a plane or enter a sports area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The apps include Health Pass developed by Clear, a security company that uses biometric technology to confirm people’s identities at airports, and CommonPass, developed by the Commons Project.

JetBlue and Lufthansa are already using the CommonPass app to verify passengers’ negative virus test results before they can board certain flights.

People who get COVID-19 shots at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores may soon be able to verify their vaccination status at airports, schools and other locations using a health passport app on their smartphones.

People who get COVID-19 shots at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club stores may soon be able to verify their vaccination status at airports, schools and other locations using a health passport app on their smartphones. The retail giant said Wednesday that it had signed on to an international effort to provide standardized digital vaccination credentials to people. The company joins a push already backed by major health centers and tech companies including Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Cerner, Epic Systems, the Mitre Corp. and the Mayo Clinic. Also read | EU, UK regulator shrug off AstraZeneca vaccine concerns “Walmart is the first huge-scale administrator of vaccines that is committing to giving people a secure, verifiable record of their vaccinations,” said Paul Meyer, chief executive of the Commons Project Foundation, a nonprofit in Geneva that has developed health passport apps. “We think many others will follow.” The company said people who get COVID shots at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will be able to use free health passport apps to verify their vaccination records and then generate smartphone codes that could allow them to board a plane or enter a sports area. Watch | The apps include Health Pass developed by Clear, a security company that uses biometric technology to confirm people’s identities at airports, and CommonPass, developed by the Commons Project. JetBlue and Lufthansa are already using the CommonPass app to verify passengers’ negative virus test results before they can board certain flights.

Walmart joins push for digital vaccination credentials

After shutting its borders more than a year, China is opening up again but only for those who take Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines.</a>

Beijing has come up with two sets of rules: those who take Chinese vaccines will be given "conveniences" and those who don't will have to fill up more forms, go through tests, and once you land in China, spend up to three weeks in a quarantine even if you have been vaccinated by a non-Chinese shot.

China's vaccine nationalism is discriminatory as Beijing will make your life easier if you take a Chinese vaccine, but give you a tough time if you take a foreign vaccine, such as Pfizer, Moderna, Covaxin or AstraZeneca.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-backs-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-approves-jj-for-covid-variants-371182">WHO backs use of AstraZeneca vaccine; approves J&amp;J for COVID variants</a>

The interesting point to note here is that all these foreign vaccines have proven their efficacy while the Chinese vaccines are unproven.

This notice came from the Chinese embassy in India. It says China will facilitate travelers if they take "Chinese made vaccines". China says it wants to "resume people-to-people exchanges" in an orderly manner, but India hasn't approved any Chinese vaccine. So even if you want to take a Chinese-made vaccine, you won't be able to do that in India...

Since November last year, Indians have been barred from travelling to China, apparently because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic which spread from Wuhan in China. Beijing suspended valid visas and resident permits.

Many Indians have business interests in China, thousands of Indian students are enrolled in Chinese universities, and this ban was a major setback to them. This situation, though, is not unique to India as China banned travelers from most countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-backs-use-of-astrazeneca-vaccine-approves-jj-for-covid-variants-371182" hreflang="en">WHO backs use of AstraZeneca vaccine; approves J&amp;J for COVID variants</a>

However, now, Chinese embassies have issued similar notices in 20 countries such as Australia, South Korea, and the US. The interesting thing to note here is that none of these countries have approved any Chinese vaccines against coronavirus.

The reason behind none of the Chinese vaccines being approved is the doubt regarding their efficacy as the world doesn't know much about Chinese vaccines because Beijing hasn't shared a lot of data about them.

However, that hasn't stopped China from injecting people with these shots. Since last year, China has administered tens of thousands of people with its vaccines and now it wants to expand its market, so it is coming up with these discriminatory rules.

If you do survive the Chinese shot, you also get a simplified application process as you will need fewer documents to apply for a visa. You would also not be asked to procure an invitation letter. Earlier, if you travelled to China for business purposes, you had to produce an invitation letter which was given by Chinese government departments. Now, a statement issued in Germany suggested that the requirement will be waived off if you take a Chinese vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-going-to-china-beijing-relaxes-visa-restrictions-for-those-who-get-chinese-jabs-371238">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-going-to-china-beijing-relaxes-visa-restrictions-for-those-who-get-chinese-jabs-371238/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In case you are not injected with one of the Chinese-made vaccines, then you would need a negative test for the coronavirus that China has approved. After that, you have to obtain an antibody test, and if you succeed in all this, then you can land in China. However, you will have to go into quarantine, for upto three weeks.

China is using its position as a dominant economic power to force its vaccines on the world.

Beijing maintains that its shots are safe but public health experts have raised concerns. They say Chinese companies haven't been transparent about their clinical trials. Then we have the Chinese state media that says more than 60 countries have authorised the use of its vaccines.

Earlier this month, human rights watch highlighted what's worrying about Chinese vaccines. They say more a dozen vaccines are in clinical trials in China but as of the first week of March none of the vaccines had received full regulatory approval. Also, none of these companies released phase three trial data.

China seems to be cracking down on those who advocate for vaccine safety. In October 2020, an outspoken critic of Chinese vaccine companies disappeared. Then, in January, a vaccine safety advocate disappeared just before the visit of the WHO Team that went to probe the origins of the virus.

On the Chinese internet, all social media posts raising questions about the safety of Chinese vaccines were removed. At the same time, the Chinese press has aggressively tried to discredit western vaccines. State owned publications such as the People's Daily and Global Times accused western media of downplaying deaths allegedly caused by the Pfizer vaccine. However, there is no evidence linking the deaths to the vaccine.

A prominent Chinese journalist was caught sharing unverified reports on the Pfizer shot. She claimed 10 people died after taking the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Germany. Later, the same tweet was amplified by Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson of the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs, aka China's wolf warrior in chief.

After shutting its borders more than a year, China is opening up again but only for those who take Chinese vaccines. Beijing has come up with two sets of rules: those who take Chinese vaccines will be given "conveniences" and those who don't will have to fill up more forms, go through tests, and once you land in China, spend up to three weeks in a quarantine even if you have been vaccinated by a non-Chinese shot.

