<p>Nicki Minaj's latest tweets on covid vaccination have drawn flak on Twitter.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Monday, Nicki Minaj explained her absence from Met Gala 2021 and stated that the event required guests to be vaccinated.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Minaj explained in a series of tweets about her doubts over covid vaccinations. The rapper stated she would only get immunised once she did enough research and recommended that everyone should&nbsp;wear masks and get the shots if they’re required to for work. Minaj missed the Met Gala this year which had a strict vaccine mandate. She also stated that as a young mother, she was avoiding public places in general.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They want you to get vaccinated for the Met. if I get vaccinated it won’t for the Met. It’ll be once I feel I’ve done enough research. I’m working on that now. In the meantime my loves, be safe. Wear the mask with 2 strings that grips your head &amp; face. Not that loose one 🙏♥️</p>
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1437526877808128000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Minaj though faced backlash after tweeting about a friend of her cousin who developed swollen testicles and impotence after getting vaccinated against Covid-19.<br />
<br />
"My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it &amp; became impotent. His testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding. So just pray on it &amp; make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied(sic)" tweeted Minaj.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it &amp; became impotent. His testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding. So just pray on it &amp; make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied</p>
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1437532566945341441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The tweet obviously did not go down well with most and resulted in several calling out Minaj over her ignorance.&nbsp;<br />
Some pointed out to the rapper to tweet responsibly to&nbsp;her 22 million followers while others schooled her about the benefits of vaccines, debunking her notion on impotency.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Can’t believe the Met Gala failed to invite the biggest influencer of our times: Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend’s balls.</p>
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenAtHome/status/1437949144505651205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Professor Whitty beefing with the ghastly <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NICKIMINAJ</a> (one of the rudest little madams I’ve ever met) is not the breaking news that I expected today - but it’s most welcome. She’s peddling lies that will cost lives.</p>
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan/status/1437804290228342785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jimmy Jimmel wants to interview Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend, OMG! 😭🤣 <a href="https://t.co/luHCBBaRmF">pic.twitter.com/luHCBBaRmF</a></p>
— 𝓐Đʳ𝕚Ⓐ𝓃 Ｍเ𝓷ａ𝐉 ™ (@prinzzolanski) <a href="https://twitter.com/prinzzolanski/status/1437991604267094021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nobody:<br />
<br />
Nicki Minaj on the Vaccine: <a href="https://t.co/s46zWXz6ib">pic.twitter.com/s46zWXz6ib</a></p>
— Melvin Purdy (@MLVNPRDY) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLVNPRDY/status/1437979698127060997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sorry, this is not a side effect of the vaccine. It is called hydrocele. In adults, the two primary causes are injury or STD (chlamydia or gonorrhea). Probably your cousin's friend was taking one last marriage fling, picked up an STD, &amp; is blaming vaccines. He needs an MD, stat.</p>
— Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) <a href="https://twitter.com/kurteichenwald/status/1437546663946690566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>When a fan pointed out that Minaj had not made a public appearance in over a year, she pointed out that she has a young son at home and no support.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have an infant with no nannies during COVID. who mad? Not risking his health to be seen. One yaself. <a href="https://t.co/z1uo2OHO1b">https://t.co/z1uo2OHO1b</a></p>
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1437509201228492800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Minaj though later stated that she would eventually have to get vaccinated in order to go on tour.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Hours later Minaj reshared a few tweets where she was called out and denied suggesting that vaccine led to her friend's impotence.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, CNN brought Dr Anthony Fauci as a guest on one of its shows and asked him if there is any truth to Minaj's claims about vaccinated people possibly suffering from reproductive issues.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"The answer to that, Jake, is a resounding no," responded the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "There's no evidence that it happens nor is there any mechanistic reason to imagine that it would happen."</p>


Nicki Minaj's latest tweets on covid vaccination have drawn flak on Twitter. On Monday, Nicki Minaj explained her absence from Met Gala 2021 and stated that the event required guests to be vaccinated.

Nicki Minaj's latest tweets on covid vaccination have drawn flak on Twitter. On Monday, Nicki Minaj explained her absence from Met Gala 2021 and stated that the event required guests to be vaccinated. Minaj explained in a series of tweets about her doubts over covid vaccinations. The rapper stated she would only get immunised once she did enough research and recommended that everyone should wear masks and get the shots if they’re required to for work. Minaj missed the Met Gala this year which had a strict vaccine mandate. She also stated that as a young mother, she was avoiding public places in general. They want you to get vaccinated for the Met. if I get vaccinated it won’t for the Met. It’ll be once I feel I’ve done enough research. I’m working on that now. In the meantime my loves, be safe. Wear the mask with 2 strings that grips your head & face. Not that loose one 🙏♥️ — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 13, 2021 × Minaj though faced backlash after tweeting about a friend of her cousin who developed swollen testicles and impotence after getting vaccinated against Covid-19. "My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent. His testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding. So just pray on it & make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied(sic)" tweeted Minaj. My cousin in Trinidad won’t get the vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent. His testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding. So just pray on it & make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 13, 2021 × The tweet obviously did not go down well with most and resulted in several calling out Minaj over her ignorance. Some pointed out to the rapper to tweet responsibly to her 22 million followers while others schooled her about the benefits of vaccines, debunking her notion on impotency. Can’t believe the Met Gala failed to invite the biggest influencer of our times: Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend’s balls. — Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) September 15, 2021 × Professor Whitty beefing with the ghastly @NICKIMINAJ (one of the rudest little madams I’ve ever met) is not the breaking news that I expected today - but it’s most welcome. She’s peddling lies that will cost lives. — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 14, 2021 × Jimmy Jimmel wants to interview Nicki Minaj’s cousin’s friend, OMG! 😭🤣 pic.twitter.com/luHCBBaRmF — 𝓐Đʳ𝕚Ⓐ𝓃 Ｍเ𝓷ａ𝐉 ™ (@prinzzolanski) September 15, 2021 × Nobody: Nicki Minaj on the Vaccine: pic.twitter.com/s46zWXz6ib — Melvin Purdy (@MLVNPRDY) September 15, 2021 × Sorry, this is not a side effect of the vaccine. It is called hydrocele. In adults, the two primary causes are injury or STD (chlamydia or gonorrhea). Probably your cousin's friend was taking one last marriage fling, picked up an STD, & is blaming vaccines. He needs an MD, stat. — Kurt Eichenwald (@kurteichenwald) September 13, 2021 × When a fan pointed out that Minaj had not made a public appearance in over a year, she pointed out that she has a young son at home and no support. I have an infant with no nannies during COVID. who mad? Not risking his health to be seen. One yaself. https://t.co/z1uo2OHO1b — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 13, 2021 × Minaj though later stated that she would eventually have to get vaccinated in order to go on tour. Hours later Minaj reshared a few tweets where she was called out and denied suggesting that vaccine led to her friend's impotence. Meanwhile, CNN brought Dr Anthony Fauci as a guest on one of its shows and asked him if there is any truth to Minaj's claims about vaccinated people possibly suffering from reproductive issues. "The answer to that, Jake, is a resounding no," responded the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "There's no evidence that it happens nor is there any mechanistic reason to imagine that it would happen."

Nicki Minaj draws flak for suggesting COVID-19 vaccine leads to impotency

<p>Five Indian states are delivering COVID-19 vaccines at a faster rate than international countries, according to a graph supplied by the government.</p>

<p>In September, the single-day average in Uttar Pradesh was 11.73 lakh doses, compared to 8.07 lakh in the United States, according to the report.</p>

<p>Gujarat's pace is faster than Mexico's, Karnataka's than Russia's, MP's than France's, and Haryana's than Canada's, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With the aim of vaccinating all eligible citizens by the end of 2021, India is leading the world with its high vaccination pace!<br />
<br />
You too can strengthen the country's endeavour in this fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> by getting vaccinated! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/7zuTFOK8tB">pic.twitter.com/7zuTFOK8tB</a></p>
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovindia/status/1436287083245711362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the World Health Organization, India is now better prepared to prevent further Covid-19 epidemics from causing havoc on the country.</p>

<p>Between February and early May, the South Asian nation experienced a terrible second wave, during which daily infection cases and death rates increased at an alarming rate, putting the health-care system on the verge of collapse.</p>

<p>A third wave of illnesses is expected to hit India this year. However, many public health experts believe it will have a less severe impact than the previous two waves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Five Indian states are delivering COVID-19 vaccines at a faster rate than international countries, according to a graph supplied by the government. In September, the single-day average in Uttar Pradesh was 11.

Five Indian states are delivering COVID-19 vaccines at a faster rate than international countries, according to a graph supplied by the government. In September, the single-day average in Uttar Pradesh was 11.73 lakh doses, compared to 8.07 lakh in the United States, according to the report. Gujarat's pace is faster than Mexico's, Karnataka's than Russia's, MP's than France's, and Haryana's than Canada's, according to the report. With the aim of vaccinating all eligible citizens by the end of 2021, India is leading the world with its high vaccination pace! You too can strengthen the country's endeavour in this fight against #COVID19 by getting vaccinated! #IndiaFightsCorona @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/7zuTFOK8tB — MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) September 10, 2021 × According to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the World Health Organization, India is now better prepared to prevent further Covid-19 epidemics from causing havoc on the country. Between February and early May, the South Asian nation experienced a terrible second wave, during which daily infection cases and death rates increased at an alarming rate, putting the health-care system on the verge of collapse. A third wave of illnesses is expected to hit India this year. However, many public health experts believe it will have a less severe impact than the previous two waves. (With inputs from agencies)

Five Indian states administering COVID-19 vaccines at faster pace than foreign nations

<p>AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho encouraged Swiss international Granit Xhaka to get vaccinated after the Arsenal midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test this week.</p>

<p>The Switzerland captain, 28, was ruled out of Wednesday's friendly with Greece after testing positive for the coronavirus on the day of the game.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the national team told Swiss newspaper Blick that Xhaka was not vaccinated.</p>

<p>"Get the jab Granit and be safe," Mourinho told Xhaka in a comment on a post on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-england-footballers-epic-on-field-response-to-raheem-sterling-racism-incident-410513">Watch: England footballer's epic on-field response to Raheem Sterling racism incident</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTO6Li6A342/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Granit Xhaka (@granitxhaka)</a></p>
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<p>Xhaka had been linked with a move to Mourinho's Roma in the off-season but British media reported Arsenal had turned down a bid from the Serie A club.</p>

<p>Switzerland will host European champions Italy in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Sunday before taking on Northern Ireland in Belfast on Sept. 9.</p>


AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho encouraged Swiss international Granit Xhaka to get vaccinated after the Arsenal midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test this week.

AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho encouraged Swiss international Granit Xhaka to get vaccinated after the Arsenal midfielder returned a positive COVID-19 test this week. The Switzerland captain, 28, was ruled out of Wednesday's friendly with Greece after testing positive for the coronavirus on the day of the game. A spokesperson for the national team told Swiss newspaper Blick that Xhaka was not vaccinated. "Get the jab Granit and be safe," Mourinho told Xhaka in a comment on a post on Instagram. ALSO READ | Watch: England footballer's epic on-field response to Raheem Sterling racism incident View this post on Instagram A post shared by Granit Xhaka (@granitxhaka) × Xhaka had been linked with a move to Mourinho's Roma in the off-season but British media reported Arsenal had turned down a bid from the Serie A club. Switzerland will host European champions Italy in their Group C World Cup qualifier on Sunday before taking on Northern Ireland in Belfast on Sept. 9.

'Get the jab': Jose Mourinho urges Granit Xhaka to get COVID-19 vaccine

<p>Britain's Johanna Konta said on Sunday she is still not sure if she should have taken the COVID-19 vaccine despite having to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;after a positive test affected her preparations.</p>

<p>Konta, who won the Nottingham grasscourt title in June, was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon a day before the Grand Slam got underway when a member of her team tested positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>The 30-year-old then tested positive during her self-isolation and said COVID had affected her both physically and mentally.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-andy-murray-urges-fellow-players-to-get-vaccinated-409156">COVID-19: Andy Murray urges fellow players to get vaccinated</a></strong></p>

<p>"It was a combination of feeling quite ill so I was sleeping or just existing for a few days," she told reporters ahead of the US&nbsp;Open, which begins on Monday.</p>

<p>"There was also a period there where I had to work through my own feelings of injustice at all of it, like: 'Why now?' sort of feeling. I needed a bit of space and a bit of licking my wounds."</p>

<p>When asked if she regretted not taking the vaccine, she said: "I don't know, I'm not too sure."</p>

<p>The Briton also said she did not want to be drawn into an argument about COVID-19 vaccinations being mandatory to play at certain tournaments.</p>

<p>Konta's compatriot Andy Murray has said players travelling around the world had a 'responsibility' to get vaccinated.</p>

<p>"This is a tricky thing to talk about because it's a very inflammatory subject and there's no real right answer," Konta added.</p>

<p>"I don't want to talk about it because I wouldn't be able to get my point across without it being a case for argument."</p>

<p>Konta returned to action at Cincinnati earlier this month, falling in the first round of the tune-up tournament for the U.S. Open where she plays Kristina Mladenovic in the first round.</p>


Britain's Johanna Konta said on Sunday she is still not sure if she should have taken the COVID-19 vaccine despite having to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics after a positive test affected her preparations.

Britain's Johanna Konta said on Sunday she is still not sure if she should have taken the COVID-19 vaccine despite having to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics after a positive test affected her preparations. Konta, who won the Nottingham grasscourt title in June, was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon a day before the Grand Slam got underway when a member of her team tested positive for COVID-19. The 30-year-old then tested positive during her self-isolation and said COVID had affected her both physically and mentally. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Andy Murray urges fellow players to get vaccinated "It was a combination of feeling quite ill so I was sleeping or just existing for a few days," she told reporters ahead of the US Open, which begins on Monday. "There was also a period there where I had to work through my own feelings of injustice at all of it, like: 'Why now?' sort of feeling. I needed a bit of space and a bit of licking my wounds." When asked if she regretted not taking the vaccine, she said: "I don't know, I'm not too sure." The Briton also said she did not want to be drawn into an argument about COVID-19 vaccinations being mandatory to play at certain tournaments. Konta's compatriot Andy Murray has said players travelling around the world had a 'responsibility' to get vaccinated. "This is a tricky thing to talk about because it's a very inflammatory subject and there's no real right answer," Konta added. "I don't want to talk about it because I wouldn't be able to get my point across without it being a case for argument." Konta returned to action at Cincinnati earlier this month, falling in the first round of the tune-up tournament for the U.S. Open where she plays Kristina Mladenovic in the first round.

Johanna Konta not sure if she should have taken COVID-19 vaccine

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The "momentous feat" was achieved on Friday (August 27) as India crossed&nbsp;its previous daily record of 9.2 million.</p>

<p>Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-reopens-schools-for-classes-ix-to-xii-from-september-1-408959">Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Record vaccination numbers today!<br />
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Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1431297818161909760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora also hailed the achievement and said that it is a matter of pride for the Indian health system and it will go down in the history of COVID-19 immunisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to ANI, Dr NK Arora said: "Almost four months ago, we knew that India has the capacity to deliver anywhere between 10 and 12 million doses in a single day. And today we have achieved that milestone, I think this will go down in the history of COVID immunization that even with 63,000 immunisation centres, we are able to deliver one crore plus doses in a single day."</p>

<p>"There are a large number of countries in this world, which have population less than 10 million, for example, Switzerland, a lot of Scandinavian countries. We have the capacity to immunise a whole country in a day," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-records-46759-covid-19-cases-509-deaths-408954" hreflang="en">India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;World Business Watch: Indian govt notifies new drone rules</strong></p>

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<p>Praising the frontline workers, Arora said, "My compliments to all the frontline workers, vaccinators, nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers across the country, including the private sector for achieving this milestone."</p>

<p>As experts have warned of another COVID-19 wave expected to hit the country in the coming months, India has been working to bolster its defences for the predicted surge in cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but they have faced some challenges like vaccine shortages in some parts, hesitancy, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is currently administering three vaccines — the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India's achievement of reaching a milestone in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination drive as the country has administered more than 10 million vaccine doses in a single day. The "momentous feat" was achieved on Friday (August 27) as India crossed its previous daily record of 9.2 million. Taking to his official Twitter handle, PM Modi wrote, "Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success." ALSO READ | Indian Capital reopens schools for classes IX to XII from September 1 Record vaccination numbers today! Crossing 1 crore is a momentous feat. Kudos to those getting vaccinated and those making the vaccination drive a success. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 27, 2021 × Chief of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation in India (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora also hailed the achievement and said that it is a matter of pride for the Indian health system and it will go down in the history of COVID-19 immunisation. While speaking to ANI, Dr NK Arora said: "Almost four months ago, we knew that India has the capacity to deliver anywhere between 10 and 12 million doses in a single day. And today we have achieved that milestone, I think this will go down in the history of COVID immunization that even with 63,000 immunisation centres, we are able to deliver one crore plus doses in a single day." "There are a large number of countries in this world, which have population less than 10 million, for example, Switzerland, a lot of Scandinavian countries. We have the capacity to immunise a whole country in a day," he added. Also Read: India records 46,759 COVID-19 cases, 509 deaths Watch: World Business Watch: Indian govt notifies new drone rules × Praising the frontline workers, Arora said, "My compliments to all the frontline workers, vaccinators, nurses, doctors, and healthcare providers across the country, including the private sector for achieving this milestone." As experts have warned of another COVID-19 wave expected to hit the country in the coming months, India has been working to bolster its defences for the predicted surge in cases. The government had aimed to vaccinate about 1.1 billion adults by the end of the year but they have faced some challenges like vaccine shortages in some parts, hesitancy, etc. India is currently administering three vaccines — the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, known locally as Covishield, Covaxin by Indian firm Bharat Biotech and the Russian-made Sputnik V.

'Momentous feat': PM Modi hails India's 10 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in single day

United States pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use approval in India.

Coronavirus Update: India approves Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine

<p>Turkey's first indigenously created coronavirus vaccine candidate has been named 'TURKOVAC,' according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.</p>

<p>Turkey's vaccination campaign is presently using vaccinations from Sinovac Biotech in China and Pfizer-BioNTech in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the pride of our nation, this pride belongs to our nation," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said about the vaccine candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TURKOVAC is using an “inactivated virus” technology and was developed at Erciyes University. Other vaccine developments continue in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said it is imperative to have a local vaccine that Turkey would use in the country and export to others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first dose of the vaccine’s third phase trial was administered to a male volunteer Tuesday in a videoconference by the health minister, professors and Turkey’s president. The health minister said Phase 1 and 2 trials showed the vaccine’s safety and immune response.</p>

<p>Turkey is currently using vaccines from China’s Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech. Russia’s Sputnik V is also being&nbsp;used.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Turkey launched a mass vaccination campaign this January, nearly 43.6 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered.</p>

<p>Over 29 million people have received their first doses, while over 14.57 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry.</p>

<p>Amid a nationwide fall in COVID-19 cases, Turkey is set to end pandemic curfews as of next Thursday, July 1, Erdogan said on Monday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkey's first indigenously created coronavirus vaccine candidate has been named 'TURKOVAC,' according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's vaccination campaign is presently using vaccinations from Sinovac Biotech in China and Pfizer-BioNTech in the United States.

