It's been more than five years since COVID-19 started wreaking havoc on our lives. The symptoms of the disease include high fever, trouble breathing, and loss of sense of taste and smell. The infection killed millions worldwide, and new variants continue to emerge even today. A study has found that some COVID-19 symptoms continue to linger till much later, and in fact, one of them might stay with you for life. If you were one of those who lost their sense of smell while infected with COVID, then chances are you have lost that privilege for life. The National Institutes of Health undertook a study and found that two years after the infection, 80 per cent of people who lost their sense of smell performed poorly on a clinical scent-detection test. The study authors also noted that around one in four who saw a change at the time of the sickness, witnessed severely impaired smell or had lost the ability to smell entirely.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-to-conflict-spurring-up-debt-and-political-crisis-in-global-south-1757961668681">Covid to conflict spurring up debt and political crisis in Global South</a>&nbsp;Dr Leora Horwitz, the co-author of the study, said that this problem can also have a mental impact on these people. "While patients may not notice right away, a dulled nose can have a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being." She added that the loss of smell can also cause problems doing basic things in everyday life, and negatively affect appetite and nutrition. “You can’t smell smoke, you can’t smell the gas leak, you can’t smell spoiled food," Dr Horwitz said, adding that this happens because the virus that causes COVID leads to inflammation within the olfactory system.&nbsp;<h2>COVID-19 led to a permanent loss of smell</h2>Researchers gathered data on thousands of Americans who were infected with COVID-19 and compared it with those who did not have COVID-19. They were told to identify 40 different scents, and each correct answer earned a point. However, the curveball was that 60 per cent of participants who weren't infected also tested poorly in the sense of smell area. The study authors said that this is likely because of age. Besides, there was a chance that some participants who thought they were not infected might have been infected without their knowledge.The&nbsp;UK is currently in the grips of a new Covid strain, called Stratus. The new strain has two variants, XFG and XFG.3. Symptoms include a scratchy throat, also known as razor throat.

One COVID-19 symptom can stay on forever, according to a study, and it can wreak havoc with the person's mental health. There are ways to reverse the problem, according to the researchers. 

It's been more than five years since COVID-19 started wreaking havoc on our lives. The symptoms of the disease include high fever, trouble breathing, and loss of sense of taste and smell. The infection killed millions worldwide, and new variants continue to emerge even today. A study has found that some COVID-19 symptoms continue to linger till much later, and in fact, one of them might stay with you for life. If you were one of those who lost their sense of smell while infected with COVID, then chances are you have lost that privilege for life. The National Institutes of Health undertook a study and found that two years after the infection, 80 per cent of people who lost their sense of smell performed poorly on a clinical scent-detection test. The study authors also noted that around one in four who saw a change at the time of the sickness, witnessed severely impaired smell or had lost the ability to smell entirely. Also Read: Covid to conflict spurring up debt and political crisis in Global South Dr Leora Horwitz, the co-author of the study, said that this problem can also have a mental impact on these people. "While patients may not notice right away, a dulled nose can have a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being." She added that the loss of smell can also cause problems doing basic things in everyday life, and negatively affect appetite and nutrition. “You can’t smell smoke, you can’t smell the gas leak, you can’t smell spoiled food," Dr Horwitz said, adding that this happens because the virus that causes COVID leads to inflammation within the olfactory system. COVID-19 led to a permanent loss of smell Researchers gathered data on thousands of Americans who were infected with COVID-19 and compared it with those who did not have COVID-19. They were told to identify 40 different scents, and each correct answer earned a point. However, the curveball was that 60 per cent of participants who weren't infected also tested poorly in the sense of smell area. The study authors said that this is likely because of age. Besides, there was a chance that some participants who thought they were not infected might have been infected without their knowledge. The UK is currently in the grips of a new Covid strain, called Stratus. The new strain has two variants, XFG and XFG.3. Symptoms include a scratchy throat, also known as razor throat.

One COVID-19 symptom can stay on forever, according to a study, and it can wreak havoc with the person's mental health. There are ways to reverse the problem, according to the researchers.&nbsp;

Scientists reveal the ONE COVID-19 symptom that might never leave. Do you have it?

The Donald Trump administration in the US is planning a presentation linking COVID-19 vaccine shots to children’s deaths, according to various local media organisations. The vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet next week to review and make recommendations in this regard.&nbsp;According to the Washington Post, the presentation will focus on reports of 25 child deaths that have been gathered from the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a database open to public and maintained by the FDA and the CDC. The data includes unverified reports from various sources, including ones taken from various social media platforms.&nbsp;Though unverified, the health agencies use the data as a guide to investigate further. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clearly states that any report in the system does not imply that a vaccine caused an adverse event or a report can be made based on it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cancer-immunotherapy-breakthrough-russian-vaccine-enteromix-demonstrates-100-per-cent-efficacy-in-trials-ready-for-rollout-1757226810346">Cancer immunotherapy breakthrough: Russian vaccine Enteromix demonstrates 100 per cent efficacy in trials, ready for rollout</a>&nbsp;“To identify causation to a vaccine you need to show that the cause of death was something the vaccine caused, and by itself, a VAERS report would not show that — you need larger studies comparing incidents of the harm with or without the vaccine,” said Dorit Reiss, a vaccine policy expert at the University of California Law, San Francisco to NBC.&nbsp;Another report published by CNN that cites sources said, the US Food and Drug Administration officials are scanning through data to check for reports, cases of congenital deformities in babies after their mothers received the Covid-19 vaccine while pregnant.&nbsp;FDA Commissioner Marty Makary while speaking to the media house last week said the agency ( US Food and Drug Administration) was looking into deaths of healthy children from the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clearly states that any report in the system does not imply that a vaccine caused an adverse event or a report can be made based on it.

The Donald Trump administration in the US is planning a presentation linking COVID-19 vaccine shots to children’s deaths, according to various local media organisations. The vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet next week to review and make recommendations in this regard. According to the Washington Post, the presentation will focus on reports of 25 child deaths that have been gathered from the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a database open to public and maintained by the FDA and the CDC. The data includes unverified reports from various sources, including ones taken from various social media platforms. Though unverified, the health agencies use the data as a guide to investigate further. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clearly states that any report in the system does not imply that a vaccine caused an adverse event or a report can be made based on it. Also Read: Cancer immunotherapy breakthrough: Russian vaccine Enteromix demonstrates 100 per cent efficacy in trials, ready for rollout “To identify causation to a vaccine you need to show that the cause of death was something the vaccine caused, and by itself, a VAERS report would not show that — you need larger studies comparing incidents of the harm with or without the vaccine,” said Dorit Reiss, a vaccine policy expert at the University of California Law, San Francisco to NBC. Another report published by CNN that cites sources said, the US Food and Drug Administration officials are scanning through data to check for reports, cases of congenital deformities in babies after their mothers received the Covid-19 vaccine while pregnant. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary while speaking to the media house last week said the agency ( US Food and Drug Administration) was looking into deaths of healthy children from the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clearly states that any report in the system does not imply that a vaccine caused an adverse event or a report can be made based on it.

Trump administration planning to link COVID vaccine shots to child deaths in controversial anti-vax push

The Trump administration is preparing to remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the US market “within months,” according to claims made by one of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s closest allies.<h2>What is being planned?</h2>Dr Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist and adviser to the lobby group Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Action, told the Daily Beast that people close to Kennedy “cannot understand” why the vaccine is still prescribed. He said a decision could come “within months,” even if it sparks “fear of chaos” and major legal battles.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/jd-vance-doesn-t-know-history-us-vp-sparks-backlash-after-claiming-wwii-ended-with-negotiation-while-defending-trump-s-ukraine-plan-1756113223188">JD Vance labelled 'ignoramus' for claiming WWII ended in 'negotiations'</a>“It could [happen] in a number of stages, including learning more about the data,” Malhotra explained, adding that the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) is already reviewing so-called “vaccine injuries.” But, he added, “it could also come with one clean decision.”<h2>Why are Kennedy’s allies pushing this?</h2>Malhotra pointed to a 2022 paper published in the journal Vaccine. It suggested that adults given Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA jabs faced a 16 percent higher risk of “excess serious adverse events” compared with those in the placebo group. Many scientists, however, have dismissed the paper as flawed and misleading, saying it downplays the benefits of vaccination and exaggerates the risks.Malhotra has become a key figure in Kennedy’s circle. He says he first caught Kennedy’s attention in 2022 after publishing a paper on what he called “misinformation about the COVID mRNA vaccine.” Kennedy later called him directly, praising his “courage.”Since then, Malhotra has campaigned for Kennedy, joined him on hikes in Los Angeles, and now plans to meet Donald Trump himself in September. “I think [Trump will] get it, because it’s in his interest to,” Malhotra said. “He’s in a position to fix it. He can create a lasting legacy by doing so.”The controversy arose shortly after Kennedy, now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), cancelled $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development. He has also claimed the COVID shot is “the deadliest vaccine ever made.”More than 750 current and former staff from the CDC, HHS and NIH have accused Kennedy of spreading “dangerous misinformation” that undermines public trust and even contributed to a deadly shooting at the CDC earlier this month. In a public letter, they accused him of “dismantling America’s public health infrastructure and endangering the nation’s health.”

The Trump administration may remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the US market within months, amid legal battles and data reviews, according to Dr. Aseem Malhotra, an adviser linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Trump administration is preparing to remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the US market “within months,” according to claims made by one of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s closest allies. What is being planned? Dr Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist and adviser to the lobby group Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Action, told the Daily Beast that people close to Kennedy “cannot understand” why the vaccine is still prescribed. He said a decision could come “within months,” even if it sparks “fear of chaos” and major legal battles. Also read: JD Vance labelled 'ignoramus' for claiming WWII ended in 'negotiations' “It could [happen] in a number of stages, including learning more about the data,” Malhotra explained, adding that the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) is already reviewing so-called “vaccine injuries.” But, he added, “it could also come with one clean decision.” Why are Kennedy’s allies pushing this? Malhotra pointed to a 2022 paper published in the journal Vaccine. It suggested that adults given Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA jabs faced a 16 percent higher risk of “excess serious adverse events” compared with those in the placebo group. Many scientists, however, have dismissed the paper as flawed and misleading, saying it downplays the benefits of vaccination and exaggerates the risks. Malhotra has become a key figure in Kennedy’s circle. He says he first caught Kennedy’s attention in 2022 after publishing a paper on what he called “misinformation about the COVID mRNA vaccine.” Kennedy later called him directly, praising his “courage.” Since then, Malhotra has campaigned for Kennedy, joined him on hikes in Los Angeles, and now plans to meet Donald Trump himself in September. “I think [Trump will] get it, because it’s in his interest to,” Malhotra said. “He’s in a position to fix it. He can create a lasting legacy by doing so.” The controversy arose shortly after Kennedy, now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), cancelled $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development. He has also claimed the COVID shot is “the deadliest vaccine ever made.” More than 750 current and former staff from the CDC, HHS and NIH have accused Kennedy of spreading “dangerous misinformation” that undermines public trust and even contributed to a deadly shooting at the CDC earlier this month. In a public letter, they accused him of “dismantling America’s public health infrastructure and endangering the nation’s health.”

The Trump administration may remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the US market within months, amid legal battles and data reviews, according to Dr. Aseem Malhotra, an adviser linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

America to lose COVID vaccine? Trump, RFK Jr. planning to pull COVID vaccine from US market 'within months': Report

Around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom have applied for government compensation, claiming they were harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, according to a recent report by&nbsp;The Telegraph.

The report highlights that some people have already received payments for serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks, dangerous blood clots, inflammation of the spinal cord, severe swelling in the vaccinated arm, and even facial paralysis.