After shutting its borders more than a year, China is opening up again but only for those who take Chinese vaccines. Beijing has come up with two sets of rules: those who take Chinese vaccines will be given "conveniences" and those who don't will have to fill up more forms, go through tests, and once you land in China, spend up to three weeks in a quarantine even if you have been vaccinated by a non-Chinese shot. China's vaccine nationalism is discriminatory as Beijing will make your life easier if you take a Chinese vaccine, but give you a tough time if you take a foreign vaccine, such as Pfizer, Moderna, Covaxin or AstraZeneca. Also read | WHO backs use of AstraZeneca vaccine; approves J&J for COVID variants The interesting point to note here is that all these foreign vaccines have proven their efficacy while the Chinese vaccines are unproven. This notice came from the Chinese embassy in India. It says China will facilitate travelers if they take "Chinese made vaccines". China says it wants to "resume people-to-people exchanges" in an orderly manner, but India hasn't approved any Chinese vaccine. So even if you want to take a Chinese-made vaccine, you won't be able to do that in India... Since November last year, Indians have been barred from travelling to China, apparently because of the coronavirus pandemic which spread from Wuhan in China. Beijing suspended valid visas and resident permits. Many Indians have business interests in China, thousands of Indian students are enrolled in Chinese universities, and this ban was a major setback to them. This situation, though, is not unique to India as China banned travelers from most countries. Also read | WHO backs use of AstraZeneca vaccine; approves J&J for COVID variants However, now, Chinese embassies have issued similar notices in 20 countries such as Australia, South Korea, and the US. The interesting thing to note here is that none of these countries have approved any Chinese vaccines against coronavirus. The reason behind none of the Chinese vaccines being approved is the doubt regarding their efficacy as the world doesn't know much about Chinese vaccines because Beijing hasn't shared a lot of data about them. However, that hasn't stopped China from injecting people with these shots. Since last year, China has administered tens of thousands of people with its vaccines and now it wants to expand its market, so it is coming up with these discriminatory rules. If you do survive the Chinese shot, you also get a simplified application process as you will need fewer documents to apply for a visa. You would also not be asked to procure an invitation letter. Earlier, if you travelled to China for business purposes, you had to produce an invitation letter which was given by Chinese government departments. Now, a statement issued in Germany suggested that the requirement will be waived off if you take a Chinese vaccine. Watch | In case you are not injected with one of the Chinese-made vaccines, then you would need a negative test for the coronavirus that China has approved. After that, you have to obtain an antibody test, and if you succeed in all this, then you can land in China. However, you will have to go into quarantine, for upto three weeks. China is using its position as a dominant economic power to force its vaccines on the world. Beijing maintains that its shots are safe but public health experts have raised concerns. They say Chinese companies haven't been transparent about their clinical trials. Then we have the Chinese state media that says more than 60 countries have authorised the use of its vaccines. Earlier this month, human rights watch highlighted what's worrying about Chinese vaccines. They say more a dozen vaccines are in clinical trials in China but as of the first week of March none of the vaccines had received full regulatory approval. Also, none of these companies released phase three trial data. China seems to be cracking down on those who advocate for vaccine safety. In October 2020, an outspoken critic of Chinese vaccine companies disappeared. Then, in January, a vaccine safety advocate disappeared just before the visit of the WHO Team that went to probe the origins of the virus. On the Chinese internet, all social media posts raising questions about the safety of Chinese vaccines were removed. At the same time, the Chinese press has aggressively tried to discredit western vaccines. State owned publications such as the People's Daily and Global Times accused western media of downplaying deaths allegedly caused by the Pfizer vaccine. However, there is no evidence linking the deaths to the vaccine. A prominent Chinese journalist was caught sharing unverified reports on the Pfizer shot. She claimed 10 people died after taking the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Germany. Later, the same tweet was amplified by Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson of the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs, aka China's wolf warrior in chief.

In a bid to lead the vaccine race, Beijing makes Chinese jabs compulsory

After several countries imposed a temporary suspension on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine.</a>

WHO has recommended countries to continue using AstraZeneca's vaccine 'at this time', till the experts conclude the ongoing assessment of reports that claimed blood clotting to be a side-effect of the vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-proposes-digital-green-certificates-and-stricter-curbs-on-vaccine-exports-371168" hreflang="en">EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports</a>

"The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data," the agency said in a statement. "At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue."

Experts at WHO have assured that the results of the review will be communicated as soon as the assessment of the reports is finished.

The statement has come after several countries temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca after a few cases of formation of blood clots were reported around the world.

However, the European Union's medicines regulator has stressed that, as of now, there is no evidence that points towards a link between the vaccine shot and formation of blood clots — termed as thromboembolic events.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccine-trials-on-children-in-us-and-canada-371034" hreflang="en">Moderna to begin coronavirus vaccine trials on children in US and Canada</a>

The WHO backed this by explaining that it is a routine procedure for experts and countries to flag any potential side-effects of a vaccine, but also stressed that "this does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place".

"Vaccination against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19</a> will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes," WHO assured. "Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, WHO experts have also recommended Johnson &amp; Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for use against the different variants of coronavirus.

"We have a vaccine that shows to be safe and it shows to have the necessary efficacy to be recommended by us for use in people above the age of 18, without an upper age limit," SAGE chair Alejandro Cravioto said. "In the countries where there is a high spread of the variants and in countries where we now have information about the use of this vaccine to control SARS-CoV-2 caused by these variants, we recommend that you use it."

After several countries imposed a temporary suspension on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of this vaccine.