Turkey's first indigenously created coronavirus vaccine candidate has been named 'TURKOVAC,' according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's vaccination campaign is presently using vaccinations from Sinovac Biotech in China and Pfizer-BioNTech in the United States. "This is the pride of our nation, this pride belongs to our nation," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said about the vaccine candidate. TURKOVAC is using an “inactivated virus” technology and was developed at Erciyes University. Other vaccine developments continue in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said it is imperative to have a local vaccine that Turkey would use in the country and export to others. The first dose of the vaccine’s third phase trial was administered to a male volunteer Tuesday in a videoconference by the health minister, professors and Turkey’s president. The health minister said Phase 1 and 2 trials showed the vaccine’s safety and immune response. Turkey is currently using vaccines from China’s Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech. Russia’s Sputnik V is also being used. Since Turkey launched a mass vaccination campaign this January, nearly 43.6 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered. Over 29 million people have received their first doses, while over 14.57 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry. Amid a nationwide fall in COVID-19 cases, Turkey is set to end pandemic curfews as of next Thursday, July 1, Erdogan said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

TURKOVAC: Turkey's first indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine

<p>Scientists have developed a universal vaccine that protected mice not just against COVID-19 but also other coronaviruses while triggering the immune system to fight off a dangerous variant.</p>

<p>While no one knows which virus may cause the next outbreak, researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the US noted that coronaviruses remain a threat after causing the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the global COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>To prevent a future coronavirus pandemic, the team designed the vaccine to provide protection from the current SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and a group of coronaviruses known to make the jump from animals to humans.</p>

<p>The study, published in the journal Science, looked at a second-generation vaccine: one that targets sarbecoviruses.</p>

<p>Sarbecoviruses, part of the large family of coronaviruses, are a priority for virologists after two caused devastating disease in the past two decades: SARS and COVID-19.</p>

<p>The team's approach started with mRNA preventive, which is similar to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines used today.</p>

<p>However, instead of including the mRNA code for only one virus, they welded together mRNA from multiple coronaviruses.</p>

<p>When given to mice, the hybrid vaccine effectively generated neutralising antibodies against multiple spike proteins, which viruses use to latch onto healthy cells,&nbsp;including one associated with B.1.351 variant, which was first identified in South Africa.</p>

<p>"The vaccine has the potential to prevent outbreaks when used as a new variant is detected," said study lead author Ralph Baric, an epidemiologist at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.</p>

<p>The research includes data from mice infected with SARS-CoV and related coronaviruses and the vaccine prevented infection and lung damage in mice.</p>

<p>Additional testing could lead to human clinical trials next year, the researchers said.</p>

<p>"Our findings look bright for the future because they suggest we can design more universal pan coronavirus vaccines to proactively guard against viruses we know are at risk for emerging in humans," said another lead author David Martinez, a postdoctoral researcher at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.</p>

<p>"With this strategy, perhaps we can prevent a SARS-CoV-3," Martinez said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists have developed a universal vaccine that protected mice not just against COVID-19 but also other coronaviruses while triggering the immune system to fight off a dangerous variant.

Scientists have developed a universal vaccine that protected mice not just against COVID-19 but also other coronaviruses while triggering the immune system to fight off a dangerous variant. While no one knows which virus may cause the next outbreak, researchers from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the US noted that coronaviruses remain a threat after causing the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the global COVID-19 pandemic. To prevent a future coronavirus pandemic, the team designed the vaccine to provide protection from the current SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and a group of coronaviruses known to make the jump from animals to humans. The study, published in the journal Science, looked at a second-generation vaccine: one that targets sarbecoviruses. Sarbecoviruses, part of the large family of coronaviruses, are a priority for virologists after two caused devastating disease in the past two decades: SARS and COVID-19. The team's approach started with mRNA preventive, which is similar to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines used today. However, instead of including the mRNA code for only one virus, they welded together mRNA from multiple coronaviruses. When given to mice, the hybrid vaccine effectively generated neutralising antibodies against multiple spike proteins, which viruses use to latch onto healthy cells, including one associated with B.1.351 variant, which was first identified in South Africa. "The vaccine has the potential to prevent outbreaks when used as a new variant is detected," said study lead author Ralph Baric, an epidemiologist at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. The research includes data from mice infected with SARS-CoV and related coronaviruses and the vaccine prevented infection and lung damage in mice. Additional testing could lead to human clinical trials next year, the researchers said. "Our findings look bright for the future because they suggest we can design more universal pan coronavirus vaccines to proactively guard against viruses we know are at risk for emerging in humans," said another lead author David Martinez, a postdoctoral researcher at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. "With this strategy, perhaps we can prevent a SARS-CoV-3," Martinez said. (With inputs from agencies)

Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics

<p>The central government will provide more than 5.6 million&nbsp;vaccine doses to states and Union Territories in the next three days, the health ministry informed on Thursday.</p>

<p>"More than 56,70,350 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states and UTs within the next 3 days," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said.</p>

<p>According to MoHFW, as many as 2,18,28,483 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.</p>

<p>"More than 27.28 crores (27,28,31,900) vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far, through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category," the ministry said in an official statement.</p>

<p>"Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 25,10,03,417 doses (as per data available at 8 am today)," it said."More than 2.18 crore (2,18,28,483) COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered," it added.</p>

<p>The Union Health Ministry further informed that 26,55,19,251 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.</p>

<p>India started the world`s largest vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first.</p>

<p>The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.</p>

<p>India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. Phase 3 of the vaccination drive was started on May 1 for the beneficiaries belonging to the age group 18-44.</p>


The central government will provide more than 5.6 million vaccine doses to states and Union Territories in the next three days, the health ministry informed on Thursday.

The central government will provide more than 5.6 million vaccine doses to states and Union Territories in the next three days, the health ministry informed on Thursday. "More than 56,70,350 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states and UTs within the next 3 days," the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said. According to MoHFW, as many as 2,18,28,483 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "More than 27.28 crores (27,28,31,900) vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far, through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category," the ministry said in an official statement. "Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 25,10,03,417 doses (as per data available at 8 am today)," it said."More than 2.18 crore (2,18,28,483) COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered," it added. The Union Health Ministry further informed that 26,55,19,251 vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive. India started the world`s largest vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. Phase 3 of the vaccination drive was started on May 1 for the beneficiaries belonging to the age group 18-44.

Centre to provide over 5.6mn COVID-19 vaccine doses to states, UTs in next 3 days

<p>Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya institute, expressed hope that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the form of nasal drops would be available by September 2021 or at the beginning of the following year.</p>

<p>According to the scientist who oversaw the creation of the Sputnik V vaccine, Russia has tested a nasal spray form of its COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 8 to 12 and aims to introduce the new medication in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per news reports, Gintsburg stated the spray for youngsters used the same Sputnik V vaccine "except instead of a needle, a nozzle is put on."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are inoculating our little (patients) nasally, we are just administering the same vaccine as a nasal spray," Gintsburg said, without giving further details about the study such as how many children were involved.</p>

<p>Gintsburg also stated that the study group tested the vaccination on youngsters aged eight to twelve and discovered no negative effects, including no increase in body temperature in the test group, as reported by the TASS news agency.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya institute, expressed hope that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the form of nasal drops would be available by September 2021 or at the beginning of the following year.

Alexander Gintsburg, the head of Russia's Gamaleya institute, expressed hope that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the form of nasal drops would be available by September 2021 or at the beginning of the following year. According to the scientist who oversaw the creation of the Sputnik V vaccine, Russia has tested a nasal spray form of its COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 8 to 12 and aims to introduce the new medication in September. As per news reports, Gintsburg stated the spray for youngsters used the same Sputnik V vaccine "except instead of a needle, a nozzle is put on." "We are inoculating our little (patients) nasally, we are just administering the same vaccine as a nasal spray," Gintsburg said, without giving further details about the study such as how many children were involved. Gintsburg also stated that the study group tested the vaccination on youngsters aged eight to twelve and discovered no negative effects, including no increase in body temperature in the test group, as reported by the TASS news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia tests COVID-19 vaccine nasal spray in children, to launch in September: Reports

<p>Sri Lanka would begin the provincial rollout of its COVID-19 vaccination programme on Thursday with the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, a top official heading the country's pandemic response said.</p>

<p>Shavendra Silva, the Army chief and the head of the COVID-19 prevention operations, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday received the latest consignment of 600,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines from China.</p>

<p>“Today (Thursday) the vaccination programme would begin in Kurunegala, Galle and Matara,” Silva said.</p>

<p>The northwestern and southern provincial towns are the first outside the western province to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>By Wednesday night, some 1,461,696 people out of the 21 million population on the island had received their first jab, while 343,976 had received their second.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka rolled out its vaccination programme with India's gift of 500,000 doses of Covishield in January. However, the second jab of the vaccine is currently on hold due to the delay of supplies from India’s Serum Institute.</p>

<p>Later, Sri Lanka received a gift of China's Sinopharm and Russia’s Sputnik V vaccines.</p>

<p>Silva added that the vaccination programme is currently being expedited given the fast-spreading third wave of the pandemic in the country.</p>

<p>He said that since mid-April there have been over 70,000 new infections.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka’s tally of infections as of Wednesday stood at 172,277, while the number of deaths reached 1,298.</p>

<p>The country is currently observing inter-provincial travel restrictions in its effort to contain the new surge.</p>


Sri Lanka would begin the provincial rollout of its COVID-19 vaccination programme on Thursday with the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, a top official heading the country's pandemic response said.