AstraZeneca is said to be behind 97 per cent&nbsp;of all the approved claims, with only a few related to Pfizer or Moderna.

The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), initiated in 1979, has received a total of 16,000 applications over the years, and the majority of recent claims are related to COVID-19 vaccines. Many have been denied payments because they weren’t considered “disabled enough.”

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For those who are successful, there’s a one-time payment of £120,000 ($155,321). However, the government has only approved payments in 175 cases so far, which is less than two per cent&nbsp;of the total applications, according to The Telegraph.

Over 5,500 claims have been reportedly rejected, and another 519 were dismissed before even reaching a medical assessment. Out of nearly 1,000 people who asked for their cases to be reconsidered, only 12 have had their decisions reversed and received a payment.

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Around 350 claims were denied because, while the vaccine was recognised as harmful, it was determined that the harm didn’t cause “severe disablement.” To qualify, applicants need to be at least 60 per cent disabled. More than 700 people have been waiting over a year for a decision.

Despite warnings and increasing reports of blood clots, the UK government continued to recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine, even as other countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain stopped using it by March 2021.

Last year, AstraZeneca admitted that its vaccine could cause VITT in some cases, and in May, it started pulling the vaccine worldwide, saying that newer vaccines were better at targeting COVID-19&nbsp;variants.

However, AstraZeneca was given legal protection early in the pandemic, so even if someone won a civil case, it would be UK taxpayers who foot the bill for compensation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom have applied for government compensation, claiming they were harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, according to a recent report by The Telegraph.

Around 14,000 people in the United Kingdom have applied for government compensation, claiming they were harmed by COVID-19 vaccines, according to a recent report by The Telegraph. The report highlights that some people have already received payments for serious conditions like strokes, heart attacks, dangerous blood clots, inflammation of the spinal cord, severe swelling in the vaccinated arm, and even facial paralysis. AstraZeneca is said to be behind 97 per cent of all the approved claims, with only a few related to Pfizer or Moderna. The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), initiated in 1979, has received a total of 16,000 applications over the years, and the majority of recent claims are related to COVID-19 vaccines. Many have been denied payments because they weren’t considered “disabled enough.” Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine attacks Russia's key supply routes × For those who are successful, there’s a one-time payment of £120,000 ($155,321). However, the government has only approved payments in 175 cases so far, which is less than two per cent of the total applications, according to The Telegraph. Over 5,500 claims have been reportedly rejected, and another 519 were dismissed before even reaching a medical assessment. Out of nearly 1,000 people who asked for their cases to be reconsidered, only 12 have had their decisions reversed and received a payment. Also read: Elon Musk's X to end operations in Brazil 'effective immediately' following spat with judge Around 350 claims were denied because, while the vaccine was recognised as harmful, it was determined that the harm didn’t cause “severe disablement.” To qualify, applicants need to be at least 60 per cent disabled. More than 700 people have been waiting over a year for a decision. Despite warnings and increasing reports of blood clots, the UK government continued to recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine, even as other countries like Germany, Italy, France, and Spain stopped using it by March 2021. Last year, AstraZeneca admitted that its vaccine could cause VITT in some cases, and in May, it started pulling the vaccine worldwide, saying that newer vaccines were better at targeting COVID-19 variants. However, AstraZeneca was given legal protection early in the pandemic, so even if someone won a civil case, it would be UK taxpayers who foot the bill for compensation. (With inputs from agencies)

UK faces rising claims for COVID-19 vaccine damages; over 14,000 seek compensation

A new family of variants of COVID-19 are doing rounds in the US- the ‘FLiRT’ variants. These variants are also from the deadly lineage of the Omicron variant but are derivatives of the JN.1, the variant that caused a surge in cases at the start of the year.&nbsp;

The letters in FLiRT variants are based on the technical names of their mutations, one which includes the letters F and L, and another one includes the letters R and T. Within this group of variants, one particular variant is of rising concern: KP.2.

As per the data gathered from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 has accounted for about 25 per cent of new sequenced cases during the two weeks ending April 27. However, other FLiRT variants, like KP.1.1, have not become as widespread in the US yet.&nbsp;

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But is this family of variants of concern?

<h2>Concerns around FLiRT variants</h2>

As per reports, researchers are still studying and gathering more information on FLiRT variants. Talking to Time, Dr Eric Topol, Executive Vice President at Scripps Research, said that the KP.2 variant from the family of variants is on the rise in the US, but it will be too soon to tell whether it will cause a major surge in cases in coming months.

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For now, the amount of Covid-19 viruses in US wastewater remains “minimal,” according to the CDC. Hospitalisations and deaths have also continued to decline steadily since their recent peaks in January. At the global level, case counts rose from early to mid-April, but remain far lower than they were a few months ago.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid-19 makes global comeback; new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 causes global concern | WION

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KP.2 and its relatives are likely to cause an uptick in cases in the States, but won’t cause a big wave, says Topol. “It might be a ‘wavelet.’” That’s because people who were recently infected by the JN.1 variant seem to have some protection against re-infection, Topol believes. Also, the virus hasn’t mutated enough to become wildly different from the previous strains.

A recent study from researchers in Japan, which was posted online before being peer-reviewed, also found that KP.2 is less infectious than JN.1.

Do vaccines work on FLiRT variants?

Vaccines are still a good prevention and protection option against any COVID-19-related hospitalisation and death. However, two preliminary studies, from Japan and China, show the FLiRT variants may be better at dodging immune protection from vaccines than JN.1 was.

And this is not a good sign, as many people, who got the recent booster shots, got it last fall. This means their protection has begun to diminish, Topol says.

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It is still advisable to rely on vaccines. In an April 26 statement, the World Health Organization recommended basing future vaccine formulations on the JN.1 lineage, since it seems the virus will continue to evolve from that variant. The most recent booster was based on an older strain, XBB.1.5.

The virus is bound to evolve, but public health advice remains the same - vaccinate yourself, test before big gatherings, stay home when you’re ill and consider wearing masks in public places.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new family of variants of COVID-19 are doing rounds in the US- the ‘FLiRT’ variants. These variants are also from the deadly lineage of the Omicron variant but are derivatives of the JN.

A new family of variants of COVID-19 are doing rounds in the US- the ‘FLiRT’ variants. These variants are also from the deadly lineage of the Omicron variant but are derivatives of the JN.1, the variant that caused a surge in cases at the start of the year. The letters in FLiRT variants are based on the technical names of their mutations, one which includes the letters F and L, and another one includes the letters R and T. Within this group of variants, one particular variant is of rising concern: KP.2. As per the data gathered from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 has accounted for about 25 per cent of new sequenced cases during the two weeks ending April 27. However, other FLiRT variants, like KP.1.1, have not become as widespread in the US yet. Also Read | Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel protestors clash at UCLA campus, police asked to step in But is this family of variants of concern? Concerns around FLiRT variants As per reports, researchers are still studying and gathering more information on FLiRT variants. Talking to Time, Dr Eric Topol, Executive Vice President at Scripps Research, said that the KP.2 variant from the family of variants is on the rise in the US, but it will be too soon to tell whether it will cause a major surge in cases in coming months. Also Read | Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders For now, the amount of Covid-19 viruses in US wastewater remains “minimal,” according to the CDC. Hospitalisations and deaths have also continued to decline steadily since their recent peaks in January. At the global level, case counts rose from early to mid-April, but remain far lower than they were a few months ago. Watch | Covid-19 makes global comeback; new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 causes global concern | WION × KP.2 and its relatives are likely to cause an uptick in cases in the States, but won’t cause a big wave, says Topol. “It might be a ‘wavelet.’” That’s because people who were recently infected by the JN.1 variant seem to have some protection against re-infection, Topol believes. Also, the virus hasn’t mutated enough to become wildly different from the previous strains. A recent study from researchers in Japan, which was posted online before being peer-reviewed, also found that KP.2 is less infectious than JN.1. Do vaccines work on FLiRT variants? Vaccines are still a good prevention and protection option against any COVID-19-related hospitalisation and death. However, two preliminary studies, from Japan and China, show the FLiRT variants may be better at dodging immune protection from vaccines than JN.1 was. And this is not a good sign, as many people, who got the recent booster shots, got it last fall. This means their protection has begun to diminish, Topol says. Also Read | 52-year-old climber dies in 1,000-foot fall from Alaska mountain It is still advisable to rely on vaccines. In an April 26 statement, the World Health Organization recommended basing future vaccine formulations on the JN.1 lineage, since it seems the virus will continue to evolve from that variant. The most recent booster was based on an older strain, XBB.1.5. The virus is bound to evolve, but public health advice remains the same - vaccinate yourself, test before big gatherings, stay home when you’re ill and consider wearing masks in public places. (With inputs from agencies)

New family of Covid-19 variants nicknamed ‘FLiRT’ are on the rise in US | All you need to know

USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old.

USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old. The kids who have previously been vaccinated with three doses of the original vaccine will be eligible to receive the booster, the agency informed. FDA said the emergency use authorisation (EUA) was granted after receiving the clinical trial data of 60 children in the said group. The kids who had already been administered the three doses were given the new booster dose. A month after receiving the injection, the immune system of children demonstrated effective protection against both the original Covid strain and omicron BA.5 and BA.5 “Today’s authorisation provides parents and caregivers of children 6 months through 4 years of age who received the three-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine an opportunity to update their children’s protection by receiving a booster dose with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Gravitas: Revealed: How Pfizer blackmails countries for shots × Notably, Pfizer's primary series of Covid vaccines for children consists of three doses while rival pharma giant Moderna's primary series has only two doses. According to government-released data, the uptake of the initial vaccine doses in children has been abysmally slow. Only 2.7 per cent of children under the age of two and five per cent of children aged two to four, eligible for the primary vaccination series, have completed the course. Read more: FDA panel recommends Pfizer, GSK vaccines against RSV for older adults, what is RSV, symptoms & prevention? Pfizer has been one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers in the world, ever since the world was hit by the pandemic. According to reports, its earnings stood at a record $100 billion last year, of which $57 billion was from the vaccine business and antiviral pill Paxlovid. Pfizer's sale of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral pills managed to generate more revenue in 2022 than it had in total sales in 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: FDA approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for children under five

Residents in Hong Kong are racing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before an expected influx of visitors from mainland China.

Why Hong Kong residents are rushing to get Covid-19 vaccination?

The foreign ministry of China stated that an agreement was reached between their country and Germany to allow German nationals to use "German vaccines" in China, days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had stated that German expatriates would be able to use BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine.

While speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokeswoman Mao Ning said, “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China, and relevant arrangements will be discussed and determined by the two sides through diplomatic channels.”

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The countries were expected to reach such an agreement as German Chancellor Scholz, during his visit to Beijing on November 4, had announced an agreement which will let the German expatriates use the COVID-19 vaccine made by German company BioNTech SE in China.

The COVID-19 vaccine of BioNTech will be the first non-Chinese Covid vaccine which will be administered in China.

WATCH|

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However, the vaccine will only be administered to German nationals as the Chinese government has so far insisted on administering only those vaccines which are domestically produced.

Recently, Germany permitted the administration of the Chinese Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine to Chinese nationals residing in the European country, a move that Mao said was welcomed by the Chinese government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The foreign ministry of China stated that an agreement was reached between their country and Germany to allow German nationals to use "German vaccines" in China, days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had stated that German expatriates would be able to use BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine.