After several countries imposed a temporary suspension on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the use of this vaccine. WHO has recommended countries to continue using AstraZeneca's vaccine 'at this time', till the experts conclude the ongoing assessment of reports that claimed blood clotting to be a side-effect of the vaccine. Also read | EU Chief proposes 'digital green certificates' and stricter curbs on vaccine exports "The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the latest available safety data," the agency said in a statement. "At this time, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue." Experts at WHO have assured that the results of the review will be communicated as soon as the assessment of the reports is finished. The statement has come after several countries temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca after a few cases of formation of blood clots were reported around the world. However, the European Union's medicines regulator has stressed that, as of now, there is no evidence that points towards a link between the vaccine shot and formation of blood clots — termed as thromboembolic events. Also read | Moderna to begin coronavirus vaccine trials on children in US and Canada The WHO backed this by explaining that it is a routine procedure for experts and countries to flag any potential side-effects of a vaccine, but also stressed that "this does not necessarily mean that the events are linked to vaccination itself, but it is good practice to investigate them. It also shows that the surveillance system works and that effective controls are in place". "Vaccination against Covid-19 will not reduce illness or deaths from other causes," WHO assured. "Thromboembolic events are known to occur frequently. Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease globally." Meanwhile, WHO experts have also recommended Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for use against the different variants of coronavirus. "We have a vaccine that shows to be safe and it shows to have the necessary efficacy to be recommended by us for use in people above the age of 18, without an upper age limit," SAGE chair Alejandro Cravioto said. "In the countries where there is a high spread of the variants and in countries where we now have information about the use of this vaccine to control SARS-CoV-2 caused by these variants, we recommend that you use it."

WHO backs use of AstraZeneca vaccine; approves J&J for COVID variants

Recently, the European Council chief Charles Michel claimed that the UK has imposed a vaccine export ban. However, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now rejected these claims.

"Let me be clear: we have not blocked the export of a single <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccine</a> or vaccine components," Boris Johnson told the parliament. "This pandemic has put us all on the same side in the battle for global health. We oppose vaccine nationalism in all its forms."

The PM's clarification has come a few hours after Britain summoned the European Union's UK delegation and penned a letter to Charles Michel over his claim.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-summons-eu-delegation-representative-over-completely-false-vaccine-claim-369232">UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim</a>

Michel had claimed that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory."

While it was reported that Michel back-tracked on his claim, UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab set he wanted to set the record straight and deny these accusations.

"I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said. "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together."

The claim came more than a month after the UK started its mass inoculation drive against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>. Till now, more than 22.5 million people have received a jab of the Covid vaccines — making it one of the highest numbers in the world.

While the UK is hopeful of achieving its target, the European Union countries are still struggling and the EU has also blamed the popular AstraZeneca firm for this delay due to its failure to fulfil the set orders.&nbsp;

Recently, the European Council chief Charles Michel claimed that the UK has imposed a vaccine export ban. However, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now rejected these claims.

Recently, the European Council chief Charles Michel claimed that the UK has imposed a vaccine export ban. However, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now rejected these claims. "Let me be clear: we have not blocked the export of a single Covid-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Boris Johnson told the parliament. "This pandemic has put us all on the same side in the battle for global health. We oppose vaccine nationalism in all its forms." The PM's clarification has come a few hours after Britain summoned the European Union's UK delegation and penned a letter to Charles Michel over his claim. Also read | UK summons EU delegation representative over 'completely false' vaccine claim Michel had claimed that "the United Kingdom and the United States have imposed an outright ban on the export of vaccines or vaccine components produced on their territory." While it was reported that Michel back-tracked on his claim, UK's foreign secretary Dominic Raab set he wanted to set the record straight and deny these accusations. "I wanted to set the record straight. The UK government has not blocked the export of a single COVID-19 vaccine or vaccine components," Raab said. "Any references to a UK export ban or any restrictions on vaccines are completely false. We are all facing this pandemic together." The claim came more than a month after the UK started its mass inoculation drive against the deadly coronavirus. Till now, more than 22.5 million people have received a jab of the Covid vaccines — making it one of the highest numbers in the world. While the UK is hopeful of achieving its target, the European Union countries are still struggling and the EU has also blamed the popular AstraZeneca firm for this delay due to its failure to fulfil the set orders.

Boris Johnson rejects EU's claims of COVID-19 vaccine blocking

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> has taken millions of lives all over the world and the introduction of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">vaccines</a> has brought a ray of hope. However, as more and more people are getting vaccinated, several complications are now being highlighted.

While some are questioning the efficacy and possible side effects of vaccines on people aged above 65, experts are now also looking at studying the effect of vaccines on patients with certain immunosuppressed conditions.

Scientists believe patients with cancer, inflammatory arthritis, kidney or liver diseases or those having a stem cell transplant have higher chances of experiencing severe side effects and complications of coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-coronavirus-vaccine-side-effects-are-severe-but-worth-it-cdc-study-367057" hreflang="en">Moderna's coronavirus vaccine side effects are severe, but worth it: CDC study</a>

Such conditions and treatments may further weaken their immune system and make them more vulnerable to the deadly coronavirus. This is also one of the main reasons why such patients have been prioritised for being vaccinated against COVID-19.

While people suffering from such diseases are being vaccinated, experts believe that there is not enough evidence to suggest that people with such conditions may not have optimal protection.

"We urgently need to understand if patient populations with chronic conditions such as cancer, inflammatory arthritis and kidney and liver disease are likely to be well-protected by current COVID-19 vaccines," said leader of the study Professor Iain McInnes, of the University of Glasgow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-may-be-less-effective-in-obesity-study-367008" hreflang="en">Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study</a>

Following this, the new Octave trial is based on understanding the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines on such patients.

"The Octave study will give us invaluable new data to help us answer questions of this kind from our patients and their families," McInnes said.

The research is being funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and will involve groups from the Universities of Glasgow, Birmingham, Oxford, Liverpool, Imperial College London and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

For the purpose of data collection, the research will focus on the effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccine jabs being administered to nearly 5,000 patients in the UK in 2021.

Researchers will look into the COVID-19 immune response of these patients using several state-of-the-art immune tests on blood samples of the patients, which will be taken before and after the vaccine jabs.

"This study is investigating the response to the new COVID-19 vaccines in people whose immune systems make them more vulnerable to Covid-19 and other infections," Professor Fiona Watt, executive chair of the Medical Research Council said. "This will help ensure that those more at risk from infection receive the best protection possible."

The coronavirus has taken millions of lives all over the world and the introduction of vaccines has brought a ray of hope. However, as more and more people are getting vaccinated, several complications are now being highlighted.