Sri Lanka would begin the provincial rollout of its COVID-19 vaccination programme on Thursday with the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, a top official heading the country's pandemic response said. Shavendra Silva, the Army chief and the head of the COVID-19 prevention operations, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday received the latest consignment of 600,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines from China. “Today (Thursday) the vaccination programme would begin in Kurunegala, Galle and Matara,” Silva said. The northwestern and southern provincial towns are the first outside the western province to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. By Wednesday night, some 1,461,696 people out of the 21 million population on the island had received their first jab, while 343,976 had received their second. Sri Lanka rolled out its vaccination programme with India's gift of 500,000 doses of Covishield in January. However, the second jab of the vaccine is currently on hold due to the delay of supplies from India’s Serum Institute. Later, Sri Lanka received a gift of China's Sinopharm and Russia’s Sputnik V vaccines. Silva added that the vaccination programme is currently being expedited given the fast-spreading third wave of the pandemic in the country. He said that since mid-April there have been over 70,000 new infections. Sri Lanka’s tally of infections as of Wednesday stood at 172,277, while the number of deaths reached 1,298. The country is currently observing inter-provincial travel restrictions in its effort to contain the new surge.

Sri Lanka to begin provincial rollout of COVID-19 vaccine

<p class="MsoNormal">After vaccinating locals against the deadly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, Morocco has decided to vaccinate the prisoners, to ensure no further infection occurs.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Authorities have vaccinated nearly eight million locals with the first dose against coronavirus and almost five million people with both doses, as per official figures.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, the government now wants to make sure the same is done for the prisoners to protect them from the deadly virus, which now has multiple variants.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-migration-crisis-in-spain-triggered-by-a-diplomatic-spat-386618"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-migration-crisis-in-spain-triggered-by-a-diplomatic-spat-386618/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">Morocco has nearly 78 prisons that house close to 85,000 prisoners. Of those, the authorities have decided to launch a campaign to vaccinate at least 4,000 prisoners as soon as possible.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">As of now, all inmates above the age of 45 and those with chronic diseases will be vaccinated against the deadly virus.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This vaccination campaign will aim to safeguard at least 80 per cent of the prisoners, Taoufiq Abtal, the head of health for the prison authority DGAPR, told local reporters.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Calling it a "pioneering operation", he said the vaccination campaign has made “good progress” till now and he is confident the same will continue.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">He also acknowledged the problem of overcrowding in the prisons of the country as some jails have reported an occupancy rate of more than 250 per cent.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Morocco, currently, has kept its borders closed to nearly 54 countries and a night-time curfew has been extended till June 10.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After vaccinating locals against the deadly coronavirus, Morocco has decided to vaccinate the prisoners, to ensure no further infection occurs. Authorities have vaccinated nearly eight million locals with the first dose against coronavirus and almost five million people with both doses, as per official figures.

After vaccinating locals against the deadly coronavirus, Morocco has decided to vaccinate the prisoners, to ensure no further infection occurs. Authorities have vaccinated nearly eight million locals with the first dose against coronavirus and almost five million people with both doses, as per official figures. However, the government now wants to make sure the same is done for the prisoners to protect them from the deadly virus, which now has multiple variants. WATCH | Morocco has nearly 78 prisons that house close to 85,000 prisoners. Of those, the authorities have decided to launch a campaign to vaccinate at least 4,000 prisoners as soon as possible. As of now, all inmates above the age of 45 and those with chronic diseases will be vaccinated against the deadly virus. This vaccination campaign will aim to safeguard at least 80 per cent of the prisoners, Taoufiq Abtal, the head of health for the prison authority DGAPR, told local reporters. Calling it a "pioneering operation", he said the vaccination campaign has made “good progress” till now and he is confident the same will continue. He also acknowledged the problem of overcrowding in the prisons of the country as some jails have reported an occupancy rate of more than 250 per cent. Morocco, currently, has kept its borders closed to nearly 54 countries and a night-time curfew has been extended till June 10. (With inputs from agencies)

'Pioneering operation': Morocco to start vaccinating prisoners against Covid

<p>Secondary school students could be offered Covid-19 vaccinations from September under plans being developed by the NHS, it is claimed, as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged caution on the “last lap” of the fight against coronavirus.</p>

<p>Health officials are drawing up plans to offer the vaccine to children over the age of 12.</p>

<p>We're very close now to turning the corner and I think we still need to be careful to go as I said we don't want to see the gains lost and the sacrifices that have been made undone. By the time we get to June 21, almost all social restrictions will be lifted, so there's only a little bit more time to go but it's right we carefully do that, the minister said.</p>

<p>UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday that the UK is very close to turning the corner in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic and it is important to remain careful in the last lap of the process.</p>

<p>&nbsp;Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reported that health officials are drawing up plans to offer the Pfizer vaccine to secondary school pupils from September.</p>

<p>A document seen by the newspaper said children over the age of 12 could be offered a single dose when the new school year begins.</p>

<p>The move will depend on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has so far focussed on advice only for adults aged 18 and over. The government target is to cover all over-18s with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July-end.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Secondary school students could be offered Covid-19 vaccinations from September under plans being developed by the NHS, it is claimed, as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged caution on the “last lap” of the fight against coronavirus.

Secondary school students could be offered Covid-19 vaccinations from September under plans being developed by the NHS, it is claimed, as Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged caution on the “last lap” of the fight against coronavirus. Health officials are drawing up plans to offer the vaccine to children over the age of 12. We're very close now to turning the corner and I think we still need to be careful to go as I said we don't want to see the gains lost and the sacrifices that have been made undone. By the time we get to June 21, almost all social restrictions will be lifted, so there's only a little bit more time to go but it's right we carefully do that, the minister said. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday that the UK is very close to turning the corner in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic and it is important to remain careful in the last lap of the process. Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reported that health officials are drawing up plans to offer the Pfizer vaccine to secondary school pupils from September. A document seen by the newspaper said children over the age of 12 could be offered a single dose when the new school year begins. The move will depend on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which has so far focussed on advice only for adults aged 18 and over. The government target is to cover all over-18s with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by July-end. (With inputs from agencies)

UK govt plans to give Covid vaccination to children aged 12 and above

<p>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Friday informed that India innoculated more than 2,600,000&nbsp; vaccine doses till 8 pm on Friday, taking the cumulative vaccine coverage to more than 15.48 crore doses.</p>

<p>"The total vaccination across the country has crossed more than 15.48 crore mark. The country has administered more than 26 lakh vaccine doses till 8 pm today," read the press release by the Union Ministry.</p>

<p><strong>Aso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-states-delay-vaccination-drive-due-to-vaccine-shortage-381774" hreflang="en">Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage</a></strong></p>

<p>The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 154,854,096 as per the 8 pm provisional report today.</p>

<p>These include 9,410,892 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 6,240,077 HCWs who have taken the second dose. Adding to the count, 12,548,925 Frontline Workers (FLWs) were administered their dose and 68,11,824 FLWs were administered their second dose.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-indias-covid-crisis-worsens-airlines-double-flights-to-bring-citizens-home-381728" hreflang="en">As India's Covid crisis worsens, airlines double flights to bring citizens home</a></strong></p>

<p>Further, 52,653,077 citizens between 45-60 years were innoculated with their first dose and 3,759,948 citizens between 45-60 were innoculated with their second dose. Mounting ahead, 52,351,313 people above 60 years were given their first jab and 11,078,040 people above 60 years were given their second jab.</p>

<p>Total 2,608,948 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm today, the 105th day of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination. Out of which 1,477,309 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 1,131,639 beneficiaries received the second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report.</p>

<p>Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight.</p>

<p>Also, the vaccination drive for people aged above 18 years is going to commence from tomorrow in various parts of the country.</p>


The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Friday informed that India innoculated more than 2,600,000 vaccine doses till 8 pm on Friday, taking the cumulative vaccine coverage to more than 15.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Friday informed that India innoculated more than 2,600,000 vaccine doses till 8 pm on Friday, taking the cumulative vaccine coverage to more than 15.48 crore doses. "The total vaccination across the country has crossed more than 15.48 crore mark. The country has administered more than 26 lakh vaccine doses till 8 pm today," read the press release by the Union Ministry. Aso read | Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 154,854,096 as per the 8 pm provisional report today. These include 9,410,892 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 6,240,077 HCWs who have taken the second dose. Adding to the count, 12,548,925 Frontline Workers (FLWs) were administered their dose and 68,11,824 FLWs were administered their second dose. Also read | As India's Covid crisis worsens, airlines double flights to bring citizens home Further, 52,653,077 citizens between 45-60 years were innoculated with their first dose and 3,759,948 citizens between 45-60 were innoculated with their second dose. Mounting ahead, 52,351,313 people above 60 years were given their first jab and 11,078,040 people above 60 years were given their second jab. Total 2,608,948 vaccine doses were given till 8 pm today, the 105th day of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination. Out of which 1,477,309 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 1,131,639 beneficiaries received the second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight. Also, the vaccination drive for people aged above 18 years is going to commence from tomorrow in various parts of the country.

India's COVID-19 vaccine coverage surpasses 154,800,000

Which vaccines will work against India's double mutants? What are the challenges facing India's vaccine rollout? WION’s Palki Sharma gets you a full report.

Gravitas: WILL VACCINES WORK AGAINST DOUBLE MUTANTS?