The foreign ministry of China stated that an agreement was reached between their country and Germany to allow German nationals to use "German vaccines" in China, days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had stated that German expatriates would be able to use BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine. While speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry's spokeswoman Mao Ning said, “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China, and relevant arrangements will be discussed and determined by the two sides through diplomatic channels.” ALSO READ| Global economic chiefs hail China’s decision of relaxing COVID-19 restrictions The countries were expected to reach such an agreement as German Chancellor Scholz, during his visit to Beijing on November 4, had announced an agreement which will let the German expatriates use the COVID-19 vaccine made by German company BioNTech SE in China. The COVID-19 vaccine of BioNTech will be the first non-Chinese Covid vaccine which will be administered in China. WATCH| × However, the vaccine will only be administered to German nationals as the Chinese government has so far insisted on administering only those vaccines which are domestically produced. Recently, Germany permitted the administration of the Chinese Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine to Chinese nationals residing in the European country, a move that Mao said was welcomed by the Chinese government. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing agrees to provide "German vaccines" to German expatriates in China

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects.&nbsp;The "Injecting Hope" show at the Science Museum "explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed", looking at key moments in their design, trial, manufacture and rollout, said deputy director Julia Knights.

Items on display include artworks, notes taken by UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham during early meetings to decide the country's strategy, and the syringe used to administer its first dose.

Once they had an understanding of the genetic make-up of this new virus, she essentially sat at home, on her laptop, in her pyjamas, drinking lots of&nbsp;cups&nbsp;of&nbsp;tea, designing a vaccine," explained exhibition curator Stewart Emmens.

"We have a laptop, we have a mug and we have a T-shirt on display here. It's nice, in amongst all the science, to really drive it home that there are people behind this, just normal people doing their jobs."

The museum began collecting objects related to Covid in February 2020 as "objects associated with epidemics and pandemics are largely missing from historic collections", said Emmens.

Crucial&nbsp;crabs

The first section features news footage of lockdowns and images of deserted capital cities, empty shelves, at-home schoolchildren and food delivery apps, taking visitors back to the pre-vaccine world.

After exploring the development and testing of the products, visitors then get a glimpse into the unprecedented plans to administer the vaccine to Britain's 67 million citizens.

Machines used to manufacture the vaccine are also on show along with personal artefacts of those at the heart of the battle to&nbsp;beat the virus.

They include the laptop and mug that Teresa Lambe, co-developer of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, relied upon during a weekend of intense work to calculate what its chemical composition should be.

Along with Bingham's scribbled notes are maps integral to the UK's successful rollout.

"When we collected these, they were just plastered on the walls of NHS headquarters," explained Emmens.

"Most people would think... vaccinating countries would be a very much a digital project, very much a big data, number-crunching exercise.&nbsp;But here we have these physical maps, which were used quite early to work out where best to place vaccine centres."

He also hopes that the show will reassure those nervous about taking the vaccine due to its speedy arrival on the market.

"Nothing focuses the mind like a global pandemic," said Emmens.&nbsp;

"The vaccines were following the same processes of approval, and trialing and testing as would normally be the case," he said.

"But very cleverly, things were streamlined, overlapped in a way that gave the same results as you would get normally, without cutting corners."

Sitting incongruously among the gleaming machines are also a collection of&nbsp;crabs.

"We do have some examples of horseshoe&nbsp;crabs&nbsp;within the exhibition, which many visitors will be very surprised by," said Emmens.

The blood from the horseshoe&nbsp;crabs&nbsp;is&nbsp;highly sensitive to bacterial contamination, and is used to make sure the vaccine and the vials that carry it are clean, he explained.

"So they've played a... crucial if unlikely role in the vaccine story."

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From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects.

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects. The "Injecting Hope" show at the Science Museum "explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed", looking at key moments in their design, trial, manufacture and rollout, said deputy director Julia Knights. Items on display include artworks, notes taken by UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham during early meetings to decide the country's strategy, and the syringe used to administer its first dose. Once they had an understanding of the genetic make-up of this new virus, she essentially sat at home, on her laptop, in her pyjamas, drinking lots of cups of tea, designing a vaccine," explained exhibition curator Stewart Emmens. "We have a laptop, we have a mug and we have a T-shirt on display here. It's nice, in amongst all the science, to really drive it home that there are people behind this, just normal people doing their jobs." The museum began collecting objects related to Covid in February 2020 as "objects associated with epidemics and pandemics are largely missing from historic collections", said Emmens. Crucial crabs The first section features news footage of lockdowns and images of deserted capital cities, empty shelves, at-home schoolchildren and food delivery apps, taking visitors back to the pre-vaccine world. After exploring the development and testing of the products, visitors then get a glimpse into the unprecedented plans to administer the vaccine to Britain's 67 million citizens. Machines used to manufacture the vaccine are also on show along with personal artefacts of those at the heart of the battle to beat the virus. They include the laptop and mug that Teresa Lambe, co-developer of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, relied upon during a weekend of intense work to calculate what its chemical composition should be. Along with Bingham's scribbled notes are maps integral to the UK's successful rollout. "When we collected these, they were just plastered on the walls of NHS headquarters," explained Emmens. "Most people would think... vaccinating countries would be a very much a digital project, very much a big data, number-crunching exercise. But here we have these physical maps, which were used quite early to work out where best to place vaccine centres." He also hopes that the show will reassure those nervous about taking the vaccine due to its speedy arrival on the market. "Nothing focuses the mind like a global pandemic," said Emmens. "The vaccines were following the same processes of approval, and trialing and testing as would normally be the case," he said. "But very cleverly, things were streamlined, overlapped in a way that gave the same results as you would get normally, without cutting corners." Sitting incongruously among the gleaming machines are also a collection of crabs. "We do have some examples of horseshoe crabs within the exhibition, which many visitors will be very surprised by," said Emmens. The blood from the horseshoe crabs is highly sensitive to bacterial contamination, and is used to make sure the vaccine and the vials that carry it are clean, he explained. "So they've played a... crucial if unlikely role in the vaccine story." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Crabs, T-shirt, mugs and tea cups: UK show lifts the lid on Covid vaccine race

Vaccines have tremendously helped the world in its fight against COVID-19. However, the newer variants seem&nbsp;to create the need for different boosters to fight them. But now, scientists have discovered an antibody, called SP1-77, that neutralizes all known COVID-19 variants, Prevention website reported.

Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital and Duke University together discovered it during a mouse study and the findings were published in the journal Science Immunology.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-administer-covid-19-dna-vaccine-450750">India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine</a>

“SP1-77 binds the spike protein at a site that so far has not been mutated in any variant, and it neutralizes these variants by a novel mechanism,” study co-author Tomas Kirchhausen, PhD, said in a statement. “These properties may contribute to its broad and potent activity.”

The antibody was created after researchers modified a mouse model that was originally made to search for broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV, which also mutates, a report says. Mice have built-in human immune systems that mimic the way our immune systems develop better antibodies when we’re exposed to a pathogen.&nbsp;

The antibody, however, works in a slightly different way than the other antibodies that are used to make vaccines. However, the study was done on mice, and so it isn't clear what impact it might have. Experts say that the study is still in the early stages, but if it looks promising, it could "form the basis of new monoclonal antibody products as well as a vaccine".

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Vaccines have tremendously helped the world in its fight against COVID-19. However, the newer variants seem to create the need for different boosters to fight them.

Vaccines have tremendously helped the world in its fight against COVID-19. However, the newer variants seem to create the need for different boosters to fight them. But now, scientists have discovered an antibody, called SP1-77, that neutralizes all known COVID-19 variants, Prevention website reported. Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital and Duke University together discovered it during a mouse study and the findings were published in the journal Science Immunology. Also Read | India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine “SP1-77 binds the spike protein at a site that so far has not been mutated in any variant, and it neutralizes these variants by a novel mechanism,” study co-author Tomas Kirchhausen, PhD, said in a statement. “These properties may contribute to its broad and potent activity.” The antibody was created after researchers modified a mouse model that was originally made to search for broadly neutralizing antibodies to HIV, which also mutates, a report says. Mice have built-in human immune systems that mimic the way our immune systems develop better antibodies when we’re exposed to a pathogen. The antibody, however, works in a slightly different way than the other antibodies that are used to make vaccines. However, the study was done on mice, and so it isn't clear what impact it might have. Experts say that the study is still in the early stages, but if it looks promising, it could "form the basis of new monoclonal antibody products as well as a vaccine". (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists discover antibody that can neutralize all known COVID-19 variants

Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months. The researchers discovered that this delivery mechanism, an exosome produced from the lung and termed LSC-Exo, is more effective for avoiding lung’s lining than the lipid-based nanoparticles currently used. These exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reported by PTI.

The study, written in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, outlines the process of creating a vaccine prototype that can be used successfully with protein-based vaccines from evidence of concept to animal tests done.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curevac-sues-biontech-over-covid-vaccine-technology-494798">CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology</a>

According to researchers, a vaccination that is stable at room temperature and could be administered by the patient themselves would significantly minimise waiting time for patients as well as the strain on the medical community during a pandemic. However, they said that in order for it to function by inhalation, the delivery system needs to be reformulated.

Ke Cheng from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "An inhalable vaccine will confer both mucosal and systemic immunity, it is more convenient to store and distribute, and it could be self-administered on a large scale." He further added, "So while there are still challenges associated with scaling up production, we believe that this is a promising vaccine worthy of further research and development."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-covarscan-a-new-covid-19-test-that-can-detect-all-variants-in-hours-494425">What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours</a>

The researchers sought to overcome a number of difficulties related to vaccination delivery. The first one according to researchers is vaccine taken via intramuscular is less at getting it into the lung system. Second is mRNA vaccines in their present form need to be administered by trained medical staff and kept in the freezer.

Cheng said, "Vaccines can work through various means. For example, mRNA vaccines deliver a script to your cell that instructs it to produce antibodies to the spike protein (which helps the virus to gain entry into a cell)." He further added, "This VLP vaccine, on the other hand, introduces a portion of the spike protein to the body, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies to the spike protein."

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months.

Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months. The researchers discovered that this delivery mechanism, an exosome produced from the lung and termed LSC-Exo, is more effective for avoiding lung’s lining than the lipid-based nanoparticles currently used. These exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reported by PTI. The study, written in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, outlines the process of creating a vaccine prototype that can be used successfully with protein-based vaccines from evidence of concept to animal tests done. Also read | CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology According to researchers, a vaccination that is stable at room temperature and could be administered by the patient themselves would significantly minimise waiting time for patients as well as the strain on the medical community during a pandemic. However, they said that in order for it to function by inhalation, the delivery system needs to be reformulated. Ke Cheng from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "An inhalable vaccine will confer both mucosal and systemic immunity, it is more convenient to store and distribute, and it could be self-administered on a large scale." He further added, "So while there are still challenges associated with scaling up production, we believe that this is a promising vaccine worthy of further research and development." Also read | What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours The researchers sought to overcome a number of difficulties related to vaccination delivery. The first one according to researchers is vaccine taken via intramuscular is less at getting it into the lung system. Second is mRNA vaccines in their present form need to be administered by trained medical staff and kept in the freezer. Cheng said, "Vaccines can work through various means. For example, mRNA vaccines deliver a script to your cell that instructs it to produce antibodies to the spike protein (which helps the virus to gain entry into a cell)." He further added, "This VLP vaccine, on the other hand, introduces a portion of the spike protein to the body, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies to the spike protein." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: US researchers develop inhalable vaccine stable at room temperature

Horseshoe crabs are vital for the safety of human vaccines because their blood contains a substance that detects a contaminant called endotoxin which is a type of bacterial toxin.