The coronavirus has taken millions of lives all over the world and the introduction of vaccines has brought a ray of hope. However, as more and more people are getting vaccinated, several complications are now being highlighted. While some are questioning the efficacy and possible side effects of vaccines on people aged above 65, experts are now also looking at studying the effect of vaccines on patients with certain immunosuppressed conditions. Scientists believe patients with cancer, inflammatory arthritis, kidney or liver diseases or those having a stem cell transplant have higher chances of experiencing severe side effects and complications of coronavirus. Also read | Moderna's coronavirus vaccine side effects are severe, but worth it: CDC study Such conditions and treatments may further weaken their immune system and make them more vulnerable to the deadly coronavirus. This is also one of the main reasons why such patients have been prioritised for being vaccinated against COVID-19. While people suffering from such diseases are being vaccinated, experts believe that there is not enough evidence to suggest that people with such conditions may not have optimal protection. "We urgently need to understand if patient populations with chronic conditions such as cancer, inflammatory arthritis and kidney and liver disease are likely to be well-protected by current COVID-19 vaccines," said leader of the study Professor Iain McInnes, of the University of Glasgow. Also read | Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study Following this, the new Octave trial is based on understanding the effectiveness of coronavirus vaccines on such patients. "The Octave study will give us invaluable new data to help us answer questions of this kind from our patients and their families," McInnes said. The research is being funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and will involve groups from the Universities of Glasgow, Birmingham, Oxford, Liverpool, Imperial College London and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. For the purpose of data collection, the research will focus on the effectiveness of the coronavirus vaccine jabs being administered to nearly 5,000 patients in the UK in 2021. Researchers will look into the COVID-19 immune response of these patients using several state-of-the-art immune tests on blood samples of the patients, which will be taken before and after the vaccine jabs. "This study is investigating the response to the new COVID-19 vaccines in people whose immune systems make them more vulnerable to Covid-19 and other infections," Professor Fiona Watt, executive chair of the Medical Research Council said. "This will help ensure that those more at risk from infection receive the best protection possible."

New study examining effect of COVID vaccine on impaired immune system to start soon

The former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> and his wife Melania Trump had received the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> during their last days in the White House in January, as per locl reports.

However, it is still unclear as to which vaccine they received and how many doses.

Trump, who claims he is the main force behind getting the vaccine ready 'so quickly', urged his supporters to get vaccinated in their due time at his first public speech since he was asked to leave the White House.

Speaking directly to his supporters and aides at the Conservative Political Action Conference, held in Orlando, Trump urged everyone to get vaccinated saying, "how unpainful that vaccine shot is, so everybody go get your shot".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-teases-2024-presidential-run-in-cpac-2021-speech-366953" hreflang="en">Donald Trump teases 2024 presidential run in CPAC 2021 speech</a>

Trump, once again, repeated and reminded everyone about his contribution to the vaccine campaign in the US. When the pandemic hit, the US was under his leadership and he oversaw the Operation Warp Speed task force.

He believes it is solely him and his administration who deserve all the credit for the mass inoculation programme being run in the US. "Never let them forget this was us. We did this," he said at CPAC.

This has come as a shock due to the secrecy in which Trump and the former FLOTUS got the jab and also because, throughout his time as the POTUS in the pandemic, Trump had dismissed the seriousness of the situation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-chella-cpac-2021-sees-huge-crowds-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-366818" hreflang="en">Trump-chella: CPAC 2021 sees huge crowds, amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

The aide, who has revealed the information to the American media house CNN, claims that Trump was still receiving the benefits of the monoclonal antibody cocktail that the couple was given during his recovery from the time they had tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.

This comes as a contrast to how the other former Presidents and Vice Presidents have reacted to the vaccine. The US President, who won against Trump, Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris got vaccinated on live television in December. Former President including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, too, had volunteered to get vaccinated on camera.

While the former and current Presidents took the chance to raise awareness about the public safety about the vaccines, it still remains a surprise as to how did Trump miss out on a chance to gain a few extra minutes on television screens.

The former US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump had received the coronavirus vaccine during their last days in the White House in January, as per locl reports.

The former US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump had received the coronavirus vaccine during their last days in the White House in January, as per locl reports. However, it is still unclear as to which vaccine they received and how many doses. Trump, who claims he is the main force behind getting the vaccine ready 'so quickly', urged his supporters to get vaccinated in their due time at his first public speech since he was asked to leave the White House. Speaking directly to his supporters and aides at the Conservative Political Action Conference, held in Orlando, Trump urged everyone to get vaccinated saying, "how unpainful that vaccine shot is, so everybody go get your shot". Also read | Donald Trump teases 2024 presidential run in CPAC 2021 speech Trump, once again, repeated and reminded everyone about his contribution to the vaccine campaign in the US. When the pandemic hit, the US was under his leadership and he oversaw the Operation Warp Speed task force. He believes it is solely him and his administration who deserve all the credit for the mass inoculation programme being run in the US. "Never let them forget this was us. We did this," he said at CPAC. This has come as a shock due to the secrecy in which Trump and the former FLOTUS got the jab and also because, throughout his time as the POTUS in the pandemic, Trump had dismissed the seriousness of the situation. Also read | Trump-chella: CPAC 2021 sees huge crowds, amid surge in coronavirus cases The aide, who has revealed the information to the American media house CNN, claims that Trump was still receiving the benefits of the monoclonal antibody cocktail that the couple was given during his recovery from the time they had tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. This comes as a contrast to how the other former Presidents and Vice Presidents have reacted to the vaccine. The US President, who won against Trump, Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris got vaccinated on live television in December. Former President including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, too, had volunteered to get vaccinated on camera. While the former and current Presidents took the chance to raise awareness about the public safety about the vaccines, it still remains a surprise as to how did Trump miss out on a chance to gain a few extra minutes on television screens.

Donald and Melania Trump secretly vaccinated in January: Report

Some people are against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> vaccines, but others are happy to get a jab of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">vaccine</a> as soon as possible. Such is the case even with the people who have been administered a shot and faced side effects.

A study of the fall 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that some people have experienced side effects after taking Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, with some even having to rush to the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-may-be-less-effective-in-obesity-study-367008" hreflang="en">Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study</a>

However, the majority of them have claimed that despite the side effects, they would be ready to take the vaccine all over again, if it meant protecting themselves against the deadly coronavirus.