The European Medicines Agency will be announcing its decision on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine usage today.

Coronavirus Vaccine: Johnson & Johnson rollout suspended in United States

<p>The European Union&nbsp;will have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses to cover 70 per cent of its adult population by mid-July due to higher production within the bloc, a senior official said Tuesday.</p>

<p>"Fifty-three factories are producing vaccines in the EU. Our continent is now the largest producer in the world after the United States," internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton told French daily Le Figaro in an interview.</p>

<p>"I am now certain of how many doses are currently in production and I know how many millions will be delivered each week," he said.</p>

<p>"This allows me to assure you that we well have by mid-July the number of doses necessary for vaccinating 70 per cent of the European Union's adult population," he said, citing the threshold many health experts say is necessary to achieve "herd immunity."</p>

<p>European Union governments have faced fierce criticism over the bloc's joint vaccine procurement efforts, which saw a slow start to its inoculation drive even as programmes raced ahead in Britain and the US.</p>

<p>Already half of American adults have had at least one dose, and as of Monday anyone over 18 can sign up for a shot.</p>

<p>In the EU, by contrast, just over 20 percent of adults have received at least one jab, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.</p>

<p>Breton insisted that Europe would catch up in the coming months,&nbsp;with production capacity "that will reach 200 million doses a month by this summer."</p>

<p>But he poured cold water on the idea of using Russia's Sputnik V vaccine anytime soon, after Germany opened discussions with Moscow this month without waiting for coordinated EU action.</p>

<p>The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is evaluating Sputnik's safety and efficiency, but "it still lacks some essential data," Breton said.</p>

<p>And even if approved, "we'll have to find production capacity, because the Russians do not have large production sites and are looking for industrial partners in Europe which are already fully mobilised."</p>

<p>"For all these reasons, I don't think significant quantities of Sputnik will be available for Europe before the end of 2021," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With input from agencies)</em></p>


The European Union will have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses to cover 70 per cent of its adult population by mid-July due to higher production within the bloc, a senior official said Tuesday.

The European Union will have enough Covid-19 vaccine doses to cover 70 per cent of its adult population by mid-July due to higher production within the bloc, a senior official said Tuesday. "Fifty-three factories are producing vaccines in the EU. Our continent is now the largest producer in the world after the United States," internal markets commissioner Thierry Breton told French daily Le Figaro in an interview. "I am now certain of how many doses are currently in production and I know how many millions will be delivered each week," he said. "This allows me to assure you that we well have by mid-July the number of doses necessary for vaccinating 70 per cent of the European Union's adult population," he said, citing the threshold many health experts say is necessary to achieve "herd immunity." European Union governments have faced fierce criticism over the bloc's joint vaccine procurement efforts, which saw a slow start to its inoculation drive even as programmes raced ahead in Britain and the US. Already half of American adults have had at least one dose, and as of Monday anyone over 18 can sign up for a shot. In the EU, by contrast, just over 20 percent of adults have received at least one jab, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Breton insisted that Europe would catch up in the coming months, with production capacity "that will reach 200 million doses a month by this summer." But he poured cold water on the idea of using Russia's Sputnik V vaccine anytime soon, after Germany opened discussions with Moscow this month without waiting for coordinated EU action. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is evaluating Sputnik's safety and efficiency, but "it still lacks some essential data," Breton said. And even if approved, "we'll have to find production capacity, because the Russians do not have large production sites and are looking for industrial partners in Europe which are already fully mobilised." "For all these reasons, I don't think significant quantities of Sputnik will be available for Europe before the end of 2021," he said. (With input from agencies)

EU to have COVID-19 vaccine doses for 70% of adults by mid-July

<p>As the afternoon call to prayer reverberated through the East London Mosque, local residents of all beliefs flocked in to put their faith in science and receive their Covid-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>Medical staff and volunteers escorted patients to their appointment at a temporary vaccination centre in the mosque compound to ensure the lengthy queue moved with the mechanical efficiency of a factory conveyor belt.</p>

<p>The London borough of Tower Hamlets, where the mosque is located, has the highest number of Muslim residents in Britain but doctors are encouraged at the take-up of the vaccine, despite concerns from some that it invalidates the Ramadan fast.</p>

<p>Hasnayn Abbasi, a doctor in charge of the vaccination centre, said getting vaccinated was compatible with fasting during the Islamic holy month, which began this week.</p>

<p>"This isn't anything new, but it's become more prominent because so many people need the jab this year. So we would say, please come and have the jab done," he told AFP.</p>

<p>"Once you do it in a mosque, you immediately cut through that. So we thought, what better place to do it than here, which gives the message out without having to say anything?"</p>

<p><strong>Erroneous claims</strong></p>

<p>Vaccine hesitancy is disproportionately present among some minority groups, even as Britain drives ahead with a mass inoculation campaign that has so far seen more than 32 million people have a Covid jab.</p>

<p>One study indicated that only 59 percent of Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities had taken the vaccine by early February -- well down on the figure for white Britons.</p>

<p>Erroneous claims have circulated, claiming the vaccines contain alcohol and pork, cause infertility and contradict Islamic practices.</p>

<p>But religious figures and medical professionals are working to ensure Muslims get their jabs.</p>

<p>"The (East London Mosque) imams have been giving reminders after prayers, their social media is very strong, it goes on the mosque radio station," said Abbasi.</p>

<p>"We've put it out in our local media outlet, we're working with a council team to send the message out. There are lots of pop-up clinics, we're sending text messages."</p>

<p><strong>'Message getting through'</strong></p>

<p>The pandemic has disproportionately hit ethnic minorities in the UK, where more than 127,000 people in total have died from Covid-19 -- one of the worst tolls in the world and the highest in Europe.</p>

<p>A Public Health England report last year found the risk of dying from Covid-19 among those of Bangladeshi ethnicity was twice that of white British people after accounting for sex, age, deprivation and region.</p>

<p>Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) groups are over-represented in frontline occupations in transport and healthcare, putting them more at risk of contracting Covid and death.</p>

<p>A cross-party parliamentary report in November found that more than 60 percent of black Britons do not believe the state-run National Health Service (NHS) equally protects their health.</p>

<p>And there are fears that pockets of hard-to-reach groups will remain vulnerable to Covid-19 and increase the risk of new variants emerging.</p>

<p>But Abbasi painted a cautiously optimistic picture as Britain's vaccination campaign continues apace.</p>

<p>The UK government met its target of offering a first vaccine dose to all over-50s and the most vulnerable ahead of schedule earlier this week.</p>

<p>As of Wednesday, 32.3 million people have had a first dose of a vaccine and 8.1 million have received a second.</p>

<p>"The message is getting through, we just have to make sure we keep the momentum throughout the month of Ramadan," said Abassi.</p>

<p>"We were hearing of people saying, 'I'll do it at the end of Ramadan'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But for some people, it might be four months, so it's very important, for the vaccine to work correctly, for people to have it done at the right time."</p>


As the afternoon call to prayer reverberated through the East London Mosque, local residents of all beliefs flocked in to put their faith in science and receive their Covid-19 vaccine.

As the afternoon call to prayer reverberated through the East London Mosque, local residents of all beliefs flocked in to put their faith in science and receive their Covid-19 vaccine. Medical staff and volunteers escorted patients to their appointment at a temporary vaccination centre in the mosque compound to ensure the lengthy queue moved with the mechanical efficiency of a factory conveyor belt. The London borough of Tower Hamlets, where the mosque is located, has the highest number of Muslim residents in Britain but doctors are encouraged at the take-up of the vaccine, despite concerns from some that it invalidates the Ramadan fast. Hasnayn Abbasi, a doctor in charge of the vaccination centre, said getting vaccinated was compatible with fasting during the Islamic holy month, which began this week. "This isn't anything new, but it's become more prominent because so many people need the jab this year. So we would say, please come and have the jab done," he told AFP. "Once you do it in a mosque, you immediately cut through that. So we thought, what better place to do it than here, which gives the message out without having to say anything?" Erroneous claims Vaccine hesitancy is disproportionately present among some minority groups, even as Britain drives ahead with a mass inoculation campaign that has so far seen more than 32 million people have a Covid jab. One study indicated that only 59 percent of Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities had taken the vaccine by early February -- well down on the figure for white Britons. Erroneous claims have circulated, claiming the vaccines contain alcohol and pork, cause infertility and contradict Islamic practices. But religious figures and medical professionals are working to ensure Muslims get their jabs. "The (East London Mosque) imams have been giving reminders after prayers, their social media is very strong, it goes on the mosque radio station," said Abbasi. "We've put it out in our local media outlet, we're working with a council team to send the message out. There are lots of pop-up clinics, we're sending text messages." 'Message getting through' The pandemic has disproportionately hit ethnic minorities in the UK, where more than 127,000 people in total have died from Covid-19 -- one of the worst tolls in the world and the highest in Europe. A Public Health England report last year found the risk of dying from Covid-19 among those of Bangladeshi ethnicity was twice that of white British people after accounting for sex, age, deprivation and region. Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority (BAME) groups are over-represented in frontline occupations in transport and healthcare, putting them more at risk of contracting Covid and death. A cross-party parliamentary report in November found that more than 60 percent of black Britons do not believe the state-run National Health Service (NHS) equally protects their health. And there are fears that pockets of hard-to-reach groups will remain vulnerable to Covid-19 and increase the risk of new variants emerging. But Abbasi painted a cautiously optimistic picture as Britain's vaccination campaign continues apace. The UK government met its target of offering a first vaccine dose to all over-50s and the most vulnerable ahead of schedule earlier this week. As of Wednesday, 32.3 million people have had a first dose of a vaccine and 8.1 million have received a second. "The message is getting through, we just have to make sure we keep the momentum throughout the month of Ramadan," said Abassi. "We were hearing of people saying, 'I'll do it at the end of Ramadan'. "But for some people, it might be four months, so it's very important, for the vaccine to work correctly, for people to have it done at the right time."