WION Climate Tracker: Horseshoe crab blood key to making covid-19 vaccine

A study conducted on&nbsp;animals has shown that&nbsp;a covid vaccine developed to be administered orally not only protects fighting against the coronavirus, but also reduces the airborne dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the others in close contact, reported by PTI.

The study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, shows that the vaccine has the capacity to neutralise the virus through mucosal tissue, limiting the infections and the spread of the active airborne particles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-omicron-variant-of-covid-is-as-severe-as-delta-variant-476893">Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant</a>

In the study,&nbsp;which used hamsters for trials, the vaccine induced a strong antibody&nbsp;response in&nbsp;the blood and lungs.

When the animals were exposed to large doses of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing a breakthrough infection they were found to be less symptomatic and had lower quantities of infections virus in their nose and lungs than the non-vaccinated hamsters.

As a result, they did not shed as much virus through routine airborne exposures, according to the researchers.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Another setback for Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID vaccine jab as FDA limits its use

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Stephanie N Langel of Duke University Medical Centre in the US said, “Considering most of the world is under-immunised and this is especially true of children, the possibility that a vaccinated person with a breakthrough infection can spread covid&nbsp;to unimmunised family or community members poses a public health risk.”

She further said that developing such vaccines will not only be beneficial for protecting against disease but will also decrease the chances of transmitting the virus to an unvaccinated person.

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The researchers, which included teams from Vaxart, a US vaccine producer and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, a clinical research non-profit,&nbsp;examined the vaccine that uses an adenovirus as a vector to express the virus spike protein. The SARS-CoV-2 uses the spike protein to enter and infect human cells.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-risk-of-long-covid-19-is-worse-after-getting-infected-with-delta-variant-than-omicron-477052">&nbsp;Study shows risk of long COVID-19 is worse after getting infected with Delta variant than Omicron</a>

According to researchers, contrary to the vaccinations that are injected to muscle, mucosal immunisations enhance the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), the immune system’s first line of defence against pathogens in the lungs and nose.

They said that these mucosal ports of entry are then protected making it rare for a vaccinated person to transfer infection during cough or sneezing. As per the researchers, the human vaccination is designed to be consumed as a pill.&nbsp;

Researchers noted that this study focused on the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, but new tests will be conducted to test the vaccine against the Omicron variants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A study conducted on animals has shown that a covid vaccine developed to be administered orally not only protects fighting against the coronavirus, but also reduces the airborne dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the others in close contact, reported by PTI.

A study conducted on animals has shown that a covid vaccine developed to be administered orally not only protects fighting against the coronavirus, but also reduces the airborne dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the others in close contact, reported by PTI. The study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, shows that the vaccine has the capacity to neutralise the virus through mucosal tissue, limiting the infections and the spread of the active airborne particles. Also read | Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant In the study, which used hamsters for trials, the vaccine induced a strong antibody response in the blood and lungs. When the animals were exposed to large doses of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing a breakthrough infection they were found to be less symptomatic and had lower quantities of infections virus in their nose and lungs than the non-vaccinated hamsters. As a result, they did not shed as much virus through routine airborne exposures, according to the researchers. Watch | Another setback for Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine jab as FDA limits its use Stephanie N Langel of Duke University Medical Centre in the US said, “Considering most of the world is under-immunised and this is especially true of children, the possibility that a vaccinated person with a breakthrough infection can spread covid to unimmunised family or community members poses a public health risk.” She further said that developing such vaccines will not only be beneficial for protecting against disease but will also decrease the chances of transmitting the virus to an unvaccinated person. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The researchers, which included teams from Vaxart, a US vaccine producer and Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, a clinical research non-profit, examined the vaccine that uses an adenovirus as a vector to express the virus spike protein. The SARS-CoV-2 uses the spike protein to enter and infect human cells. Also read | Study shows risk of long COVID-19 is worse after getting infected with Delta variant than Omicron According to researchers, contrary to the vaccinations that are injected to muscle, mucosal immunisations enhance the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), the immune system’s first line of defence against pathogens in the lungs and nose. They said that these mucosal ports of entry are then protected making it rare for a vaccinated person to transfer infection during cough or sneezing. As per the researchers, the human vaccination is designed to be consumed as a pill. Researchers noted that this study focused on the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, but new tests will be conducted to test the vaccine against the Omicron variants. (With inputs from agencies)

New oral vaccine protects against Covid and reduces its transmission, says Study

According to a new study, unvaccinated people are a threat to the safety of those who are vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19). Researchers explored the effect of mixing between unvaccinated and vaccinated people to understand the dynamics of an infectious disease. When vaccinated and unvaccinated people were mixed, a substantial number of new infections would occur in the vaccinated people. Read details here: https://www.wionews.com/science/unvaccinated-people-pose-a-threat-to-those-inoculated-against-covid-19-study-473685

If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that prophylactic doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all adults starting on Sunday, April 10, at private vaccination centres.&nbsp;

All those who are over 18 years of age and have completed 9 months after the administration of the second dose, will be eligible for a precaution dose. The government said in a release that this facility would be available in all private vaccination centres.&nbsp;

The ministry also stated that the ongoing "free vaccination programme" at government vaccination centres, which includes vaccinating eligible people with the first and second doses of vaccines, as well as providing precaution doses to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens (those over 60 years old), would be continued and accelerated.&nbsp;

The third dose will be the same as the second dose, so those who had Covaxin will receive Covaxin, and those who had Covishield will receive a Covishield third dose.&nbsp;

According to the Union Health Ministry, around 96 percent of people over the age of 15 have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, with approximately 83 percent receiving both doses.

Watch | India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir

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According to the report, more than 24 million prophylactic doses have been given to healthcare staff, frontline workers, and people over the age of 60, according to the report.

In addition, 45 percent of the population aged 12 to 14 received the first dose. 
 
Watch | India to vaccinate 12-14 year old against COVID-19

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(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that prophylactic doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all adults starting on Sunday, April 10, at private vaccination centres.

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that prophylactic doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all adults starting on Sunday, April 10, at private vaccination centres. All those who are over 18 years of age and have completed 9 months after the administration of the second dose, will be eligible for a precaution dose. The government said in a release that this facility would be available in all private vaccination centres. The ministry also stated that the ongoing "free vaccination programme" at government vaccination centres, which includes vaccinating eligible people with the first and second doses of vaccines, as well as providing precaution doses to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens (those over 60 years old), would be continued and accelerated. The third dose will be the same as the second dose, so those who had Covaxin will receive Covaxin, and those who had Covishield will receive a Covishield third dose. According to the Union Health Ministry, around 96 percent of people over the age of 15 have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, with approximately 83 percent receiving both doses. Watch | India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir According to the report, more than 24 million prophylactic doses have been given to healthcare staff, frontline workers, and people over the age of 60, according to the report. In addition, 45 percent of the population aged 12 to 14 received the first dose. Watch | India to vaccinate 12-14 year old against COVID-19 (With inputs from agencies)

India: From April 10, all above 18 years eligible for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna pledged not to pursue patents on its COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic in the fall of 2020, right before the vaccine was revealed to be highly successful.

Moderna gained goodwill as a result of the pledge, which was seen as an effort to help speed the end of the crisis.

Moderna announced on Monday that it was "updating" its guarantee, allowing its patents to be enforced in middle- and high-income countries.

The company stated that it would "never enforce" its COVID vaccine patents in 92 of the world's poorest countries, many of which are in Africa or Asia, or against other companies developing vaccines specifically for those markets.&nbsp;

Moderna's new position opens the door to it bringing patent-infringement litigation against corporations in wealthier countries who refuse to consent to using the company's technology, but it hasn't said when it will start enforcing its patents.&nbsp;

Moderna of Cambridge, Massachusetts, holds many patents in the United States and other countries that protect different aspects of their Covid-19 vaccine, known as Spikevax.

Some of the company's patents claim to be the first to patent components of the underlying technology, known as messenger RNA, while others concern the use of a coronavirus mRNA vaccine.&nbsp;

Last year, Moderna generated $17.7 billion in income by selling 800 million doses of its COVID vaccine to governments.

This year, the corporation has signed deals to sell at least $19 billion worth of vaccine.

Pfizer, which makes the other commonly used mRNA vaccine in the US and internationally, has a similar policy of not enforcing its patents in the world's poorest countries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Moderna pledged not to pursue patents on its COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic in the fall of 2020, right before the vaccine was revealed to be highly successful.

Moderna pledged not to pursue patents on its COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic in the fall of 2020, right before the vaccine was revealed to be highly successful. Moderna gained goodwill as a result of the pledge, which was seen as an effort to help speed the end of the crisis. Moderna announced on Monday that it was "updating" its guarantee, allowing its patents to be enforced in middle- and high-income countries. The company stated that it would "never enforce" its COVID vaccine patents in 92 of the world's poorest countries, many of which are in Africa or Asia, or against other companies developing vaccines specifically for those markets. Moderna's new position opens the door to it bringing patent-infringement litigation against corporations in wealthier countries who refuse to consent to using the company's technology, but it hasn't said when it will start enforcing its patents. Moderna of Cambridge, Massachusetts, holds many patents in the United States and other countries that protect different aspects of their Covid-19 vaccine, known as Spikevax. Some of the company's patents claim to be the first to patent components of the underlying technology, known as messenger RNA, while others concern the use of a coronavirus mRNA vaccine. Last year, Moderna generated $17.7 billion in income by selling 800 million doses of its COVID vaccine to governments. This year, the corporation has signed deals to sell at least $19 billion worth of vaccine. Pfizer, which makes the other commonly used mRNA vaccine in the US and internationally, has a similar policy of not enforcing its patents in the world's poorest countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna once pledged to keep Covid vaccine patent-free. Now it's changing course

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential.&nbsp;

As governments across the world are pushing ahead with booster shots to protect amid the emergence of new variants, latest Israeli study regarding Pfizer and Moderna vaccines impact on Omicron gives valuable inputs.&nbsp;

The authors of an Israeli trial said on Monday&nbsp;that the fourth doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against Covid are only "partially" effective for the Omicron variant of the virus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-main-cities-record-sharp-fall-in-covid-infections-445558">India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections</a>

A trial was conducted by a team from Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv in December on fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines, inoculating 154 hospital personnel with Pfizer jabs and 120 other volunteers with Moderna doses.&nbsp;

As per a statement released by the hospital, the initial results showed that "the vaccines are safe and have shown to produce substantial antibodies, but are only partially effective in defending against the Omicron variant."&nbsp;

Professor Gili Regev-Yochay, who leads the study, said that while there was an increase in antibodies after administering the fourth dose, it nonetheless "only offers a partial defenser against the virus" for those infected with the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a>

"The vaccine, which was very effective against the previous strains, is less effective against the Omicron strain," Regev-Yochay said as quoted by The Times Of Israel.&nbsp;

"We see an increase in antibodies, higher than after the third dose. However, we see many infected with Omicron who received the fourth dose. Granted, a bit less than in the control group, but still a lot of infections," she added.

"The bottom line is that the vaccine is excellent against the Alpha and Delta [variants], for Omicron it’s not good enough," she said.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to delay booster programs as people around the world are yet to get their&nbsp;initial vaccine jabs.&nbsp;

COVID-19 situation in Israel

In Israel, official figures showed that a total of more than 1.7 million infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic, including more than 8,300 deaths.&nbsp;

Israel was among the first countries to launch mass immunisation campaigns for its population. It then began offering booster shots last summer. More than 537,000 Israelis have received a fourth dose of vaccine, according to the health ministry's latest figures.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential.