From the two types of reaction — local and systemic — "local reactions were reported by the majority of vaccine recipients and at higher rates than placebo recipients," the CDC report claims. " Vaccine recipients reported higher rates of local reactions after dose 2 than dose 1."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-vaccines-single-dose-provides-strong-immunity-to-those-who-have-had-covid-19-study-366628" hreflang="en">Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study</a>

The local reactions from the Moderna vaccine include pain and swelling at the point where the dose was injected. Systemic reactions consist of more serious problems such as nausea, fever and chills.

"The frequency of systemic reactions was higher in the younger age group than the older age group (81.9% vs 71.9% after dose 2). Within each age group, the frequency and severity of systemic reactions was higher after dose 2 than dose 1. For both age groups, fatigue, headache and myalgia were the most common," the report claims.

People who have been administered the vaccine reported that the side effects were less intense after the second dose, rather than the first dose. However, despite the side effects, people claim they feel a sense of relief after taking the vaccine.&nbsp;

Some people are against coronavirus vaccines, but others are happy to get a jab of the vaccine as soon as possible. Such is the case even with the people who have been administered a shot and faced side effects.

Some people are against coronavirus vaccines, but others are happy to get a jab of the vaccine as soon as possible. Such is the case even with the people who have been administered a shot and faced side effects. A study of the fall 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that some people have experienced side effects after taking Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, with some even having to rush to the hospital. Also read | Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study However, the majority of them have claimed that despite the side effects, they would be ready to take the vaccine all over again, if it meant protecting themselves against the deadly coronavirus. From the two types of reaction — local and systemic — "local reactions were reported by the majority of vaccine recipients and at higher rates than placebo recipients," the CDC report claims. " Vaccine recipients reported higher rates of local reactions after dose 2 than dose 1." Also read | Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study The local reactions from the Moderna vaccine include pain and swelling at the point where the dose was injected. Systemic reactions consist of more serious problems such as nausea, fever and chills. "The frequency of systemic reactions was higher in the younger age group than the older age group (81.9% vs 71.9% after dose 2). Within each age group, the frequency and severity of systemic reactions was higher after dose 2 than dose 1. For both age groups, fatigue, headache and myalgia were the most common," the report claims. People who have been administered the vaccine reported that the side effects were less intense after the second dose, rather than the first dose. However, despite the side effects, people claim they feel a sense of relief after taking the vaccine.

Moderna's coronavirus vaccine side effects are severe, but worth it: CDC study

A day after the US authorised Johnson &amp; Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> for emergency use, the authorities are now hoping that four million doses of the vaccine will be delivered across the country as early as Tuesday.

The single-shot vaccine is the third one to be authorised by the US' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's vaccine.

"Starting tonight, 3.9 million doses of J&amp;J will be distributed across all channels — states, tribes, territories, and pharmacies and community health centers. Those J&amp;J doses will be delivered as early as this Tuesday morning," a senior administration official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-approves-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-biden-warns-americans-366715" hreflang="en">As US approves Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine, Biden warns Americans</a>

The authorities are also hoping to receive at least 16 million doses of the J&amp;J vaccine by the end of this month. "That's the entirety of J&amp;J's current inventory," the official said. "J&amp;J expects to deliver approximately 16 million additional doses by the end of March. So that's a cumulative 20 million."

This vaccine has brought in hopes of ramping up the mass vaccination programme as over 65 million people have already been vaccinated by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The J&amp;J vaccine can make the process faster as unlike the other two, this vaccine only requires single-dose to fight against the deadly coronavirus, including the new variants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-to-clear-johnson-and-johnson-vaccine-by-march-366917" hreflang="en">EU to clear Johnson and Johnson vaccine by March</a>

J&amp;J had earlier announced it aims to deliver 20 million doses by the end of March, with 100 million by June — though the US is pushing to expedite that timeline.

Meanwhile, the White House's top pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, on Sunday, said he hopes that the US can start vaccinating the younger lot of the country by year end of early 2022.

"We now have three really efficacious vaccines," Fauci said in an interview on an American news channel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rolls-out-first-one-jab-covid-vaccine-366870" hreflang="en">China rolls out first one-jab Covid vaccine</a>

If the country is able to start vaccinating children by the end of the year or early 2022, it can help make school reopenings easier as majority of children will then be able to return to offline classrooms, instead of the ongoing virtual classes.

Fauci believes children around the age of 14 to 18 — high schoolers — should be able to get vaccinated by the fall season, while the children between the ages of five and 13 — elecmentary and middle chool children — will not be able to receive the vaccine by early 2022.

"I'm not sure it'll exactly be on the first day that school opens, but pretty close to that," Fauci said.

Meanwhile, former US PResident Donald Trump, in his speech at the CPAC 2021, urged the Biden administration to reopen schools. "On behalf of the moms, dads and children of America, I call on Joe Biden to get the schools open and get them open now," the former reality TV star yelled.

A day after the US authorised Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, the authorities are now hoping that four million doses of the vaccine will be delivered across the country as early as Tuesday.

A day after the US authorised Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, the authorities are now hoping that four million doses of the vaccine will be delivered across the country as early as Tuesday. The single-shot vaccine is the third one to be authorised by the US' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's vaccine. "Starting tonight, 3.9 million doses of J&J will be distributed across all channels — states, tribes, territories, and pharmacies and community health centers. Those J&J doses will be delivered as early as this Tuesday morning," a senior administration official said. Also read | As US approves Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, Biden warns Americans The authorities are also hoping to receive at least 16 million doses of the J&J vaccine by the end of this month. "That's the entirety of J&J's current inventory," the official said. "J&J expects to deliver approximately 16 million additional doses by the end of March. So that's a cumulative 20 million." This vaccine has brought in hopes of ramping up the mass vaccination programme as over 65 million people have already been vaccinated by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The J&J vaccine can make the process faster as unlike the other two, this vaccine only requires single-dose to fight against the deadly coronavirus, including the new variants. Also read | EU to clear Johnson and Johnson vaccine by March J&J had earlier announced it aims to deliver 20 million doses by the end of March, with 100 million by June — though the US is pushing to expedite that timeline. Meanwhile, the White House's top pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, on Sunday, said he hopes that the US can start vaccinating the younger lot of the country by year end of early 2022. "We now have three really efficacious vaccines," Fauci said in an interview on an American news channel. Also read | China rolls out first one-jab Covid vaccine If the country is able to start vaccinating children by the end of the year or early 2022, it can help make school reopenings easier as majority of children will then be able to return to offline classrooms, instead of the ongoing virtual classes. Fauci believes children around the age of 14 to 18 — high schoolers — should be able to get vaccinated by the fall season, while the children between the ages of five and 13 — elecmentary and middle chool children — will not be able to receive the vaccine by early 2022. "I'm not sure it'll exactly be on the first day that school opens, but pretty close to that," Fauci said. Meanwhile, former US PResident Donald Trump, in his speech at the CPAC 2021, urged the Biden administration to reopen schools. "On behalf of the moms, dads and children of America, I call on Joe Biden to get the schools open and get them open now," the former reality TV star yelled.