UK Muslims urged to get Covid-19 jab during Ramadan

<p>India has supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries despite "many constraints" and will continue to share its expertise, experience and resources with the entire humanity in the fight against the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2021, he said India has tried to protect its citizens from the pandemic while trying to support the pandemic response efforts of others.</p>

<p>"During this pandemic, in our humble way, within our limited resources, we in India have tried to walk the talk. We have tried to protect our own 1.3 billion citizens from the pandemic At the same time, we have also tried to support pandemic response efforts of others," he said.</p>

<p>"We understand fully, that mankind will not defeat the pandemic unless all of us, everywhere, regardless of the colour of our passports, come out of it. That is why, this year, despite many constraints, we have supplied vaccines to over 80 countries," he added.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi said the world today is underprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. "This edition of Raisina Dialogue is taking place at a watershed moment in human history. A global pandemic has been ravaging the world for over a year. The last such global pandemic was a century ago," he said.</p>

<p>"Although, humanity has faced many infectious diseases since then. The world today is underprepared to handle the COVID pandemic. Our scientist, researchers and industry have answered some questions. Many solutions have emerged and many more are yet to come," he added.</p>


India has supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries despite "many constraints" and will continue to share its expertise, experience and resources with the entire humanity in the fight against the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

India has supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries despite "many constraints" and will continue to share its expertise, experience and resources with the entire humanity in the fight against the pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Speaking at the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2021, he said India has tried to protect its citizens from the pandemic while trying to support the pandemic response efforts of others. "During this pandemic, in our humble way, within our limited resources, we in India have tried to walk the talk. We have tried to protect our own 1.3 billion citizens from the pandemic At the same time, we have also tried to support pandemic response efforts of others," he said. "We understand fully, that mankind will not defeat the pandemic unless all of us, everywhere, regardless of the colour of our passports, come out of it. That is why, this year, despite many constraints, we have supplied vaccines to over 80 countries," he added. Prime Minister Modi said the world today is underprepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. "This edition of Raisina Dialogue is taking place at a watershed moment in human history. A global pandemic has been ravaging the world for over a year. The last such global pandemic was a century ago," he said. "Although, humanity has faced many infectious diseases since then. The world today is underprepared to handle the COVID pandemic. Our scientist, researchers and industry have answered some questions. Many solutions have emerged and many more are yet to come," he added.

India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 80 countries despite 'many constraints': PM Modi at Raisina Dialogue

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">South Africa has voluntarily suspended the rollout of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine following the announcement made by the Food and Drug Administration to temporarily suspend the J&amp;J vaccine in the US after reports of six females developing blood clots with low platelets there&nbsp;.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">“After this advisory came to my attention, I held urgent consultations with our scientists, who have advised that we cannot take the decision made by the FDA lightly. Based on their advise, we have determined to voluntarily suspend our rollout until the causal relationship between the development of clots and the J&amp;J vaccine is sufficiently interrogated,” Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Health Department said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">Mkhize added that South Africa has not had any reports of clots after vaccination.&nbsp;So far, the country has inoculated 289,787 healthcare workers under the Sisonke Protocol.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-halts-use-of-johnson-johnson-vaccine-due-to-rare-blood-clotting-issues-377302" hreflang="en">US halts use of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine due to rare blood clotting issues</a></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">“Our scientists are confident that the FDA decision is on a precautionary basis and we expect that this will not result in the complete withdrawal of the J&amp;J vaccine from the vaccination armament,” the minister said while adding that he is confident the rollout of J&amp;J will resume.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">A type of brain blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen with low levels of blood platelets in women, who were all between the ages of 18 and 48, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday in a joint statement.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/johnson-johnson-starts-testing-its-covid-vaccine-on-teens-375156" hreflang="en">Johnson &amp; Johnson starts testing its Covid vaccine on teens</a></p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">“We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” the CDC and the FDA said in the statement.</p>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(69, 69, 69)">As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been administered in the US.</p>


South Africa has voluntarily suspended the rollout of Johnson & Johnson vaccine following the announcement made by the Food and Drug Administration to temporarily suspend the J&J vaccine in the US after reports of six females developing blood clots with low platelets there .

South Africa has voluntarily suspended the rollout of Johnson & Johnson vaccine following the announcement made by the Food and Drug Administration to temporarily suspend the J&J vaccine in the US after reports of six females developing blood clots with low platelets there . “After this advisory came to my attention, I held urgent consultations with our scientists, who have advised that we cannot take the decision made by the FDA lightly. Based on their advise, we have determined to voluntarily suspend our rollout until the causal relationship between the development of clots and the J&J vaccine is sufficiently interrogated,” Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Health Department said in a statement. Mkhize added that South Africa has not had any reports of clots after vaccination. So far, the country has inoculated 289,787 healthcare workers under the Sisonke Protocol. Also read: US halts use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to rare blood clotting issues “Our scientists are confident that the FDA decision is on a precautionary basis and we expect that this will not result in the complete withdrawal of the J&J vaccine from the vaccination armament,” the minister said while adding that he is confident the rollout of J&J will resume. A type of brain blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen with low levels of blood platelets in women, who were all between the ages of 18 and 48, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday in a joint statement. Also read: Johnson & Johnson starts testing its Covid vaccine on teens “We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” the CDC and the FDA said in the statement. As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been administered in the US.

South Africa suspends Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine amid clot concerns

European drug regulators are undertaking review of rare blood clots in four people in the United States of America who have received Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine review follows blood clot cases

<p>WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All'&nbsp;as part&nbsp;of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>These stickers are a mode of allowing users to show their appreciation for healthcare workers around the world. The new sticker pack was created in a joint effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO).</p>

<p>To offer verified information on COVID-19, WhatsApp has also joined forces with more than 150 national, state and local governments, as well as organisations including the WHO and UNICEF.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 helplines created on WhatsApp have also started offering vaccine information and registration. The new `Vaccine for All` sticker pack carries 23 particular stickers to WhatsApp, planned in partnership with the WHO.</p>

<p>The stickers are accessible for download to both Android and iOS users and are pointed toward letting people "express the joy, relief, and hope they feel about the possibilities the COVID-19 vaccines offer".</p>

<p>As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the world, the new sticker pack aims to encourage vaccine uptake and represents hope," said Andy Pattison, Team Lead for Digital Channels at WHO was quoted as saying in a statement.</p>

<p>Alongside the stickers, WhatsApp has also added COVID-19 helplines from different governments and organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and more since the beginning of the pandemic.</p>

<p>WhatsApp also said that the administrations in nations including India, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa have begun utilising these helplines to connect citizens to accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and registration.</p>

<p>In India, WhatsApp has cooperated with MyGov to give data related to COVID-19 through a chatbot. The chatbot, called MyGov Corona Helpdesk includes details on COVID-19 vaccines and has surpassed the mark of 30 million users.</p>


WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All' as part of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine.

WhatsApp has rolled out a new sticker pack named 'Vaccines for All' as part of the organisation's endeavours towards spreading mindfulness about the COVID-19 vaccine. These stickers are a mode of allowing users to show their appreciation for healthcare workers around the world. The new sticker pack was created in a joint effort with the World Health Organisation (WHO). To offer verified information on COVID-19, WhatsApp has also joined forces with more than 150 national, state and local governments, as well as organisations including the WHO and UNICEF. The COVID-19 helplines created on WhatsApp have also started offering vaccine information and registration. The new `Vaccine for All` sticker pack carries 23 particular stickers to WhatsApp, planned in partnership with the WHO. The stickers are accessible for download to both Android and iOS users and are pointed toward letting people "express the joy, relief, and hope they feel about the possibilities the COVID-19 vaccines offer". As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the world, the new sticker pack aims to encourage vaccine uptake and represents hope," said Andy Pattison, Team Lead for Digital Channels at WHO was quoted as saying in a statement. Alongside the stickers, WhatsApp has also added COVID-19 helplines from different governments and organisations like the WHO, UNICEF, and more since the beginning of the pandemic. WhatsApp also said that the administrations in nations including India, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa have begun utilising these helplines to connect citizens to accurate COVID-19 vaccine information and registration. In India, WhatsApp has cooperated with MyGov to give data related to COVID-19 through a chatbot. The chatbot, called MyGov Corona Helpdesk includes details on COVID-19 vaccines and has surpassed the mark of 30 million users.

WhatsApp rolls out stickers to spread COVID-19 vaccine awareness: Check out details

<p>More than 36.7 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day coverage till now, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.</p>

<p>Of the 36,71,242 vaccine doses, 33,65,597 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 51,215 sessions for the first dose and 3,05,645 beneficiaries received the second dose of vaccine, the Health Ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>The ministry said this is the highest single-day vaccine coverage till now.</p>

<p>Cumulatively, more than 6.87 crore (6, 87, 89,138) vaccine doses have been administered through 11, 37,456 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Friday.</p>

<p>These include 83,06,269 healthcare workers (1st dose), 52,84,564 HCWs (2nd dose), 93,53,021 frontline workers (1st dose) and 40,97,634 FLWs (2nd Dose), 97,83,615(1st Dose) and 39,401 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities and 3,17,05,893 (1st Dose) and 2,18,741 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 60 years, it said.</p>

<p>Eight states account for 59.58 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far.</p>


More than 36.7 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day coverage till now, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.