Amid a rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases globally after the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts and medical scientists are working to investigate the immune escape potential. As governments across the world are pushing ahead with booster shots to protect amid the emergence of new variants, latest Israeli study regarding Pfizer and Moderna vaccines impact on Omicron gives valuable inputs. The authors of an Israeli trial said on Monday that the fourth doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against Covid are only "partially" effective for the Omicron variant of the virus. ALSO READ | India’s main cities record sharp fall in Covid infections A trial was conducted by a team from Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv in December on fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines, inoculating 154 hospital personnel with Pfizer jabs and 120 other volunteers with Moderna doses. As per a statement released by the hospital, the initial results showed that "the vaccines are safe and have shown to produce substantial antibodies, but are only partially effective in defending against the Omicron variant." Professor Gili Regev-Yochay, who leads the study, said that while there was an increase in antibodies after administering the fourth dose, it nonetheless "only offers a partial defenser against the virus" for those infected with the Omicron variant. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected "The vaccine, which was very effective against the previous strains, is less effective against the Omicron strain," Regev-Yochay said as quoted by The Times Of Israel. "We see an increase in antibodies, higher than after the third dose. However, we see many infected with Omicron who received the fourth dose. Granted, a bit less than in the control group, but still a lot of infections," she added. "The bottom line is that the vaccine is excellent against the Alpha and Delta [variants], for Omicron it’s not good enough," she said. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries to delay booster programs as people around the world are yet to get their initial vaccine jabs. COVID-19 situation in Israel In Israel, official figures showed that a total of more than 1.7 million infections have been recorded since the start of the pandemic, including more than 8,300 deaths. Israel was among the first countries to launch mass immunisation campaigns for its population. It then began offering booster shots last summer. More than 537,000 Israelis have received a fourth dose of vaccine, according to the health ministry's latest figures. ×

COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study

A top UK scientist who helped create Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has spoken against the need for a booster shot, saying that it was not feasible to inoculate everyone multiple times.

“We can't vaccinate the planet every four to six months. It’s not sustainable or affordable,” Professor Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and head of the UK’s Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, told The Daily Telegraph&nbsp;in an interview published Tuesday.

The comments assume significance since almost every country has been rolling third shots to prevent the Omicron from spreading further, with Israel declaring a fourth booster shot for all medical staff and people aged 60 and above.

Pollard said that the vulnerable groups must be prioritised rather than administering doses to everyone aged 12 and older.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-fda-amends-emergency-use-of-pfizer-booster-dose-for-more-teens-442035">Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens</a>

“More data is needed to ascertain whether, when and how often those who are vulnerable will need additional doses,” he said.

In a separate interview with Sky News on Tuesday, Pollard also pointed out the glaring unevenness of vaccine rollouts across the world.

“It’s just not —from a global perspective —affordable, sustainable or deliverable to give fourth doses to everyone on the planet every six months,” Pollard said.

“And remember that, today, less than 10 per cent of people in low-income countries have even had their first dose, so the whole idea of regular fourth doses globally is just not sensible,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-might-not-need-booster-shot-of-vaccine-to-fight-omicron-fauci-436182">We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci</a>

Notably, the World Health Organisation (WHO) last week also echoed similar concerns against the booster programmes, saying that it was making difficult for the poor countries to obtain initial doses.

“Blanket booster programs are likely to prolong the pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing.

(With inputs from agencies)

A top UK scientist who helped create Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has spoken against the need for a booster shot, saying that it was not feasible to inoculate everyone multiple times.

A top UK scientist who helped create Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has spoken against the need for a booster shot, saying that it was not feasible to inoculate everyone multiple times. “We can't vaccinate the planet every four to six months. It’s not sustainable or affordable,” Professor Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and head of the UK’s Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, told The Daily Telegraph in an interview published Tuesday. The comments assume significance since almost every country has been rolling third shots to prevent the Omicron from spreading further, with Israel declaring a fourth booster shot for all medical staff and people aged 60 and above. Pollard said that the vulnerable groups must be prioritised rather than administering doses to everyone aged 12 and older. Also read | Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens “More data is needed to ascertain whether, when and how often those who are vulnerable will need additional doses,” he said. In a separate interview with Sky News on Tuesday, Pollard also pointed out the glaring unevenness of vaccine rollouts across the world. “It’s just not —from a global perspective —affordable, sustainable or deliverable to give fourth doses to everyone on the planet every six months,” Pollard said. “And remember that, today, less than 10 per cent of people in low-income countries have even had their first dose, so the whole idea of regular fourth doses globally is just not sensible,” he added. Also read | We might not need booster shot of vaccine to fight Omicron: Fauci Notably, the World Health Organisation (WHO) last week also echoed similar concerns against the booster programmes, saying that it was making difficult for the poor countries to obtain initial doses. “Blanket booster programs are likely to prolong the pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

Not sustainable to vaccinate the planet every 6 months, says Oxford vaccine co-creator

In an open letter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged the global leaders to eliminate the "devastating" coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine inequity and also end the pandemic once and for all. Harry and Meghan also stated that "promises aren't translating" into vaccines reaching the people that need them.&nbsp;

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have partnered with Tedros Adhanom, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the issue to&nbsp;the leaders at the G20 Summit that how low-income countries are suffering due to a lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-ed-sheeran-sticks-with-a-familiar-formula-on-%E2%80%98%E2%80%99-425205">Ed Sheeran sticks with a familiar formula on ‘=’</a>

The letter, which is published on the official site of the WHO read: "Of the almost 7 billion doses that have been administered globally, just 3 percent of people in low-income countries have had a jab so far. Where are the rest?"&nbsp;

"COVAX, the initiative designed to help achieve fair global access to COVID vaccines, has been promised 1.3 billion doses to be donated for the low-income countries it supports, yet it has been able to ship only 150 million - 11.5 percent – to date. Where are the rest?" the letter read.&nbsp;

The letter also stressed&nbsp;that millions of surplus vaccines are getting wasted once they expire, however, every discarded dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is a matter of outrage as they could have been donated. The letter noted that each dose of vaccine represents a real person, who could have been protected.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-american-music-awards-2021-bts-ariana-grande-nominated-for-artist-of-the-year-read-for-details-425193">American Music Awards 2021: BTS, Ariana Grande nominated for Artist of the Year; read for details</a>

Leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies endorsed on Saturday a global minimum tax aimed at stopping big business from hiding profits in tax havens, and also agreed to get more Covid vaccines to poorer nations.&nbsp;

Attending their first in-person summit in two years, G20 leaders broadly backed calls to extend debt relief for impoverished countries and pledged to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population against COVID-19 by mid-2022.&nbsp;

"There are many crises that you – the stewards of our planet – must grapple with this weekend: the climate emergency, the state of our global economy, a recommitment to multilateralism. Yet, in many ways, making headway on these priorities depends on whether we can beat this pandemic," the letter included.&nbsp;

"Cooperation of historic proportion is the only solution. Lives literally depend on it," Harry and Meghan concluded in the letter.&nbsp;

In an open letter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged the global leaders to eliminate the "devastating" coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine inequity and also end the pandemic once and for all.

In an open letter, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have urged the global leaders to eliminate the "devastating" coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine inequity and also end the pandemic once and for all. Harry and Meghan also stated that "promises aren't translating" into vaccines reaching the people that need them. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have partnered with Tedros Adhanom, the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise the issue to the leaders at the G20 Summit that how low-income countries are suffering due to a lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines. ALSO READ | Ed Sheeran sticks with a familiar formula on ‘=’ The letter, which is published on the official site of the WHO read: "Of the almost 7 billion doses that have been administered globally, just 3 percent of people in low-income countries have had a jab so far. Where are the rest?" "COVAX, the initiative designed to help achieve fair global access to COVID vaccines, has been promised 1.3 billion doses to be donated for the low-income countries it supports, yet it has been able to ship only 150 million - 11.5 percent – to date. Where are the rest?" the letter read. The letter also stressed that millions of surplus vaccines are getting wasted once they expire, however, every discarded dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is a matter of outrage as they could have been donated. The letter noted that each dose of vaccine represents a real person, who could have been protected. ALSO READ | American Music Awards 2021: BTS, Ariana Grande nominated for Artist of the Year; read for details Leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies endorsed on Saturday a global minimum tax aimed at stopping big business from hiding profits in tax havens, and also agreed to get more Covid vaccines to poorer nations. Attending their first in-person summit in two years, G20 leaders broadly backed calls to extend debt relief for impoverished countries and pledged to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world's population against COVID-19 by mid-2022. "There are many crises that you – the stewards of our planet – must grapple with this weekend: the climate emergency, the state of our global economy, a recommitment to multilateralism. Yet, in many ways, making headway on these priorities depends on whether we can beat this pandemic," the letter included. "Cooperation of historic proportion is the only solution. Lives literally depend on it," Harry and Meghan concluded in the letter.

'Promises aren't translating': Harry and Meghan urge G20 leaders to address COVID-19 vaccine inequity

Britain will send 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of this year, in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell other world leaders is a much needed step to speed up the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Leaders of the world's 20 richest countries are gathering in Rome at a meeting which Johnson hopes will make progress on producing firm commitments to cut emissions before climate talks in Glasgow at the United Nations COP26 summit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-covid-shot-authorised-by-fda-in-us-for-kids-aged-5-to-11-years-425275">First Covid shot authorised by FDA in US for kids aged 5 to 11 years</a>

But he also needs to get the backing from developing countries, some of which are already experiencing the devastating impact of global warming and have struggled to vaccinate their populations against COVID-19 as Western countries race ahead.

At a meeting of the leaders of the seven largest advanced economies earlier this year, Britain pledged at least 100 million shots as part of a G7 aim to offer 1 billion doses, a scheme critics said was too slow and unambitious.

Britain said in a statement it had delivered 10 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility, with 10 million more to be delivered in the coming weeks, taking the total to 30.6 million in 2021.

In 2022, Britain will donate at least 20 million more Oxford-AstraZeneca doses and also donate all the 20 million Janssen doses ordered by the government to the COVAX facility, backed by the World Health Organization and the GAVI vaccine alliance.

"Like a waking giant, the world economy is stirring back to life. But the pace of recovery will depend on how quickly we can overcome COVID," Johnson will tell G20 leaders, according to his Downing Street office. 
"Our first priority as the G20 must be to press ahead with the rapid, equitable and global distribution of vaccines."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-may-never-know-how-covid-19-originated-say-us-intelligence-officials-425224">We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials</a>

Mass vaccination against the coronavirus is seen as crucial to restoring economic growth, trade and travel, but Western nations are racing ahead of developing countries, many of which have the lowest inoculation rates and rising cases.

One hundred former leaders and government ministers from around the world have called on Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who is hosting the G20 meeting, to address what they said was an unfair distribution of vaccines.

They said the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada would be stockpiling 240 million unused vaccines by the end of the month, which these nations` military could immediately airlift to countries in greater need.

By the end of February a total of 1.1 billion surplus vaccines could be transferred, it said.

Britain will send 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of this year, in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell other world leaders is a much needed step to speed up the post-pandemic economic recovery.