US to get 4 million J&J vaccine by Tuesday; Fauci hopes to vaccinate children by 2021 end

Nepal's Chief of Army Staff, Purna Chandra Thapa on Monday received his first dose of the Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

Nepal last month received the second shipment of one million doses of the coronavirus vaccines. The AstraZeneca vaccine is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) under the name Covishield. &nbsp;

Nepal began its nationwide inoculation drive after receiving the first one million Covishield vaccines following the emergency use approval in January. &nbsp;

An Air India aircraft carrying the consignment of Covid-19 vaccines had landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport in the morning, according to sources at the Indian Embassy in Nepal.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has decided to procure a total of two million doses of the vaccine manufactured by the SII. Last month, India gifted one million doses of Covishield vaccine to Nepal.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has already started administering the vaccines on health workers, security personnel and journalists on priority basis.&nbsp;

The second lot of vaccines would be used to inoculate people above 60 years of age, which is 8.73 per cent of Nepal's population, in the vaccination drive that will begin on March 7. &nbsp;

India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines.&nbsp;

India, under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, has been providing coronavirus vaccines to its neighbouring countries. &nbsp;

India has sent consignments of domestically produced coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles.&nbsp;

It is also undertaking commercial supplies of the doses to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco.&nbsp;

Nepal's Chief of Army Staff, Purna Chandra Thapa on Monday received his first dose of the Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccine. Nepal last month received the second shipment of one million doses of the coronavirus vaccines.

Nepal's Chief of Army Staff, Purna Chandra Thapa on Monday received his first dose of the Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccine. Nepal last month received the second shipment of one million doses of the coronavirus vaccines. The AstraZeneca vaccine is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) under the name Covishield. Nepal began its nationwide inoculation drive after receiving the first one million Covishield vaccines following the emergency use approval in January. An Air India aircraft carrying the consignment of Covid-19 vaccines had landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport in the morning, according to sources at the Indian Embassy in Nepal. The Nepal government has decided to procure a total of two million doses of the vaccine manufactured by the SII. Last month, India gifted one million doses of Covishield vaccine to Nepal. The Nepal government has already started administering the vaccines on health workers, security personnel and journalists on priority basis. The second lot of vaccines would be used to inoculate people above 60 years of age, which is 8.73 per cent of Nepal's population, in the vaccination drive that will begin on March 7. India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines. India, under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, has been providing coronavirus vaccines to its neighbouring countries. India has sent consignments of domestically produced coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles. It is also undertaking commercial supplies of the doses to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco.

Nepal's Army Chief gets Made-in-India Covid-19 vaccine's first dose

Concerned about the increasing disagreement with the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine"> coronavirus vaccine</a>, Prince William of the UK's royal family has warned Britishers to stay cautious about the growing anti-vaccine messages on social media platforms.

"Social media is awash sometimes with lots of rumours and misinformation," the Prince said in a video message, released by the Kensington Palace on Saturday evening.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-approves-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-biden-warns-americans-366715" hreflang="en">As US approves Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine, Biden warns Americans</a>

The Duke of Cambridge was seen with his wife and the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine. The royal couple shared the screen with two women who are eligible for their first jab of the vaccine as they fall in the category of vulnerable people.

A woman who is suffering from type 2 diabetes looked to the royal couple as she said she is "a bit nervous" about getting the jab after reading several social media posts regarding the harmful effects of the coronavirus vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-vaccines-single-dose-provides-strong-immunity-to-those-who-have-had-covid-19-study-366628" hreflang="en">Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study</a>

"We have to be a little bit careful who we believe and where we get our information from, especially for those who are clinically vulnerable as well, it's so important that these vaccinations are done," Prince William said while assuring Shivali.

Urging everyone to get vaccinated, in their own turn, the Duke of Cambridge said, "Catherine and I are not medical experts by any means but if it's any consolation we can wholeheartedly support having vaccinations, it's really, really important."

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-says-farewell-to-pandemic-hero-captain-tom-moore-366673" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-says-farewell-to-pandemic-hero-captain-tom-moore-366673&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZ3r-k44vvAhUFjeYKHR8TAL8QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw01ujC5IOxJuYg5lms80Aut" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-says-farewell-to-pandemic-hero-captain-tom-moore-366673" target="_blank">Britain says farewell to pandemic hero Captain Tom Moore</a>

Appreciating the efforts of the government and frontline workers, he said the vaccine uptake has, so far, been "amazing", but the important task now is to ensure that even the younger generation — the more active social media users — also "feel that it's really important for them to have it."

His video message has come a few days after the Queen of England urged everyone to get vaccinated as everyone "ought to think about other people rather than themselves", assuring the vaccine does nor "hurt at all".&nbsp;

The 94-yea-old Queen got vaccinated, along with Prince Philip in January.

Video messages have started pouring in from the Royal Family after the health officials have raised concern about decreasing vaccine uptake among the ethnic minority communities.&nbsp;

Concerned about the increasing disagreement with the coronavirus vaccine, Prince William of the UK's royal family has warned Britishers to stay cautious about the growing anti-vaccine messages on social media platforms.