More than 36.7 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day coverage till now, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday. Of the 36,71,242 vaccine doses, 33,65,597 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 51,215 sessions for the first dose and 3,05,645 beneficiaries received the second dose of vaccine, the Health Ministry said in a statement. The ministry said this is the highest single-day vaccine coverage till now. Cumulatively, more than 6.87 crore (6, 87, 89,138) vaccine doses have been administered through 11, 37,456 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am on Friday. These include 83,06,269 healthcare workers (1st dose), 52,84,564 HCWs (2nd dose), 93,53,021 frontline workers (1st dose) and 40,97,634 FLWs (2nd Dose), 97,83,615(1st Dose) and 39,401 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 45 years with specific co-morbidities and 3,17,05,893 (1st Dose) and 2,18,741 (2nd dose) beneficiaries aged more than 60 years, it said. Eight states account for 59.58 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far.

India records highest single-day Covid-19 vaccine coverage

<p>Germany is set to limit the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine among people aged 60 and above following reports of a rare brain blood disorder. In addition, the country will limit usage among high-priority groups.</p>

<p>"We have to be able trust the vaccines," Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a press conference on Tuesday.&nbsp; "And transparency is the best way to deal with such a situation," she added.</p>

<p>Merkel acted on the advice of STIKO, country’s vaccine committee. After deliberation, the federal and state governments decided against using the vaccine.</p>

<p>People above 60 who have received one shot may get their second shot or wait until further recommendations come in by the end of April.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/canada-to-pause-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-use-for-those-under-55-374290" hreflang="en">Canada to pause AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine use for those under 55</a></p>

<p>Earlier, STIKO suggested the jab be used only for people aged 60 and above "on the basis of available data on the occurrence of rare but very severe thromboembolic side-effects". In addition, STIKO is considering using a different shot for the second jab.</p>

<p>AstraZeneca responded to the claims saying that safety was its highest priority, while adding that European and UK medical agencies had failed to establish a causal relationship between the vaccine and blood clots.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-asks-astrazeneca-to-catch-up-on-covid-vaccine-deliveries-373240" hreflang="en">EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries</a></p>

<p>AstraZeneca on March 22 announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is 80 per cent effective against the virus among the elderly, and poses no blood clot risks. The numbers came in after phase III trials in the US, as European countries shun AstraZeneca vaccines for fears of blood clots.</p>

<p>Among the overall population, the vaccine was 79 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic coronavirus.&nbsp;In terms of preventing severe disease and hospitalisation, the vaccine showed 100 per cent efficacy.</p>

<p>The US phase III trials of the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had 32,449 participants, out of whom two thirds received the jab, the company’s statement said. Out of these 20 per cent were aged 65 and above, while 60 per cent had health conditions that pose a high risk of severe case of COVID-19.</p>

<p>Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows.</p>

<p>YouGov conducted the poll which found that even by late February, Europeans were wary of the AstraZeneca jab, as opposed to vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Reports of blood clots from vaccines had severely damaged the public perception surrounding the vaccine.</p>


Germany is set to limit the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine among people aged 60 and above following reports of a rare brain blood disorder. In addition, the country will limit usage among high-priority groups.

Germany is set to limit the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine among people aged 60 and above following reports of a rare brain blood disorder. In addition, the country will limit usage among high-priority groups. "We have to be able trust the vaccines," Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a press conference on Tuesday. "And transparency is the best way to deal with such a situation," she added. Merkel acted on the advice of STIKO, country’s vaccine committee. After deliberation, the federal and state governments decided against using the vaccine. People above 60 who have received one shot may get their second shot or wait until further recommendations come in by the end of April. Also read: Canada to pause AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine use for those under 55 Earlier, STIKO suggested the jab be used only for people aged 60 and above "on the basis of available data on the occurrence of rare but very severe thromboembolic side-effects". In addition, STIKO is considering using a different shot for the second jab. AstraZeneca responded to the claims saying that safety was its highest priority, while adding that European and UK medical agencies had failed to establish a causal relationship between the vaccine and blood clots. Also read: EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries AstraZeneca on March 22 announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is 80 per cent effective against the virus among the elderly, and poses no blood clot risks. The numbers came in after phase III trials in the US, as European countries shun AstraZeneca vaccines for fears of blood clots. Among the overall population, the vaccine was 79 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic coronavirus. In terms of preventing severe disease and hospitalisation, the vaccine showed 100 per cent efficacy. The US phase III trials of the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had 32,449 participants, out of whom two thirds received the jab, the company’s statement said. Out of these 20 per cent were aged 65 and above, while 60 per cent had health conditions that pose a high risk of severe case of COVID-19. Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows. YouGov conducted the poll which found that even by late February, Europeans were wary of the AstraZeneca jab, as opposed to vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Reports of blood clots from vaccines had severely damaged the public perception surrounding the vaccine.

Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder

<p>Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, on Wednesday, became the latest Indian celebrity to take the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine.<br />
<br />
The 55-year-old star took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Took my first dose of vaccine today...."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Took my first dose of vaccine today....</p>
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeingSalmanKhan/status/1374701654369394695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Salman Khan had taken the first shot of the Covishield vaccine at Mumbai`s Lilavati hospital.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A picture is doing rounds on social media clicked by a fan where the actor is seen with Dr. Jalil Parkar of Lilavati hospital.<br />
<br />
The `Sultan` actor became the latest addition to the list of celebrities who have taken the vaccination. Earlier stars like Sanjay Dutt, Hema Malini, Anupam Kher, Johnny Lever, Saif Ali Khan, had also received the vaccination shots.<br />
<br />
On a related note, several leading Bollywood stars had contracted the deadly disease earlier. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and others had been infected with the virus earlier.<br />
<br />
Earlier in the day, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan`s spokesperson also confirmed that the actor has tested positive for COVID-19 and said that he is at home in self-quarantine, following all the protocols.The spokesperson of the actor confirmed, "Mr Aamir Khan has tested positive for Covid 19. He is at home in self-quarantine, following all the protocols and he`s doing fine. All those who came in contact with him in the recent past should get themselves tested as a precautionary measure. Thank you for all your wishes and concern."<br />
<br />
In March 2020, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who rose to fame with her song `Baby Doll`, became the first Bollywood celebrity to become a victim of COVID-19.<br />
Meanwhile, on a professional note, Salman Khan will be next seen in his much-anticipated action-thriller `Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai`.<br />
<br />
The movie in which Salman Khan will be seen romancing Disha Patani is slated to hit the cinema screens on 13 May, on the occasion of Eid.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The flick also features Jackie Shroff and Randeep Hooda.Besides this, the `Bharat` star also has `Tiger 3` along with Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi in the pipeline.&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, on Wednesday, became the latest Indian celebrity to take the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. The 55-year-old star took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Took my first dose of vaccine today.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, on Wednesday, became the latest Indian celebrity to take the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. The 55-year-old star took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "Took my first dose of vaccine today...." Took my first dose of vaccine today.... — Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) March 24, 2021 × Salman Khan had taken the first shot of the Covishield vaccine at Mumbai`s Lilavati hospital. A picture is doing rounds on social media clicked by a fan where the actor is seen with Dr. Jalil Parkar of Lilavati hospital. The `Sultan` actor became the latest addition to the list of celebrities who have taken the vaccination. Earlier stars like Sanjay Dutt, Hema Malini, Anupam Kher, Johnny Lever, Saif Ali Khan, had also received the vaccination shots. On a related note, several leading Bollywood stars had contracted the deadly disease earlier. Actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and others had been infected with the virus earlier. Earlier in the day, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan`s spokesperson also confirmed that the actor has tested positive for COVID-19 and said that he is at home in self-quarantine, following all the protocols.The spokesperson of the actor confirmed, "Mr Aamir Khan has tested positive for Covid 19. He is at home in self-quarantine, following all the protocols and he`s doing fine. All those who came in contact with him in the recent past should get themselves tested as a precautionary measure. Thank you for all your wishes and concern." In March 2020, Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who rose to fame with her song `Baby Doll`, became the first Bollywood celebrity to become a victim of COVID-19. Meanwhile, on a professional note, Salman Khan will be next seen in his much-anticipated action-thriller `Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai`. The movie in which Salman Khan will be seen romancing Disha Patani is slated to hit the cinema screens on 13 May, on the occasion of Eid. The flick also features Jackie Shroff and Randeep Hooda.Besides this, the `Bharat` star also has `Tiger 3` along with Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi in the pipeline.

Salman Khan receives COVID-19 vaccine shot in Mumbai

Is the COVID vaccine passport set to become the new norm in 2021 and do we all need to have one soon? This is a pertinent question that is been asked after Israel became the first nation to introduce a certification system allowing those vaccinated against COVID-19 to get entitlement to certain facilities. Everything you need to know about COVID-19 'vaccine passport'.