Britain will send 20 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to developing countries by the end of this year, in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell other world leaders is a much needed step to speed up the post-pandemic economic recovery. Leaders of the world's 20 richest countries are gathering in Rome at a meeting which Johnson hopes will make progress on producing firm commitments to cut emissions before climate talks in Glasgow at the United Nations COP26 summit. Also Read | First Covid shot authorised by FDA in US for kids aged 5 to 11 years But he also needs to get the backing from developing countries, some of which are already experiencing the devastating impact of global warming and have struggled to vaccinate their populations against COVID-19 as Western countries race ahead. At a meeting of the leaders of the seven largest advanced economies earlier this year, Britain pledged at least 100 million shots as part of a G7 aim to offer 1 billion doses, a scheme critics said was too slow and unambitious. Britain said in a statement it had delivered 10 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility, with 10 million more to be delivered in the coming weeks, taking the total to 30.6 million in 2021. In 2022, Britain will donate at least 20 million more Oxford-AstraZeneca doses and also donate all the 20 million Janssen doses ordered by the government to the COVAX facility, backed by the World Health Organization and the GAVI vaccine alliance. "Like a waking giant, the world economy is stirring back to life. But the pace of recovery will depend on how quickly we can overcome COVID," Johnson will tell G20 leaders, according to his Downing Street office. "Our first priority as the G20 must be to press ahead with the rapid, equitable and global distribution of vaccines." Also Read | We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials Mass vaccination against the coronavirus is seen as crucial to restoring economic growth, trade and travel, but Western nations are racing ahead of developing countries, many of which have the lowest inoculation rates and rising cases. One hundred former leaders and government ministers from around the world have called on Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who is hosting the G20 meeting, to address what they said was an unfair distribution of vaccines. They said the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada would be stockpiling 240 million unused vaccines by the end of the month, which these nations` military could immediately airlift to countries in greater need. By the end of February a total of 1.1 billion surplus vaccines could be transferred, it said.

Britain sending millions more COVID-19 doses to developing nations

Thousands came together in the streets on Bern to protest the introduction of Covid certificates that are being rolled out to curb the spread of virus.

Massive crowds flooded the capital city of Switzerland expressing anger over the measures adopted by authorities to curb spread of Covid.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-marathon-postponed-as-covid-19-cases-surge-in-china-423521">Wuhan marathon postponed as COVID-19 cases surge in China</a>

Since September 13, Covid certificates that prove that the individual has been vaccinated, or proof that the person has recovered from Covid or a negative PCR test have been made compulsory to gain access to any public space.

Locals dressed in costumes and gathered on streets to ask the government to rollback the Covid certificates. The protestors claimed the community should be able to follow the traditional Swiss values.

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🇨🇭 Switzerland - Bern [Oct 23, 2021] 
 
Massive protest in the capital city of Switzerland against the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreenPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreenPass</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Freiheit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Freiheit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoGreenPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoGreenPass</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bern2310?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bern2310</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bern</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoVaccinePassports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoVaccinePassports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EnoughIsEnough?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EnoughIsEnough</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NonAuPassSanitaire?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NonAuPassSanitaire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zertifikat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zertifikat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Demo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Demo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vaccinatieplicht?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vaccinatieplicht</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeenQR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeenQR</a> <a href="https://t.co/FdbPG4hvgM">pic.twitter.com/FdbPG4hvgM</a>
— 🍌 BMedia 🇳🇱 (@BananaMediaQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/BananaMediaQ/status/1451887225122209797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Unlike earlier protests, this demonstration was completely peaceful and non-violent. The protest was approved by the local authorities. Even though authorities were present at the streets, the demonstrators expressed their anger in form of slogans and chants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-highest-covid-cases-on-saturday-since-mid-may-423440">WATCH |</a>

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Local media claimed that the authorities had allowed the demonstrators to gather to make sure that the protest don’t get violent.

Early in&nbsp;October, police and demonstrators had clashed violently. Local police officers have had deploy water cannons to disperse several unauthorised protests.

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Grande manifestation contre le pass sanitaire devant le Palais Fédéral à Berne en Suisse alors que le peuple suisse doit se prononcer par référendum le 28 novembre sur l'avenir de la Loi covid-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bern2310?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bern2310</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/manifs23octobre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#manifs23octobre</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoGreenPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoGreenPass</a> <a href="https://t.co/BPTIyYjk3X">pic.twitter.com/BPTIyYjk3X</a>
— Anonyme Citoyen (@AnonymeCitoyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnonymeCitoyen/status/1451937850115637255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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You would think the media would cover three months of protests in Switzerland against COVID law but no. 
 
Bern, Switzerland today <a href="https://t.co/4QqCtCCsJH">pic.twitter.com/4QqCtCCsJH</a>
— Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/aginnt/status/1451958885686808578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The protests are happening a few days before the citizens will get a chance to vote in favour of or against the controversial Covid certificates.

Switzerland has been able to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus, but the government wants to ensure that more people get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Thousands came together in the streets on Bern to protest the introduction of Covid certificates that are being rolled out to curb the spread of virus. Massive crowds flooded the capital city of Switzerland expressing anger over the measures adopted by authorities to curb spread of Covid.

Thousands came together in the streets on Bern to protest the introduction of Covid certificates that are being rolled out to curb the spread of virus. Massive crowds flooded the capital city of Switzerland expressing anger over the measures adopted by authorities to curb spread of Covid. Also read | Wuhan marathon postponed as COVID-19 cases surge in China Since September 13, Covid certificates that prove that the individual has been vaccinated, or proof that the person has recovered from Covid or a negative PCR test have been made compulsory to gain access to any public space. Locals dressed in costumes and gathered on streets to ask the government to rollback the Covid certificates. The protestors claimed the community should be able to follow the traditional Swiss values. 🇨🇭 Switzerland - Bern [Oct 23, 2021] Massive protest in the capital city of Switzerland against the #GreenPass. #Freiheit #NoGreenPass #bern2310 #Bern #NoVaccinePassports #EnoughIsEnough #NonAuPassSanitaire #Zertifikat #Demo #vaccinatieplicht #GeenQR pic.twitter.com/FdbPG4hvgM — 🍌 BMedia 🇳🇱 (@BananaMediaQ) October 23, 2021 × Unlike earlier protests, this demonstration was completely peaceful and non-violent. The protest was approved by the local authorities. Even though authorities were present at the streets, the demonstrators expressed their anger in form of slogans and chants. WATCH | Local media claimed that the authorities had allowed the demonstrators to gather to make sure that the protest don’t get violent. Early in October, police and demonstrators had clashed violently. Local police officers have had deploy water cannons to disperse several unauthorised protests. Grande manifestation contre le pass sanitaire devant le Palais Fédéral à Berne en Suisse alors que le peuple suisse doit se prononcer par référendum le 28 novembre sur l'avenir de la Loi covid-19. #Bern2310 #manifs23octobre #NoGreenPass pic.twitter.com/BPTIyYjk3X — Anonyme Citoyen (@AnonymeCitoyen) October 23, 2021 × You would think the media would cover three months of protests in Switzerland against COVID law but no. Bern, Switzerland today pic.twitter.com/4QqCtCCsJH — Aaron Ginn (@aginnt) October 23, 2021 × The protests are happening a few days before the citizens will get a chance to vote in favour of or against the controversial Covid certificates. Switzerland has been able to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus, but the government wants to ensure that more people get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Watch: Thousands of Swiss locals protest against Covid vaccine certificates

Pfizer’s kid-size Covid vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe.<o:p></o:p>

A new study has revealed that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11. This study has come at a time when the US health experts have been mulling starting vaccine campaigns for younger children of the age group 5 to 11 years.<o:p></o:p>

Researchers collected data from 2,268 kids in that age group who had received two shots of this kid-sized dose at an interval of three weeks.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-nih-admits-to-us-funding-of-gain-of-function-research-in-wuhan-lab-423010">Covid: NIH admits US funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan lab</a></o:p>

These kid size doses are one-third of the amount that is injected to adults and teenagers.<o:p></o:p>

While the study has come as a ray of hope, a debate on the evidence cited will be held next week in the US. The experts of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also conduct and post an independent review of Pfizer’s effectiveness for kids.<o:p></o:p>

This study has given a boost to the chances of the vaccine campaigns for kids. If the regulators give a green light to Pfizer on time, the US authorities are hoping to fully vaccinate children in line by Christmas.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, the US is already administering full-strength Pfizer shots to children aged 12 and above. However, experts and parents are anxiously awaiting kid-size doses.<o:p></o:p>

This will help provide safety to children, especially as schools have started reopening and children are back in classrooms with their peers.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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Parents have been worried about children getting infected by the Delta variant, which has been termed as one of the most contagious variants of the deadly coronavirus. Some schools in the country have made face masks mandatory, while others have not imposed the restriction — making this a point of debate all around the country.<o:p></o:p>

Joe Biden’s administration has already purchased enough kid-size doses of Pfizer’s Covid vaccines. These shots have been packed in orange-capped vials, to make sure they are not mixed with adult shots. As soon as the regulator approves, the US will roll out its plan to start administering these doses to nearly 28 million eligible population.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Moderna is also conducting a similar study. In addition to this, the two companies are also planning to study effects of doses for children as young as six months old.<o:p></o:p>

Pfizer’s kid-size Covid vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe. A new study has revealed that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11.

Pfizer’s kid-size Covid vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe. A new study has revealed that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11. This study has come at a time when the US health experts have been mulling starting vaccine campaigns for younger children of the age group 5 to 11 years. Researchers collected data from 2,268 kids in that age group who had received two shots of this kid-sized dose at an interval of three weeks. Also read | Covid: NIH admits US funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan lab These kid size doses are one-third of the amount that is injected to adults and teenagers. While the study has come as a ray of hope, a debate on the evidence cited will be held next week in the US. The experts of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also conduct and post an independent review of Pfizer’s effectiveness for kids. This study has given a boost to the chances of the vaccine campaigns for kids. If the regulators give a green light to Pfizer on time, the US authorities are hoping to fully vaccinate children in line by Christmas. As of now, the US is already administering full-strength Pfizer shots to children aged 12 and above. However, experts and parents are anxiously awaiting kid-size doses. This will help provide safety to children, especially as schools have started reopening and children are back in classrooms with their peers. WATCH | Parents have been worried about children getting infected by the Delta variant, which has been termed as one of the most contagious variants of the deadly coronavirus. Some schools in the country have made face masks mandatory, while others have not imposed the restriction — making this a point of debate all around the country. Joe Biden’s administration has already purchased enough kid-size doses of Pfizer’s Covid vaccines. These shots have been packed in orange-capped vials, to make sure they are not mixed with adult shots. As soon as the regulator approves, the US will roll out its plan to start administering these doses to nearly 28 million eligible population. Meanwhile, Moderna is also conducting a similar study. In addition to this, the two companies are also planning to study effects of doses for children as young as six months old.

Pfizer's kid-size doses 91% effective against COVID-19: Study

In a shift towards a more active approach to containing the Covid-19 pandemic, Burundi has rolled out its first COVID-19 vaccines. According to the reports, the jabs administered Monday were part of a Chinese donation of 500,000 Sinopharm doses.

Burundi launches COVID-19 vaccination drive

Schools&nbsp;in India have reopened with kids back in classrooms, however, they haven't been vaccinated.&nbsp;India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is yet to approve Covaxin for children despite its expert committee's recommendation.

The body says it is seeking additional technical opinion&nbsp;since the prevalence of infections among kids is still low.

In most Indian states, classrooms have been functioning with 50 per cent capacity along with mandatory screening, wider seating arrangements and staggered lunch breaks.&nbsp;

India's festive season is underway currently which invites potential gatherings across the nation. It is a critical phase as the virus can spread again. Although there are life-saving vaccines and the Niti Aayoog has asserted there are no dearth of vaccines but they aren't being administered to children in the age group of 2-18 to be specific.

The clearances to vaccinate them have been given, however, the rollout is yet to begin. The big question is should the process be fast-tracked? The indications are strong across the world that the Delta variant has been infecting children.

In the United States, adolescents and children now account for more than one-fifth of the new cases with 22 per cent infection cases. In the United Kingdom, 1 in 14 students in secondary schools have caught the virus and in Brazil, the virus yielded a troubling trend - an alarming number of deaths in kids and adolescents.