Concerned about the increasing disagreement with the coronavirus vaccine, Prince William of the UK's royal family has warned Britishers to stay cautious about the growing anti-vaccine messages on social media platforms. "Social media is awash sometimes with lots of rumours and misinformation," the Prince said in a video message, released by the Kensington Palace on Saturday evening. Also read| As US approves Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, Biden warns Americans The Duke of Cambridge was seen with his wife and the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine. The royal couple shared the screen with two women who are eligible for their first jab of the vaccine as they fall in the category of vulnerable people. A woman who is suffering from type 2 diabetes looked to the royal couple as she said she is "a bit nervous" about getting the jab after reading several social media posts regarding the harmful effects of the coronavirus vaccine. Also read| Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study "We have to be a little bit careful who we believe and where we get our information from, especially for those who are clinically vulnerable as well, it's so important that these vaccinations are done," Prince William said while assuring Shivali. Urging everyone to get vaccinated, in their own turn, the Duke of Cambridge said, "Catherine and I are not medical experts by any means but if it's any consolation we can wholeheartedly support having vaccinations, it's really, really important." Also read| Britain says farewell to pandemic hero Captain Tom Moore Appreciating the efforts of the government and frontline workers, he said the vaccine uptake has, so far, been "amazing", but the important task now is to ensure that even the younger generation — the more active social media users — also "feel that it's really important for them to have it." His video message has come a few days after the Queen of England urged everyone to get vaccinated as everyone "ought to think about other people rather than themselves", assuring the vaccine does nor "hurt at all". The 94-yea-old Queen got vaccinated, along with Prince Philip in January. Video messages have started pouring in from the Royal Family after the health officials have raised concern about decreasing vaccine uptake among the ethnic minority communities.

UK's Prince William says social media full of rumours against coronavirus vaccine

On Saturday, the US authorised Johnson &amp; Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> for emergency use, making it the third approved vaccine of the county since the outbreak of COVID-19 a year ago.

The main attraction of Johnson &amp; Johnson's coronavirus vaccine is that it is a single-shot vaccine, unlike Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca which are administered in two parts.

ALso read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-receives-second-batch-of-jj-vaccines-366627" hreflang="en">South Africa receives second batch of J&amp;J vaccines</a>

This single-shot vaccine is, reportedly, highly effective against the deadly coronavirus, and also works as a guard against the new variants of COVID-19.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> took this opportunity to address the nation and share the happy news. "This is exciting news for all Americans, and an encouraging development in our efforts to bring an end to the crisis," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-approves-johnson-johnsons-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-366776">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-approves-johnson-johnsons-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-366776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, he was also mindful to urge people to exercise caution and not assume that the pandemic is over, as the death toll due to the virus in the country has been on a constant rise.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-vaccines-single-dose-provides-strong-immunity-to-those-who-have-had-covid-19-study-366628" hreflang="en">Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study</a>

"But we cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable," he warned.

The emergency approval of the Johnson &amp; Johnson's vaccine has come as a piece of welcome news as it is being predicted to be a great help in ramping up the immunisation process in the country which has lost more than 500,000 people to this deadly virus.

In the clinical trials, the efficacy of this vaccine against the deadly virus was 85.9 per cent in the United States, 81.7 per cent in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent in Brazil.

Questions and concerns have been raised about the efficacy of this vaccine as the vaccine were, overall, 85.4 per cent effective in a study of 39,321 participants, with the efficacy decreasing to 66.1 per cent when the moderate forms of the disease were included. 
&nbsp;

On Saturday, the US authorised Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, making it the third approved vaccine of the county since the outbreak of COVID-19 a year ago.

On Saturday, the US authorised Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine for emergency use, making it the third approved vaccine of the county since the outbreak of COVID-19 a year ago. The main attraction of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine is that it is a single-shot vaccine, unlike Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca which are administered in two parts. ALso read| South Africa receives second batch of J&J vaccines This single-shot vaccine is, reportedly, highly effective against the deadly coronavirus, and also works as a guard against the new variants of COVID-19. President Joe Biden took this opportunity to address the nation and share the happy news. "This is exciting news for all Americans, and an encouraging development in our efforts to bring an end to the crisis," he said. WATCH| However, he was also mindful to urge people to exercise caution and not assume that the pandemic is over, as the death toll due to the virus in the country has been on a constant rise. Also read| Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study "But we cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable," he warned. The emergency approval of the Johnson & Johnson's vaccine has come as a piece of welcome news as it is being predicted to be a great help in ramping up the immunisation process in the country which has lost more than 500,000 people to this deadly virus. In the clinical trials, the efficacy of this vaccine against the deadly virus was 85.9 per cent in the United States, 81.7 per cent in South Africa, and 87.6 per cent in Brazil. Questions and concerns have been raised about the efficacy of this vaccine as the vaccine were, overall, 85.4 per cent effective in a study of 39,321 participants, with the efficacy decreasing to 66.1 per cent when the moderate forms of the disease were included.

As US approves Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, Biden warns Americans

South Africa's second tranche of 80,000 Johnson &amp; Johnson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine </a>from Brussels touched down at OR Tambo International airport on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

The second batch of vaccines is reserved for frontline healthcare workers. The single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been shown to be 82 per cent effective in preventing severe illness from the COVID variant first discovered in South Africa.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-chief-ghebreyesus-praises-india-pm-modi-for-covid-vaccine-effort-366417" hreflang="en">WHO chief Ghebreyesus praises India, PM Modi for Covid vaccine effort</a>

The jabs have been taken to a secure facility in Gauteng from where it will be distributed to vaccine centres in provinces.&nbsp;

This second batch of vaccines is part of 500,000 jabs South Africa is getting for research purposes.

By the end of Friday, the country had used 63,648 vaccines out of the 80,000 that arrived in the country on February 01. The health department says about 12,000 health workers are getting vaccinated in a day now.

As of February 26, South Africa recorded 1.5 million positive cases and 49,784 deaths, government statistics showed.&nbsp;

South Africa's second tranche of 80,000 Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from Brussels touched down at OR Tambo International airport on Saturday morning. The second batch of vaccines is reserved for frontline healthcare workers.

South Africa's second tranche of 80,000 Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine from Brussels touched down at OR Tambo International airport on Saturday morning. The second batch of vaccines is reserved for frontline healthcare workers. The single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been shown to be 82 per cent effective in preventing severe illness from the COVID variant first discovered in South Africa. Also read| WHO chief Ghebreyesus praises India, PM Modi for Covid vaccine effort The jabs have been taken to a secure facility in Gauteng from where it will be distributed to vaccine centres in provinces. This second batch of vaccines is part of 500,000 jabs South Africa is getting for research purposes. By the end of Friday, the country had used 63,648 vaccines out of the 80,000 that arrived in the country on February 01. The health department says about 12,000 health workers are getting vaccinated in a day now. As of February 26, South Africa recorded 1.5 million positive cases and 49,784 deaths, government statistics showed.