What is a 'vaccine passport'? All you need to know

<p>AstraZeneca on Monday announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is 80 per cent effective against the virus among the elderly, and poses no blood clot risks. The numbers came in after phase III trials in the US, as European countries shun AstraZeneca vaccines for fears of blood clots.</p>

<p>Among the overall population, the vaccine was 79 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic coronavirus.&nbsp;In terms of preventing severe disease and hospitalisation, the vaccine showed 100 per cent efficacy.</p>

<p>The US phase III trials of the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had 32,449 participants, out of whom two thirds received the jab, the company’s statement said. Out of these 20 per cent were aged 65 and above, while 60 per cent had health conditions that pose a high risk of severe case of COVID-19.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: P</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/public-faith-in-astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccine-across-europe-dips-poll-372147" hreflang="en">ublic faith in AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine across Europe dips: Poll</a></p>

<p>"These findings reconfirm previous results observed in AZD1222 trials across all adult populations but it's exciting to see similar efficacy results in people over 65 for the first time," wrote Ann Falsey, a professor of medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, who also led the trials.<br />
<br />
"This analysis validates the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine as a much-needed additional vaccination option, offering confidence that adults of all ages can benefit from protection against the virus”, the statement added.</p>

<p>In addition, no risks of clots was found among 21,583 participants who had received at least one dose.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/astrazeneca-clarifies-its-vaccine-has-no-pork-derived-ingredients-372044" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients</a><br />
<br />
Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows.</p>

<p>YouGov conducted the poll which found that even by late February, Europeans were wary of the AstraZeneca jab, as opposed to vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Reports of blood clots from vaccines had severely damaged the public perception surrounding the vaccine.</p>


AstraZeneca on Monday announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is 80 per cent effective against the virus among the elderly, and poses no blood clot risks. The numbers came in after phase III trials in the US, as European countries shun AstraZeneca vaccines for fears of blood clots.

AstraZeneca on Monday announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is 80 per cent effective against the virus among the elderly, and poses no blood clot risks. The numbers came in after phase III trials in the US, as European countries shun AstraZeneca vaccines for fears of blood clots. Among the overall population, the vaccine was 79 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic coronavirus. In terms of preventing severe disease and hospitalisation, the vaccine showed 100 per cent efficacy. The US phase III trials of the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University had 32,449 participants, out of whom two thirds received the jab, the company’s statement said. Out of these 20 per cent were aged 65 and above, while 60 per cent had health conditions that pose a high risk of severe case of COVID-19. Also read: Public faith in AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine across Europe dips: Poll "These findings reconfirm previous results observed in AZD1222 trials across all adult populations but it's exciting to see similar efficacy results in people over 65 for the first time," wrote Ann Falsey, a professor of medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, who also led the trials. "This analysis validates the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine as a much-needed additional vaccination option, offering confidence that adults of all ages can benefit from protection against the virus”, the statement added. In addition, no risks of clots was found among 21,583 participants who had received at least one dose. Also read: AstraZeneca clarifies its vaccine has no pork-derived ingredients Confidence in the safety of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has taken a hit in European countries. After reports of rare blood clots made the news, people’s confidence in the vaccine dipped especially in Spain, Germany, France, and Italy, poll data shows. YouGov conducted the poll which found that even by late February, Europeans were wary of the AstraZeneca jab, as opposed to vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Reports of blood clots from vaccines had severely damaged the public perception surrounding the vaccine.

No risk of blood clots, vaccine 100% effective against severe coronavirus: AstraZeneca

Good news came from the vaccine front, United kingdom seems to have kept pace with the inoculation drive. In half of the countries, adults have already received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. UK government plans to vaccinate all adults by the end of July.

Britain government plans to vaccinate all adults by the end of July

<p paraeid="{aab7465c-a7bc-4f1b-9591-fa627390af9f}{154}" paraid="444552104">West Indies’ superstar opener Chris Gayle on Friday thanked Indian PM Narendra Modi for donating COVID-19 vaccine to Jamaica. India has donated as many as 5,00,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Jamaica, a country&nbsp;Gayle and many other world-class athletes hail from.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{92a67f7b-c5c9-497b-afab-075ec0546699}{52}" paraid="644491179" >"PM Modi, the Government of India and the people of India, I want to thank you all for your donation of the vaccine to Jamaica. We appreciate it," Chris Gayle said in a video.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{21cba129-9763-4a5c-8ec5-4b8001ad5a69}{139}" paraid="625292684" >Even the Jamaican Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton thanked the Indian government for their donation of the COVID-19 vaccine as the virus&nbsp;"continues to grapple with its own public health crises caused by the pandemic."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3e2582b5-9462-4d7f-8636-0fd147fc78e1}{141}" paraid="1212170866" >“Our success is, in part, determined by our ability to cooperate and support each other to fill emergent gaps, while seeking to safeguard the best possible health outcomes for our people affected by this threat. We are relying on the public health system and the partnerships we have established to make that possible,”&nbsp;Tufton&nbsp;had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3e2582b5-9462-4d7f-8636-0fd147fc78e1}{141}" paraid="1212170866" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pick-best-xi-for-india-age-should-not-be-criteria-sachin-tendulkar-371646" hreflang="en">Pick best XI for India, age should not be criteria: Sachin Tendulkar</a></strong></p>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3e2582b5-9462-4d7f-8636-0fd147fc78e1}{141}" paraid="1212170866" >Chris Gayle thanks PM Modi for India's donation of COVID-19 vaccine to Jamaica - Watch video</h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle thanks India for sending COVID19 vaccines to Jamaica<br />
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"PM Modi, the Government of India and the people of India, I want to thank you all for your donation of the vaccine to Jamaica. We appreciate it," he says <a href="https://t.co/8iSa3yhYcs">pic.twitter.com/8iSa3yhYcs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1372751542416121856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Not only Gayle but West Indies’ star all-rounder Andre Russell had also issued a video message to thank PM Modi for the donation.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3e2582b5-9462-4d7f-8636-0fd147fc78e1}{176}" paraid="792927322" >"I just want to say a big, big, big thank you to Prime Minister Modi and the India High Commission. The vaccines are here and we are excited. I would love to see the world going back to normal. Jamaica people really appreciate it and just to show that we are more than close, India and Jamaica are now brothers. I appreciate it and stay safe over there. Peace,"&nbsp;Russell, also known as Dre Russ,&nbsp;had said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3e2582b5-9462-4d7f-8636-0fd147fc78e1}{176}" paraid="792927322" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-name-suryakumar-yadav-prasidh-krishna-for-england-odis-check-full-squad-371614" hreflang="en">India name Suryakumar Yadav, Prasidh Krishna for England ODIs - Check full squad</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3e2582b5-9462-4d7f-8636-0fd147fc78e1}{183}" paraid="69540172" >The video was posted by the Indian Embassy in Jamaica.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c8443ab7-c75e-4df5-8fea-815ace1dfeb6}{112}" paraid="1222396196" >Gayle and Russell are among a plethora of players from the West Indies who will be heading to India for the 14th&nbsp;edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The lucrative T20&nbsp;tournament&nbsp;is scheduled to commence from April 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians locking horns with Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d200214-560e-454a-813a-f0b65735f757}{126}" paraid="367648029" >While Gayle will be seen playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021, Russell will be donning Kolkata Knight Riders jersey for the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{311ec942-3e26-4cea-b1cf-6e3c934c2d16}{152}" paraid="738692707" >&nbsp;</p>


West Indies’ superstar opener Chris Gayle on Friday thanked Indian PM Narendra Modi for donating COVID-19 vaccine to Jamaica. India has donated as many as 5,00,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Jamaica, a country Gayle and many other world-class athletes hail from.

West Indies’ superstar opener Chris Gayle on Friday thanked Indian PM Narendra Modi for donating COVID-19 vaccine to Jamaica. India has donated as many as 5,00,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Jamaica, a country Gayle and many other world-class athletes hail from. "PM Modi, the Government of India and the people of India, I want to thank you all for your donation of the vaccine to Jamaica. We appreciate it," Chris Gayle said in a video. Even the Jamaican Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton thanked the Indian government for their donation of the COVID-19 vaccine as the virus "continues to grapple with its own public health crises caused by the pandemic." “Our success is, in part, determined by our ability to cooperate and support each other to fill emergent gaps, while seeking to safeguard the best possible health outcomes for our people affected by this threat. We are relying on the public health system and the partnerships we have established to make that possible,” Tufton had said. ALSO READ: Pick best XI for India, age should not be criteria: Sachin Tendulkar Chris Gayle thanks PM Modi for India's donation of COVID-19 vaccine to Jamaica - Watch video Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle thanks India for sending COVID19 vaccines to Jamaica "PM Modi, the Government of India and the people of India, I want to thank you all for your donation of the vaccine to Jamaica. We appreciate it," he says pic.twitter.com/8iSa3yhYcs — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2021 × Not only Gayle but West Indies’ star all-rounder Andre Russell had also issued a video message to thank PM Modi for the donation. "I just want to say a big, big, big thank you to Prime Minister Modi and the India High Commission. The vaccines are here and we are excited. I would love to see the world going back to normal. Jamaica people really appreciate it and just to show that we are more than close, India and Jamaica are now brothers. I appreciate it and stay safe over there. Peace," Russell, also known as Dre Russ, had said. ALSO READ: India name Suryakumar Yadav, Prasidh Krishna for England ODIs - Check full squad The video was posted by the Indian Embassy in Jamaica. Gayle and Russell are among a plethora of players from the West Indies who will be heading to India for the 14th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The lucrative T20 tournament is scheduled to commence from April 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians locking horns with Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While Gayle will be seen playing for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021, Russell will be donning Kolkata Knight Riders jersey for the tournament.

Watch: West Indies' Chris Gayle thanks PM Narendra Modi for COVID-19 vaccine donation to Jamaica

AstraZeneca jab had left the European Union completely divided over the fear of blood clotting which could lead to further complications resulting in death. But now the European Medicine Agency has confirmed that the vaccine is actually pretty safe.

COVID-19 Vaccine: European Union drug regulator says AstraZeneca jab is safe

The world's largest vaccine manufacturer India has said that it is going ahead with AstraZeneca vaccinations as it has seen no sign that the vaccine causes blood clots among the recipients.

India: AstraZeneca vaccinations will go on full vigour

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