Now, all three countries have started immunising their children. In fact, more than 25 countries have been administering doses to those above 12 years of age, some countries have vaccinated children below that bracket.

Most of these countries have already dealt with or are dealing with the second wave of the virus.

In India, last week the subject expert committee(SEC), a body constituted by the Drug Controller General of India recommended inoculating children in the 2-18 age group. The recommendation was made after trials were carried out on 525 children.

The regulator usually takes a day or two to execute such recommendations but this time it has been a week and India's apex drug regulator is yet to approve Covaxin for children.

It has attributed the delay to "additional technical opinion" which is being sought currently.

VK Paul, chief of India's Covid task force says technical opinion is required because they want the decision to be taken based on "scientific rationale", also based on the supply situation of the child licensed vaccines.&nbsp;

"A pragmatic decision can be taken by balancing the supply and the potential eligibility. COVID-19 infections in children are very mild or asymptomatic and that is one side of the story. On the other side, once there is enough vaccine available that can be used in children," VK Paul said.

The low prevalence of infections among Indian children is being taken into account before the doses are made available.

The situation in the US and UK currently shows that children are at risk, therefore, vaccinating kids could be key in preventing another devastating surge of infections even though "scientific rationale" should be taken into account but as should be data, evidence and global trends.

Schools in India have reopened with kids back in classrooms, however, they haven't been vaccinated. India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is yet to approve Covaxin for children despite its expert committee's recommendation.

Schools in India have reopened with kids back in classrooms, however, they haven't been vaccinated. India's Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is yet to approve Covaxin for children despite its expert committee's recommendation. The body says it is seeking additional technical opinion since the prevalence of infections among kids is still low. In most Indian states, classrooms have been functioning with 50 per cent capacity along with mandatory screening, wider seating arrangements and staggered lunch breaks. India's festive season is underway currently which invites potential gatherings across the nation. It is a critical phase as the virus can spread again. Although there are life-saving vaccines and the Niti Aayoog has asserted there are no dearth of vaccines but they aren't being administered to children in the age group of 2-18 to be specific. The clearances to vaccinate them have been given, however, the rollout is yet to begin. The big question is should the process be fast-tracked? The indications are strong across the world that the Delta variant has been infecting children. In the United States, adolescents and children now account for more than one-fifth of the new cases with 22 per cent infection cases. In the United Kingdom, 1 in 14 students in secondary schools have caught the virus and in Brazil, the virus yielded a troubling trend - an alarming number of deaths in kids and adolescents. Now, all three countries have started immunising their children. In fact, more than 25 countries have been administering doses to those above 12 years of age, some countries have vaccinated children below that bracket. Most of these countries have already dealt with or are dealing with the second wave of the virus. In India, last week the subject expert committee(SEC), a body constituted by the Drug Controller General of India recommended inoculating children in the 2-18 age group. The recommendation was made after trials were carried out on 525 children. The regulator usually takes a day or two to execute such recommendations but this time it has been a week and India's apex drug regulator is yet to approve Covaxin for children. It has attributed the delay to "additional technical opinion" which is being sought currently. VK Paul, chief of India's Covid task force says technical opinion is required because they want the decision to be taken based on "scientific rationale", also based on the supply situation of the child licensed vaccines. "A pragmatic decision can be taken by balancing the supply and the potential eligibility. COVID-19 infections in children are very mild or asymptomatic and that is one side of the story. On the other side, once there is enough vaccine available that can be used in children," VK Paul said. The low prevalence of infections among Indian children is being taken into account before the doses are made available. The situation in the US and UK currently shows that children are at risk, therefore, vaccinating kids could be key in preventing another devastating surge of infections even though "scientific rationale" should be taken into account but as should be data, evidence and global trends.

DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids

While the world is coming together to help each other in these tough times of the coronavirus pandemic, France may have stolen millions of Covid vaccine doses from the UK.<o:p></o:p>

As per some reports, France allegedly stole nearly five million Covid vaccines from the UK by plotting a scheme with European Union chiefs.<o:p></o:p>

French President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;has been accused of plotting with the chiefs of European Union and taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> that were meant for Boris Johnson-ruled country.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-vatican-swiss-guards-resign-over-covid-vaccination-mandate-says-report-418499">Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report</a></o:p>

As per reports, AstraZeneca's boss Rudd Dobber had stated that a large shipment of millions of doses was expected to arrive from Holland. However, that shipment never reached there as it was diverted to the EU.<o:p></o:p>

UK’s local media house, The Sun, reported that a source from the UK government has said that this 'outrageous' disruption of supply of Covid vaccine system was equivalent to an ‘act of war’.<o:p></o:p>

"The French stole our vaccines at the same time as they were slagging them off in public and suggesting they weren't safe to use," the source was quoted saying by The Sun. "It was an outrageous thing to do and not the action of an ally, which was made very clear to them."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erratic-covid-19-rules-could-delay-recovery-says-iata-418550">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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This action by France, the source claims, could and may have led to lost of lives of several people who were waiting for first or second dose of the vaccine to safeguard themselves from the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

It has also been reported that the French leader may have also softly threatened the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about its power to cut off the supply of Pfizer. If Macron had acted on cutting off Pfizer supply, UK’s vaccine rollout would have suffered a major setback. This has also, reportedly, brought bad blood between the two leaders.<o:p></o:p>

Allegedly, Macron also labelled AstraZeneca vaccine as "quasi-ineffective"&nbsp;and claimed that it "doesn’t work the way we were expecting to".<o:p></o:p>

While the world is coming together to help each other in these tough times of the coronavirus pandemic, France may have stolen millions of Covid vaccine doses from the UK.

While the world is coming together to help each other in these tough times of the coronavirus pandemic, France may have stolen millions of Covid vaccine doses from the UK. As per some reports, France allegedly stole nearly five million Covid vaccines from the UK by plotting a scheme with European Union chiefs. French President Emmanuel Macron has been accused of plotting with the chiefs of European Union and taking the vaccines that were meant for Boris Johnson-ruled country. Also read | Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report As per reports, AstraZeneca's boss Rudd Dobber had stated that a large shipment of millions of doses was expected to arrive from Holland. However, that shipment never reached there as it was diverted to the EU. UK’s local media house, The Sun, reported that a source from the UK government has said that this 'outrageous' disruption of supply of Covid vaccine system was equivalent to an ‘act of war’. "The French stole our vaccines at the same time as they were slagging them off in public and suggesting they weren't safe to use," the source was quoted saying by The Sun. "It was an outrageous thing to do and not the action of an ally, which was made very clear to them." WATCH | This action by France, the source claims, could and may have led to lost of lives of several people who were waiting for first or second dose of the vaccine to safeguard themselves from the deadly coronavirus. It has also been reported that the French leader may have also softly threatened the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about its power to cut off the supply of Pfizer. If Macron had acted on cutting off Pfizer supply, UK’s vaccine rollout would have suffered a major setback. This has also, reportedly, brought bad blood between the two leaders. Allegedly, Macron also labelled AstraZeneca vaccine as "quasi-ineffective" and claimed that it "doesn’t work the way we were expecting to".

France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report

US President Joe Biden on Monday took a COVID-19 booster shot as he urged Americans to take the vaccine.

It was the US president's third Pfizer dose after the government approved booster doses for those over 65.

"I know it doesn't look like it, but I am over 65," Biden said while imploring others to complete their coronavirus vaccine shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-hospitals-face-possible-mass-firings-as-workers-spurn-vaccines-415880">Also Read:&nbsp;New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines</a>

The US president had taken the first Pfizer vaccine shot in December last year and then again in January this year to complete his two doses.&nbsp;

The US president informed that at least 77 per cent of Americans had taken both the vaccine shots,&nbsp;however, a large number of people were still unvaccinated and were refusing to take shots. Biden announced that over 60 million Americans are set to take the Pfizer booster shots in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-authorises-third-dose-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-older-americans-415159">Also Read:&nbsp;US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans</a>

The US president informed that&nbsp;he didn't suffer from any side effects after the first or the second dose.

The president said the United States will continue to fund Covax and give away&nbsp;vaccines to the world so that "everyone in the world" gets it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-double-covid-19-vaccine-doses-for-poorer-countries-416113">Also Read:&nbsp;France to double COVID-19 vaccine doses for poorer countries</a>

"We play our part, the largest part in the world to get everyone vaccinated," Biden said after getting the booster dose.

However, Biden maintained that a "quarter of the country can't go unvaccinated" as America remains open and schools reopen.

"Let me be clear -&nbsp;boosters are important but the most important thing we need to do is get more people vaccinated," the president said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday took a COVID-19 booster shot as he urged Americans to take the vaccine. It was the US president's third Pfizer dose after the government approved booster doses for those over 65.

US President Joe Biden on Monday took a COVID-19 booster shot as he urged Americans to take the vaccine. It was the US president's third Pfizer dose after the government approved booster doses for those over 65. "I know it doesn't look like it, but I am over 65," Biden said while imploring others to complete their coronavirus vaccine shots. Also Read: New York hospitals face possible mass firings as workers spurn vaccines The US president had taken the first Pfizer vaccine shot in December last year and then again in January this year to complete his two doses. The US president informed that at least 77 per cent of Americans had taken both the vaccine shots, however, a large number of people were still unvaccinated and were refusing to take shots. Biden announced that over 60 million Americans are set to take the Pfizer booster shots in the country. Also Read: US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans The US president informed that he didn't suffer from any side effects after the first or the second dose. The president said the United States will continue to fund Covax and give away vaccines to the world so that "everyone in the world" gets it. Also Read: France to double COVID-19 vaccine doses for poorer countries "We play our part, the largest part in the world to get everyone vaccinated," Biden said after getting the booster dose. However, Biden maintained that a "quarter of the country can't go unvaccinated" as America remains open and schools reopen. "Let me be clear - boosters are important but the most important thing we need to do is get more people vaccinated," the president said. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot

India will export eight million coronavirus vaccine jabs by the end of October after ending its ban on sending doses abroad, a top foreign ministry official said Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to resume exports at a meeting of leaders from the so-called Quad in Washington as India, Japan, Australia, and the US try to counter growing Chinese influence across the Asia-Pacific region.&nbsp;

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters on Saturday that most of the eight million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson single-shot vaccine will be sent to Asia-Pacific countries.&nbsp;

"This would be ready by the end of October. This is an immediate delivery, from the Quad into the Indo-Pacific region," Shringla told reporters.

India is one of the world's biggest vaccine producers and had pledged earlier this year to export one billion Covid-19 jabs by December 2022.&nbsp;

But New Delhi halted exports in May after a devastating coronavirus wave ravaged the country.

India lifted its vaccine export ban this week with new Covid-19 infections and deaths slowing down.

The country suffered weeks of vaccine shortages as a coronavirus surge between March and May killed at least 250,000 and infected tens of millions of people.

It has now administered nearly 840 million vaccine doses. Nearly half of the adult population has had at least one jab and with 16 percent receiving a second dose.&nbsp;

India will export eight million coronavirus vaccine jabs by the end of October after ending its ban on sending doses abroad, a top foreign ministry official said Saturday.

India will export eight million coronavirus vaccine jabs by the end of October after ending its ban on sending doses abroad, a top foreign ministry official said Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to resume exports at a meeting of leaders from the so-called Quad in Washington as India, Japan, Australia, and the US try to counter growing Chinese influence across the Asia-Pacific region. Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters on Saturday that most of the eight million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine will be sent to Asia-Pacific countries. "This would be ready by the end of October. This is an immediate delivery, from the Quad into the Indo-Pacific region," Shringla told reporters. India is one of the world's biggest vaccine producers and had pledged earlier this year to export one billion Covid-19 jabs by December 2022. But New Delhi halted exports in May after a devastating coronavirus wave ravaged the country. India lifted its vaccine export ban this week with new Covid-19 infections and deaths slowing down. The country suffered weeks of vaccine shortages as a coronavirus surge between March and May killed at least 250,000 and infected tens of millions of people. It has now administered nearly 840 million vaccine doses. Nearly half of the adult population has had at least one jab and with 16 percent receiving a second dose.

India to export 8 million COVID-19 jabs in October

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccine certificates amid a row with the UK. He said international travel should be made easier through mutual recognition of vaccine certificates.

WION-USA Direct: PM Modi on UK's vaccine recognition row

As the world fights against the deadly coronavirus, there is another Covid-related problem that is brewing: fake vaccine certificates.

One way of staying safe from coronavirus is to get vaccinated and governments have been urging citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Several countries are now coming up with vaccine certificate to monitor who has been vaccinated, and who still needs to get a shot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-children-aged-between-12-and-15-get-covid-vaccine-shots-in-uk-414537" hreflang="en">Now, children aged between 12 and 15 get Covid vaccine shots in UK</a>

However, the infamous black market seems to have found their grip on that too now. As more and more countries are adopting vaccine certificates, the black market for fake <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> certificates has increased ten times in the past few months.

Check Point, a software company, conducted a study to observe the black market for fake Covid vaccine certificates and found that the market has expanded to 29 countries all over the world. Out of these, the nine major countries are new, namely Austria, Brazil, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, UAE.

Experts of Check Point Research (CPR) claim that there were nearly 1,000 vendors of fake Covid vaccine certificates on August 10 on messaging app Telegram. However, that number has now grown beyond 10,000, signalling an increase of 10 times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-your-own-research-four-words-hurting-us-response-to-covid-says-report-414459">'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report</a>

Earlier these fake Covid certificates were available on Telegram for US$85. However, since the US President Joe Biden announced a vaccine mandate, the price for the ‘registered’ CDC vaccine certificate has now increased to US$200.

There has also been an increase in the number of group members on Telegram, which increased from 30,000 to 300,000 in the past few months.

In December 2020, a few hundred Covid vaccines were being sold on the Darknet for $250. However, the black market then started selling fake negative Covid tests and vaccine certificates fo0r $130-150.

Now, in September 2021, people can get fake Covid vaccine passport or certificates, CDC and NHS Covid vaccine cards and also fake PCR Covid tests.

Singapore is&nbsp;one of the biggest markets for this as a single fake vaccine certificate is being sold for 250€. Similarly, people of Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Ukraine, Ireland, Italy, Austria and a few more can obtain a fake certificate for 150€.

It is not just hackers and tech experts using immoral ways to provide fake certificates to people. A Telegram bot has also been designed in Austria that can help get people such fake Covid vaccine certificates for free. Consumers simply need to fill in their details and they can have a PDF file of their fake Covid vaccine certificate or a negative PCR test for free.

As the world fights against the deadly coronavirus, there is another Covid-related problem that is brewing: fake vaccine certificates. One way of staying safe from coronavirus is to get vaccinated and governments have been urging citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

As the world fights against the deadly coronavirus, there is another Covid-related problem that is brewing: fake vaccine certificates. One way of staying safe from coronavirus is to get vaccinated and governments have been urging citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Several countries are now coming up with vaccine certificate to monitor who has been vaccinated, and who still needs to get a shot. Also read | Now, children aged between 12 and 15 get Covid vaccine shots in UK However, the infamous black market seems to have found their grip on that too now. As more and more countries are adopting vaccine certificates, the black market for fake vaccine certificates has increased ten times in the past few months. Check Point, a software company, conducted a study to observe the black market for fake Covid vaccine certificates and found that the market has expanded to 29 countries all over the world. Out of these, the nine major countries are new, namely Austria, Brazil, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, UAE. Experts of Check Point Research (CPR) claim that there were nearly 1,000 vendors of fake Covid vaccine certificates on August 10 on messaging app Telegram. However, that number has now grown beyond 10,000, signalling an increase of 10 times. Also read | 'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report Earlier these fake Covid certificates were available on Telegram for US$85. However, since the US President Joe Biden announced a vaccine mandate, the price for the ‘registered’ CDC vaccine certificate has now increased to US$200. There has also been an increase in the number of group members on Telegram, which increased from 30,000 to 300,000 in the past few months. In December 2020, a few hundred Covid vaccines were being sold on the Darknet for $250. However, the black market then started selling fake negative Covid tests and vaccine certificates fo0r $130-150. Now, in September 2021, people can get fake Covid vaccine passport or certificates, CDC and NHS Covid vaccine cards and also fake PCR Covid tests. Singapore is one of the biggest markets for this as a single fake vaccine certificate is being sold for 250€. Similarly, people of Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Ukraine, Ireland, Italy, Austria and a few more can obtain a fake certificate for 150€. It is not just hackers and tech experts using immoral ways to provide fake certificates to people. A Telegram bot has also been designed in Austria that can help get people such fake Covid vaccine certificates for free. Consumers simply need to fill in their details and they can have a PDF file of their fake Covid vaccine certificate or a negative PCR test for free.

Black market for fake Covid vaccine certificates has grown 10 times in 29 countries: Study

Vaccine manufacturers in rich countries are already producing 1.5 billion doses every month, with 11 billion doses expected to be produced by the end of the year.

Even if they start administering boosters, the world's wealthiest countries could have 1.2 billion doses they don't need. A fifth of those doses - 241 million vaccinations - could go to waste if they are not donated quickly.

Poorer countries will very certainly be unable to absorb vaccines unless they have at least two months before they expire.&nbsp; 
 
According to Airfinity, a science analytics organisation that studies worldwide supplies, wealthy countries have been stockpiling vaccines. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-wasting-vaccine-doses-even-as-cases-rise-402282">Also read | US is wasting vaccine doses, even as cases rise</a> 
 
According to a new study, the level of vaccine nationalism, in which countries stockpile vaccines to prioritise access for their citizens over equitable vaccine sharing, may have a significant impact on global COVID-19 case numbers and the potential generation of novel variations.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | WION-USA Direct: UN Chief laments wastage of vaccines

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-usa-direct-un-chief-laments-wastage-of-vaccines-414874/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US President Biden is urging world leaders to commit to vaccinating 70% of the world's population by September of next year.

But according to federal statistics received by media outlets, pharmacies and state governments in the United States have thrown away at least 15.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccination since March 1, a considerably higher number than previously known and still likely an undercount.&nbsp;

However, research suggests that wealthy countries still have vaccination surpluses, with many of them set to be discarded soon.

The numbers are striking as a result of the vaccination supply imbalance.

Only a little more than half of the world has received even one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Human Rights Watch estimates that 75 per cent of COVID-19 vaccinations have been sent to ten countries.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, half of all vaccinations produced to date have gone to 15% of the world's population, with the world's wealthiest countries providing 100 times as many doses as the poorest.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine manufacturers in rich countries are already producing 1.5 billion doses every month, with 11 billion doses expected to be produced by the end of the year.

Vaccine manufacturers in rich countries are already producing 1.5 billion doses every month, with 11 billion doses expected to be produced by the end of the year. Even if they start administering boosters, the world's wealthiest countries could have 1.2 billion doses they don't need. A fifth of those doses - 241 million vaccinations - could go to waste if they are not donated quickly. Poorer countries will very certainly be unable to absorb vaccines unless they have at least two months before they expire. According to Airfinity, a science analytics organisation that studies worldwide supplies, wealthy countries have been stockpiling vaccines. Also read | US is wasting vaccine doses, even as cases rise According to a new study, the level of vaccine nationalism, in which countries stockpile vaccines to prioritise access for their citizens over equitable vaccine sharing, may have a significant impact on global COVID-19 case numbers and the potential generation of novel variations. Watch | WION-USA Direct: UN Chief laments wastage of vaccines US President Biden is urging world leaders to commit to vaccinating 70% of the world's population by September of next year. But according to federal statistics received by media outlets, pharmacies and state governments in the United States have thrown away at least 15.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccination since March 1, a considerably higher number than previously known and still likely an undercount. However, research suggests that wealthy countries still have vaccination surpluses, with many of them set to be discarded soon. The numbers are striking as a result of the vaccination supply imbalance. Only a little more than half of the world has received even one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Human Rights Watch estimates that 75 per cent of COVID-19 vaccinations have been sent to ten countries. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, half of all vaccinations produced to date have gone to 15% of the world's population, with the world's wealthiest countries providing 100 times as many doses as the poorest. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine wastage: Stockpiling by rich nations may waste 241 million doses

India's neighborhood will get the first consignments of Covid vaccines as New Delhi on Monday announced the resumption of vaccine export initiative, Vaccine Maitri. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Health minister Mansukh Mandviya said, "In the 4th quarter, after completing our needs, we will produce more. Excess production will help in taking Vaccine Maitri forward. In the 4th quarter under the Vaccine Maitri, we will help the world and fulfill our responsibilities with the COVAX." &nbsp;

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Breaking: India announces resumption of vaccine maitri (Covid vaccine export). Indian health minister <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mansukhmandviya</a> announces resumption from 4th Quarter of this year. <a href="https://t.co/svyEtXduBm">pic.twitter.com/svyEtXduBm</a>
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The minister explained that in September, Indian companies will produce 260 million doses of the Covid vaccines. India has also steadily increased vaccination as the authorities have administered over 808.5 million vaccine doses so far. &nbsp;

India began ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to Maldives, Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-your-own-research-four-words-hurting-us-response-to-covid-says-report-414459" hreflang="en">'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report</a>

India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on January 16. The initiative was suspended as India grappled with second wave of deadly Covid pandemic in April.&nbsp;

So far under the initiative, India has sent vaccines to 95 countries of the world. The total amount of vaccines supplied so far is 66.3698 million doses-- of which, 10.715 million doses have been via grant, 35.792 million doses commercially and 19.8628 million doses to COVAX.&nbsp;

India's neighborhood will get the first consignments of Covid vaccines as New Delhi on Monday announced the resumption of vaccine export initiative, Vaccine Maitri.

India's neighborhood will get the first consignments of Covid vaccines as New Delhi on Monday announced the resumption of vaccine export initiative, Vaccine Maitri. Health minister Mansukh Mandviya said, "In the 4th quarter, after completing our needs, we will produce more. Excess production will help in taking Vaccine Maitri forward. In the 4th quarter under the Vaccine Maitri, we will help the world and fulfill our responsibilities with the COVAX." Breaking: India announces resumption of vaccine maitri (Covid vaccine export). Indian health minister @mansukhmandviya announces resumption from 4th Quarter of this year. pic.twitter.com/svyEtXduBm — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 20, 2021 × The minister explained that in September, Indian companies will produce 260 million doses of the Covid vaccines. India has also steadily increased vaccination as the authorities have administered over 808.5 million vaccine doses so far. India began ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative in January, with the first tranche of Indian vaccines being sent to Maldives, Bhutan, followed by other countries in the neighbourhood. Also Read | 'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report India's vaccine outreach to the world started within four days of it starting its mega domestic vaccination programme on January 16. The initiative was suspended as India grappled with second wave of deadly Covid pandemic in April. So far under the initiative, India has sent vaccines to 95 countries of the world. The total amount of vaccines supplied so far is 66.3698 million doses-- of which, 10.715 million doses have been via grant, 35.792 million doses commercially and 19.8628 million doses to COVAX.

Neighbourhood to get first tranche as India announces resumption of Covid vaccine export  

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