South Africa receives second batch of J&J vaccines

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday.&nbsp;

Speaking at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry - 'India 2021 and India Medical Devices 2021' via video conferencing, the Union Minister invoked to make next decade, the decade of India.&nbsp;

He further said that India along with South Africa is at the forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during Covid-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. "We now have 57 WTO members supporting us," he said.&nbsp;

Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world and support the TRIPS waiver that India proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster.&nbsp;

The minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp;

"India has seen golden period for healthcare in last few years. Can we make next decade, the decade of India, where we decide that between 2021 and 2030, entire world should be following Indian standards?," said the Union Minister.&nbsp;

Talking over the achievements of the Indian pharma industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and the speed with which they produced the vaccines, he stated that "The pharmaceutical industry is the class example of the glass half full. You have done wonderful work. The nation and world will always be indebted to the Indian Pharma Industry, often called the 'Pharmacy of the World'. But I could even call it 'Health Capital of World'."&nbsp;

"And more so, the contribution that Indian Pharma companies provided to the world. Also, because I can see, that very soon given collective efforts of the industry, all the stakeholders, the minister and his ministry and the entire Government of India support and the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put a very very bright future for your industry," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been lauded by the global leaders as India continues to lead in assisting countries with vaccines.&nbsp;

"Can we take it upon ourselves that this is going to be defining decade both for the pharma industry and the country as move forward to truly achieve the rightful place of India in the comity of nations?" asked Goyal.&nbsp;

More than 25 nations across the world have already received Made-in-India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, he announced.&nbsp;

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday.

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday. Speaking at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry - 'India 2021 and India Medical Devices 2021' via video conferencing, the Union Minister invoked to make next decade, the decade of India. He further said that India along with South Africa is at the forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during Covid-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. "We now have 57 WTO members supporting us," he said. Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world and support the TRIPS waiver that India proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster. The minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies. "India has seen golden period for healthcare in last few years. Can we make next decade, the decade of India, where we decide that between 2021 and 2030, entire world should be following Indian standards?," said the Union Minister. Talking over the achievements of the Indian pharma industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and the speed with which they produced the vaccines, he stated that "The pharmaceutical industry is the class example of the glass half full. You have done wonderful work. The nation and world will always be indebted to the Indian Pharma Industry, often called the 'Pharmacy of the World'. But I could even call it 'Health Capital of World'." "And more so, the contribution that Indian Pharma companies provided to the world. Also, because I can see, that very soon given collective efforts of the industry, all the stakeholders, the minister and his ministry and the entire Government of India support and the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put a very very bright future for your industry," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been lauded by the global leaders as India continues to lead in assisting countries with vaccines. "Can we take it upon ourselves that this is going to be defining decade both for the pharma industry and the country as move forward to truly achieve the rightful place of India in the comity of nations?" asked Goyal. More than 25 nations across the world have already received Made-in-India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, he announced.

India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations

The World Bank has threatened to suspend its multi-million-dollar financing for Lebanon's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> programme if the politicians keep jumping the line.

Local media and officials of Lebanon have claimed that several lawmakers jumped the line for the coronavirus vaccines by getting shots in parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

This has come as the locals, especially the priority and vulnerable groups, are struggling to get a shot of the vaccine amid an extended surge of cases.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-starts-mass-inoculation-drive-363669" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-starts-mass-inoculation-drive-363669&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJw52M-IHvAhUQILcAHUKOByAQFjAJegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FqYIJBanNlskQIEOP5SoL" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lebanon-starts-mass-inoculation-drive-363669" target="_blank">Lebanon&nbsp;starts mass inoculation drive</a>

Lebanon had received $34 million from World Bank which had helped Lebanon collect nearly 60,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine this month.

The World Bank had been closely monitoring the vaccine rollout to ensure the doses are first given to the healthcare workers and the vulnerable groups such as the elderly. However, with the reports of ministers receiving the doses first, the World Bank is reconsidering its fund allocation.&nbsp;

"Upon confirmation of violation, World Bank may suspend financing for vaccines and support for COVID-19 response across Lebanon!!," said the World Bank’s regional director Saroj Kumar Jha. "I appeal to all, I mean all, regardless of your position, to please register and wait for your turn."

Local media has claimed several doses of the vaccine were sent to the Parliament where ministers were administered the Pfizer shot without any media coverage. However, the government has not confirmed or denied this allegation yet.

The confirmation, as per the media, about this incident came when Deputy parliament speaker, Elie Ferzli, tweeted saying he has received a shot.

The World Bank has threatened to suspend its multi-million-dollar financing for Lebanon's coronavirus vaccine programme if the politicians keep jumping the line.

The World Bank has threatened to suspend its multi-million-dollar financing for Lebanon's coronavirus vaccine programme if the politicians keep jumping the line. Local media and officials of Lebanon have claimed that several lawmakers jumped the line for the coronavirus vaccines by getting shots in parliament on Tuesday. This has come as the locals, especially the priority and vulnerable groups, are struggling to get a shot of the vaccine amid an extended surge of cases. Also read| Lebanon starts mass inoculation drive Lebanon had received $34 million from World Bank which had helped Lebanon collect nearly 60,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine this month. The World Bank had been closely monitoring the vaccine rollout to ensure the doses are first given to the healthcare workers and the vulnerable groups such as the elderly. However, with the reports of ministers receiving the doses first, the World Bank is reconsidering its fund allocation. "Upon confirmation of violation, World Bank may suspend financing for vaccines and support for COVID-19 response across Lebanon!!," said the World Bank’s regional director Saroj Kumar Jha. "I appeal to all, I mean all, regardless of your position, to please register and wait for your turn." Local media has claimed several doses of the vaccine were sent to the Parliament where ministers were administered the Pfizer shot without any media coverage. However, the government has not confirmed or denied this allegation yet. The confirmation, as per the media, about this incident came when Deputy parliament speaker, Elie Ferzli, tweeted saying he has received a shot.

World Bank threatens to cut Lebanon's funding for Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine