Within a space of few days rollout of Oxford's AstraZeneca vaccine has come to a halt in most major European Nations following unconfirmed concerns that the vaccines cab potentially cause blood clots.

AstraZeneca Update: Major EU Nations halt use of AstraZeneca shot

<p>Australia will not halt the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, country’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday. Many European countries recently banned the vaccine amid reports of serious side-effects.</p>

<p>According to Frydenberg, the European medical regulator, and the World Health Organization (WHO) had both earlier confirmed the efficacy and safety of AstraZeneca’s vaccine.</p>

<p>"So we will continue to proceed with the vaccine rollout of AstraZeneca," Frydenberg told Sky News.</p>

<p>Recently, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine after reports of bleeding, blood clots, and a low platelet count. WHO earlier urged people not to panic, adding that nobody had died from vaccines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/several-countries-halt-astrazeneca-jab-does-the-vaccine-cause-blood-clots-370731" hreflang="en">Several countries halt AstraZeneca jab: Does the vaccine cause blood clots?</a></p>

<p>Australia will inoculate a majority of its 25 million people with the AstraZeneca shot. Authorities have secured 54 million doses so far, with 50 million set to be produced locally starting the end of March.</p>

<p>The country kicked off its vaccination drive in February, way behind many other countries, and began using the AstraZeneca vaccine last week. The country has been praised for how it handled the pandemic, with just 909 deaths and 29,100 cases recorded across the nation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/astrazeneca-finds-no-evidence-of-blood-clotting-risk-as-countries-restrict-use-of-its-vaccine-370461" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca finds no evidence of blood clotting risk as countries restrict use of its vaccine</a></p>

<p>By early April, the Australian government intends to ramp up vaccinations to a million a week, when locally made AstraZeneca vaccines will be rolled out.</p>

<p>AstraZeneca&nbsp;on Sunday claimed that its vaccine has shown no evidence of increased risks of blood clots. The company conducted a review of data among people who received the vaccine to ascertain its safety.</p>

<p>The review took into account&nbsp;17 million people in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and comes in the middle of many countries suspending use of its vaccines amid concerns of clotting issues.</p>


Australia will not halt the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, country’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday. Many European countries recently banned the vaccine amid reports of serious side-effects.

Australia will not halt the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, country’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday. Many European countries recently banned the vaccine amid reports of serious side-effects. According to Frydenberg, the European medical regulator, and the World Health Organization (WHO) had both earlier confirmed the efficacy and safety of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. "So we will continue to proceed with the vaccine rollout of AstraZeneca," Frydenberg told Sky News. Recently, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine after reports of bleeding, blood clots, and a low platelet count. WHO earlier urged people not to panic, adding that nobody had died from vaccines. Also read: Several countries halt AstraZeneca jab: Does the vaccine cause blood clots? Australia will inoculate a majority of its 25 million people with the AstraZeneca shot. Authorities have secured 54 million doses so far, with 50 million set to be produced locally starting the end of March. The country kicked off its vaccination drive in February, way behind many other countries, and began using the AstraZeneca vaccine last week. The country has been praised for how it handled the pandemic, with just 909 deaths and 29,100 cases recorded across the nation. Also read: AstraZeneca finds no evidence of blood clotting risk as countries restrict use of its vaccine By early April, the Australian government intends to ramp up vaccinations to a million a week, when locally made AstraZeneca vaccines will be rolled out. AstraZeneca on Sunday claimed that its vaccine has shown no evidence of increased risks of blood clots. The company conducted a review of data among people who received the vaccine to ascertain its safety. The review took into account 17 million people in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and comes in the middle of many countries suspending use of its vaccines amid concerns of clotting issues.

Australia to continue using AstraZeneca vaccine despite upheaval in Europe

Better and more advanced COVID-19 vaccines are on the horizon. Moderna has announced that it has dosed the first patient with a new COVID-19 vaccine.

Moderna administers doses of COVID-19 'Booster' vaccine

Europe has approved Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine and the first shot is expected to be delivered in the month. Previously vaccine from Pfizer, BioNTech, AstraZeneca Oxford and Moderna had been endorsed by the European Union, however, Johnson & Johnson is the first single-shot vaccine to be approved.

European Union approves Johnson & Johnson's single-shot vaccine

<p>Pfizer-BioNTech's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;has an efficacy of 97 per cent in preventing symptomatic disease, a study based on real-world evidence published on Thursday said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study, conducted by the two pharma giants, also found that the vaccine's prevention against asymptomatic disease also stands at 94 per cent.</p>

<p>For the study, data from January 17 to March 6 from Israel's national vaccination campaign, has been taken.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-finds-uk-covid-19-variant-has-higher-mortality-rate-369630/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>It also showed the vaccine is effective against a highly transmissible Covid-19 strain first found in the UK, known as B.1.1.7. Over 80 per cent of the specimens that were part of the study were of this variant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, since only a few people in Israel have been infected with the South African variant B.1.351, the vaccine's efficacy against this strain could not be found.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This comprehensive real-world evidence ... can be of importance to countries around the world as they advance their own vaccination campaigns one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic," Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement as quoted by news agency AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-may-be-less-effective-in-obesity-study-367008">Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, a similar study which was based on data from between December 20, 2020 and February 1, 2021 had shown the efficacy of 94 per cent in preventing symptomatic cases and 92 per cent in avoiding asymptomatic disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the UK said on Thursday that Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is "safe and effective "after Denmark suspended the jab's use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has an efficacy of 97 per cent in preventing symptomatic disease, a study based on real-world evidence published on Thursday said.

Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has an efficacy of 97 per cent in preventing symptomatic disease, a study based on real-world evidence published on Thursday said. The study, conducted by the two pharma giants, also found that the vaccine's prevention against asymptomatic disease also stands at 94 per cent. For the study, data from January 17 to March 6 from Israel's national vaccination campaign, has been taken. Watch | It also showed the vaccine is effective against a highly transmissible Covid-19 strain first found in the UK, known as B.1.1.7. Over 80 per cent of the specimens that were part of the study were of this variant. However, since only a few people in Israel have been infected with the South African variant B.1.351, the vaccine's efficacy against this strain could not be found. "This comprehensive real-world evidence ... can be of importance to countries around the world as they advance their own vaccination campaigns one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic," Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study Earlier, a similar study which was based on data from between December 20, 2020 and February 1, 2021 had shown the efficacy of 94 per cent in preventing symptomatic cases and 92 per cent in avoiding asymptomatic disease. Meanwhile, the UK said on Thursday that Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is "safe and effective "after Denmark suspended the jab's use. "We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said.

Pfizer vaccine 97% effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 disease: Study

The UK will receive 10 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine which is manufactured in India. The UK has ordered 100 million Astrazeneca doses total out of which 10 million jabs will be delivered by India.

India to deliver 10 million doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to UK

Democrats faces pressure to stick together to pass their COVID relief package. US President Joe Biden has made an aggressive pitch to the Senate Democrats telling them to get behind the $1.9 trillion bill. President Joe Biden has also said that the US will have vaccines for all Americans by May.

President Joe Biden says US will have vaccines for all Americans by May

<p>India's world-cup winning captain Kapil Dev on Wednesday&nbsp;received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;Former Indian all-rounder received the first dose from Fortis Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/empowering-india-against-the-pandemic-ravi-shastri-receives-first-jab-of-covid-19-vaccine-367365" hreflang="en">'Empowering India against the pandemic': Ravi Shastri receives first jab of COVID-19 vaccine</a></p>

<p>Recently, Team India's Head Coach received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The former all-rounder&nbsp;took to Twitter to share the image of him receiving the first dose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the amazing medical professionals &amp; scientists for empowering India against the pandemic," Shastri tweeted along with a photo of him getting the vaccination shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-4th-test-possible-xis-of-india-and-england-as-they-head-to-thrilling-finale-367649" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Possible XI's of India and England as they head to thrilling finale</a></p>

<p>Health authorities in India's national capital are set for the rollout of the second phase of the inoculation drive amid a decline in COVID-19 cases witnessed in the last two months.</p>

<p>Over 13,000 beneficiaries had received the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, the health department said. More than&nbsp;3.6 lakh beneficiaries have received the vaccine since the inoculation drive began a month ago in Delhi.</p>

<p>Health officials said although vaccination will be free at government centres in the capital, a set charge with a cap of Rs 250 per dose can&nbsp;be taken by private facilities.</p>

<p>Under the nationwide vaccination drive launched on January 16, a total of 4,319 health workers were administered the shots at 81 centres across Delhi on the first day.</p>


India's world-cup winning captain Kapil Dev on Wednesday received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Former Indian all-rounder received the first dose from Fortis Hospital.

India's world-cup winning captain Kapil Dev on Wednesday received the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. Former Indian all-rounder received the first dose from Fortis Hospital. ALSO READ: 'Empowering India against the pandemic': Ravi Shastri receives first jab of COVID-19 vaccine Recently, Team India's Head Coach received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The former all-rounder took to Twitter to share the image of him receiving the first dose. "Got the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the amazing medical professionals & scientists for empowering India against the pandemic," Shastri tweeted along with a photo of him getting the vaccination shot. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 4th Test: Possible XI's of India and England as they head to thrilling finale Health authorities in India's national capital are set for the rollout of the second phase of the inoculation drive amid a decline in COVID-19 cases witnessed in the last two months. Over 13,000 beneficiaries had received the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, the health department said. More than 3.6 lakh beneficiaries have received the vaccine since the inoculation drive began a month ago in Delhi. Health officials said although vaccination will be free at government centres in the capital, a set charge with a cap of Rs 250 per dose can be taken by private facilities. Under the nationwide vaccination drive launched on January 16, a total of 4,319 health workers were administered the shots at 81 centres across Delhi on the first day.

Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev receives first jab of COVID-19 vaccine

India is leading the way in Vaccine equity. With rich countries hoarding over a billion doses of excess vaccines - India is vaccinating the developing world while expanding its vaccination programme at home. WION's Molly Gambhir has the details.

Gravitas: India expands its vaccination programme

A Canadian woman made and hung a banner at her house in Toronto when her mother Nina Rockett recently turned 94 years old, demanding for her birthday to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Canadian woman wants COVID-19 vaccine for her mother's 94th birthday

<p>Private hospitals can charge up to Rs 250 ($3.40) per dose of COVID-19 vaccine, official sources said on Saturday as India prepares to vaccinate people aged above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities from March 1.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 vaccine will be given free of cost at government hospitals, while people will need to pay for it at private facilities.</p>

<p>"Rs 250 will be the ceiling -- Rs 150 cost of vaccine plus Rs 100 service charge. This arrangement will remain effective till further orders," a source said.</p>

<p>According to sources, states and union territories have been informed about it.</p>

<p>The Union Health Ministry on Friday had said beneficiaries would be able to self-register in advance by downloading the Co-WIN 2.0 portal and through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu, which will show the government and private hospitals serving as COVID-19 vaccination centres (CVCs) with date and time of the available schedules.</p>

<p>The beneficiary would be able to choose the CVC of his/her choice and book an appointment for vaccination, the ministry said.</p>

<p>There will be facility of on-site registration so that eligible beneficiaries can walk into identified vaccination centres, get themselves registered and inoculated.<br />
"Eligible beneficiaries would be able to register themselves on the Co-WIN platform from March 1 itself," R S Sharma, Chairman of Empowered Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Administration had said.</p>

<p>The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16. This is now to be exponentially expanded to the age-groups --?all citizens above 60 years and those within the age bracket of 45 to 59 years with specified co-morbidities -- from March 1.</p>

<p>During a meeting held on Friday, representatives of states and UTs were explained the basic features of version 2.0 of the digital platform Co-WIN, which is a population-scale software with capacity of processing several thousands of entries.</p>

<p>It was pointed out that all CVCs must?be health facilities which are government health facilities such as sub health centres (SHCs), primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, Sub-Division Hospitals, District Hospitals and Medical College Hospitals or private hospitals empanelled under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PM JAY) and similar State Health Insurance Schemes.</p>

<p>States and UTs were asked to ensure that the private health facilities have adequate space for the vaccination process, as detailed in the comprehensive SOPs issued by the ministry, basic cold chain equipments, their own team of vaccinators and staff, and adequate facility for management of any adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) cases for using them as CVCs.</p>

<p>All beneficiaries, regardless of the mode of access will have to carry any one of the following photo ID documents -- Aadhaar Card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Photo ID card specified at the time of registration in case of online registration (if not Aadhaar or EPIC), certificate of co-morbidity for citizens in age group of 45 years to 59 years (signed by a registered medical practitioner), and employment certificate/Official Identity Card for healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs).<br />
States and UTs on Friday explained the simplified process of registration, which shall be through three routes -- advance self-registration, on-site registration and facilitated cohort registration.</p>

<p>Under the first route, beneficiaries will be able to self register in advance by downloading the Co-WIN 2.0 portal and through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu.<br />
"This will show the government and private hospitals serving as CVCs with date and time of the available schedules. The beneficiary would be able to choose the CVC of his/her choice and book an appointment for vaccination.</p>

<p>"The facility of on-site registration allows those who cannot self register in advance to walk into the identified CVCs and get themselves registered on-site and then vaccinated," the ministry said.</p>

<p>Under the facilitated cohort registration mechanism, the state and UT government will take proactive lead, the ministry said in the statement.</p>

<p>Specific date(s) for COVID-19 vaccination will be decided where target groups of potential beneficiates will be vaccinated. State and health authorities will ensure that that the target groups are actively mobilised and brought to the vaccination centres. ASHAs, ANMs, Panchayati Raj representatives and Women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) will be utilised for mobilising the target groups.</p>

<p>Vaccination will be free of charge at the government vaccination centres. The beneficiary will have to show a photo ID document for proof of age (preferably Aadhaar card or EPIC card) and certificate of co-morbidity (if required). Those taking the COVID vaccine at any designated/empanelled private health facility will have to pay a pre-fixed charge.&nbsp;</p>


Private hospitals can charge up to Rs 250 ($3.40) per dose of COVID-19 vaccine, official sources said on Saturday as India prepares to vaccinate people aged above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities from March 1.

Private hospitals can charge up to Rs 250 ($3.40) per dose of COVID-19 vaccine, official sources said on Saturday as India prepares to vaccinate people aged above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities from March 1. The COVID-19 vaccine will be given free of cost at government hospitals, while people will need to pay for it at private facilities. "Rs 250 will be the ceiling -- Rs 150 cost of vaccine plus Rs 100 service charge. This arrangement will remain effective till further orders," a source said. According to sources, states and union territories have been informed about it. The Union Health Ministry on Friday had said beneficiaries would be able to self-register in advance by downloading the Co-WIN 2.0 portal and through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu, which will show the government and private hospitals serving as COVID-19 vaccination centres (CVCs) with date and time of the available schedules. The beneficiary would be able to choose the CVC of his/her choice and book an appointment for vaccination, the ministry said. There will be facility of on-site registration so that eligible beneficiaries can walk into identified vaccination centres, get themselves registered and inoculated. "Eligible beneficiaries would be able to register themselves on the Co-WIN platform from March 1 itself," R S Sharma, Chairman of Empowered Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Administration had said. The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16. This is now to be exponentially expanded to the age-groups --?all citizens above 60 years and those within the age bracket of 45 to 59 years with specified co-morbidities -- from March 1. During a meeting held on Friday, representatives of states and UTs were explained the basic features of version 2.0 of the digital platform Co-WIN, which is a population-scale software with capacity of processing several thousands of entries. It was pointed out that all CVCs must?be health facilities which are government health facilities such as sub health centres (SHCs), primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, Sub-Division Hospitals, District Hospitals and Medical College Hospitals or private hospitals empanelled under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PM JAY) and similar State Health Insurance Schemes. States and UTs were asked to ensure that the private health facilities have adequate space for the vaccination process, as detailed in the comprehensive SOPs issued by the ministry, basic cold chain equipments, their own team of vaccinators and staff, and adequate facility for management of any adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) cases for using them as CVCs. All beneficiaries, regardless of the mode of access will have to carry any one of the following photo ID documents -- Aadhaar Card, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), Photo ID card specified at the time of registration in case of online registration (if not Aadhaar or EPIC), certificate of co-morbidity for citizens in age group of 45 years to 59 years (signed by a registered medical practitioner), and employment certificate/Official Identity Card for healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers (FLWs). States and UTs on Friday explained the simplified process of registration, which shall be through three routes -- advance self-registration, on-site registration and facilitated cohort registration. Under the first route, beneficiaries will be able to self register in advance by downloading the Co-WIN 2.0 portal and through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu. "This will show the government and private hospitals serving as CVCs with date and time of the available schedules. The beneficiary would be able to choose the CVC of his/her choice and book an appointment for vaccination. "The facility of on-site registration allows those who cannot self register in advance to walk into the identified CVCs and get themselves registered on-site and then vaccinated," the ministry said. Under the facilitated cohort registration mechanism, the state and UT government will take proactive lead, the ministry said in the statement. Specific date(s) for COVID-19 vaccination will be decided where target groups of potential beneficiates will be vaccinated. State and health authorities will ensure that that the target groups are actively mobilised and brought to the vaccination centres. ASHAs, ANMs, Panchayati Raj representatives and Women's Self Help Groups (SHGs) will be utilised for mobilising the target groups. Vaccination will be free of charge at the government vaccination centres. The beneficiary will have to show a photo ID document for proof of age (preferably Aadhaar card or EPIC card) and certificate of co-morbidity (if required). Those taking the COVID vaccine at any designated/empanelled private health facility will have to pay a pre-fixed charge.

COVID-19 vaccine: Private hospitals can charge Rs 250 per dose

The United States has a backlog of six million COVID-19 vaccine doses due to inclement weather, White House officials said at a media briefing on Friday (February 19), adding that the federal government expects to catch up with vaccine distribution by next week.

Delay in COVID-19 inoculations sparks concerns

All adults in Britain will be offered a first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday ahead of a planned announcement on the cautious reopening of the economy from lockdown.

Britain to offer all adults a COVID-19 vaccine by end of July

Russia on Saturday (February 20) approved a third coronavirus vaccine for domestic use, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on state TV, though large-scale clinical trials of the shot, labeled CoviVac and produced by the Chumakov Centre, have yet to begin.

Russia approves its third COVID-19 vaccine

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c0fbee7a-8ca5-4a84-ab6c-a74b57b02258}{82}" paraid="1318257848" >A host of Bangladesh cricketers and support staffers including the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Russell Domingo have been administered COVID-19 vaccines in Dhaka, ahead of the team's departure for New Zealand&nbsp;for their limited-overs international series.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee3865a1-09ef-4bc3-a87a-d005203eb7c3}{245}" paraid="600752029" >Star player Soumya Sarkar was the first&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;cricketer to be vaccinated at the&nbsp;Kurmitola&nbsp;General Hospital and was followed by the likes of&nbsp;Mehidy&nbsp;Hasan, Mohammad Naim and Taskin Ahmed. They were followed by support staffers as special arrangements were made for the overseas coaches. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)&nbsp;director Jalal Yunus was also among those vaccinated as he will be travelling with the team for the New Zealand tour, according to&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a68b072a-334d-48f3-8bb1-c5dbad9c6481}{88}" paraid="401330350" >Whereas some more Bangladeshi cricketers who will be travelling to New Zealand will be vaccinated on February 20 and the BCB will make further arrangements for more vaccines to be administered following the tour, if needed.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6a627e34-9911-433a-b74b-ebb30a1e0a1a}{21}" paraid="391192597" >"The thing about vaccinations is that if you know how helpful it is for you then I think your fear will go. I will not deny that I was afraid.&nbsp;I was not sure whether to take it or not. But after talking to the BCB and finding out that it is normal to have symptoms, it made sense to take it,” Tamim Iqbal said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6a627e34-9911-433a-b74b-ebb30a1e0a1a}{21}" paraid="391192597" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/proud-of-your-success-sachin-tendulkar-reacts-after-virat-kohli-opens-up-about-battle-with-depression-365026" hreflang="en">Proud of your success: Sachin Tendulkar reacts after Virat Kohli opens up about battle with depression</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to Allah, as I have just taken the first doze of Covid-19 Vaccine. Thanks to BCB and the Government of Bangladesh as well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vaccine</a> <a href="https://t.co/QfM51hc4RQ">pic.twitter.com/QfM51hc4RQ</a></p>
— Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) <a href="https://twitter.com/TamimOfficial28/status/1362295047173984262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">National Team Players and Coaching Staff take COVID-19 Vaccine today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/6fhm7cDxRE">pic.twitter.com/6fhm7cDxRE</a></p>
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers/status/1362407326729314306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The&nbsp;Surokkha&nbsp;app was also launched at the same time in the presence of health minister Zahid&nbsp;Maleque&nbsp;and BCB president Nazmul Hassan, and Sarkar was the first to use it.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whopping-inr-6144-crore-in-14-years-of-ipl-auction-salary-money-spent-across-cricketers-globally-365017" hreflang="en">Whopping INR 6144 crore in 14 years of IPL: Auction, salary money spent across cricketers globally</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c409ab7e-79cb-4645-a6b5-ada6ce52d200}{174}" paraid="909242837" >Taskin&nbsp;Ahmed&nbsp;said:&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am feeling quite good after being inoculated," he told Prothom Alo. "There's no physical problem yet. I would like to thank the&nbsp;honourable&nbsp;prime minister and BCB for making it so easily available for us. I urge everyone to be vaccinated. The&nbsp;Surokkha&nbsp;app has also made it a simpler process."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c409ab7e-79cb-4645-a6b5-ada6ce52d200}{183}" paraid="1702001266" >With the Bangladesh government rolling out the vaccination drive earlier in February, more than one million Bangladeshis have taken the vaccines as of now. Notably,&nbsp;India had gifted Bangladesh&nbsp;2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in January.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c409ab7e-79cb-4645-a6b5-ada6ce52d200}{183}" paraid="1702001266" >The Bangladesh team will depart for New Zealand on 23 February to play three ICC Cricket World Cup Super League ODIs and three T20 internationals</p>


A host of Bangladesh cricketers and support staffers including the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Russell Domingo have been administered COVID-19 vaccines in Dhaka, ahead of the team's departure for New Zealand for their limited-overs international series.

A host of Bangladesh cricketers and support staffers including the likes of Tamim Iqbal and Russell Domingo have been administered COVID-19 vaccines in Dhaka, ahead of the team's departure for New Zealand for their limited-overs international series. Star player Soumya Sarkar was the first Bangladesh cricketer to be vaccinated at the Kurmitola General Hospital and was followed by the likes of Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Naim and Taskin Ahmed. They were followed by support staffers as special arrangements were made for the overseas coaches. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director Jalal Yunus was also among those vaccinated as he will be travelling with the team for the New Zealand tour, according to ESPNCricinfo. Whereas some more Bangladeshi cricketers who will be travelling to New Zealand will be vaccinated on February 20 and the BCB will make further arrangements for more vaccines to be administered following the tour, if needed. "The thing about vaccinations is that if you know how helpful it is for you then I think your fear will go. I will not deny that I was afraid. I was not sure whether to take it or not. But after talking to the BCB and finding out that it is normal to have symptoms, it made sense to take it,” Tamim Iqbal said. ALSO READ: Proud of your success: Sachin Tendulkar reacts after Virat Kohli opens up about battle with depression Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to Allah, as I have just taken the first doze of Covid-19 Vaccine. Thanks to BCB and the Government of Bangladesh as well. #vaccine pic.twitter.com/QfM51hc4RQ — Tamim Iqbal Khan (@TamimOfficial28) February 18, 2021 × National Team Players and Coaching Staff take COVID-19 Vaccine today.#BCB pic.twitter.com/6fhm7cDxRE — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 18, 2021 × The Surokkha app was also launched at the same time in the presence of health minister Zahid Maleque and BCB president Nazmul Hassan, and Sarkar was the first to use it. ALSO READ: Whopping INR 6144 crore in 14 years of IPL: Auction, salary money spent across cricketers globally Taskin Ahmed said: "I am feeling quite good after being inoculated," he told Prothom Alo. "There's no physical problem yet. I would like to thank the honourable prime minister and BCB for making it so easily available for us. I urge everyone to be vaccinated. The Surokkha app has also made it a simpler process." With the Bangladesh government rolling out the vaccination drive earlier in February, more than one million Bangladeshis have taken the vaccines as of now. Notably, India had gifted Bangladesh 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in January. The Bangladesh team will depart for New Zealand on 23 February to play three ICC Cricket World Cup Super League ODIs and three T20 internationals

New Zealand-bound Bangladesh cricketers, staff administered COVID-19 vaccines

<p>Sri Lanka will purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, officials here have said.</p>

<p>In January, under India's neighbourhood first policy, Sri Lanka received 500,000 doses of free vaccines.</p>

<p>They were administered as a priority to frontline health workers and members of the Armed forces.</p>

<p>The State Pharmaceutical Corporation has signed the order with Serum Institute of India (SII) for 10 million doses, officials said.</p>

<p>This agreement has been approved by the Attorney General on Monday. Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield is being manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute.</p>

<p>The SII has collaborated with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for making the vaccine.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the vaccination was extended to the general public and MPs.</p>

<p>About 250,000 out of 500,000 Oxford AstraZeneca Covishield vaccines have been administered so far, General Shavendra Silva, the Army chief who heads the COVID-19 prevention operations said on Friday.</p>

<p>He said the WHO has assured Sri Lanka that it would provide vaccines for 20 per cent of the local population free of charge.</p>

<p>He added that China and Russia had also agreed to donate vaccines to the local population. The Indian Army and the Russian military have also agreed to provide a number of vaccines to the Sri Lankan military.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka has recorded 78,420 cases by last night with 71,000 of them have recovered. At least 430 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak in mid-March last year.</p>

<p>India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines.</p>

<p>India has sent consignments of domestically produced coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles.</p>

<p>It is also undertaking commercial supplies of the doses to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco.</p>


Sri Lanka will purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, officials here have said. In January, under India's neighbourhood first policy, Sri Lanka received 500,000 doses of free vaccines.

Sri Lanka will purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, officials here have said. In January, under India's neighbourhood first policy, Sri Lanka received 500,000 doses of free vaccines. They were administered as a priority to frontline health workers and members of the Armed forces. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation has signed the order with Serum Institute of India (SII) for 10 million doses, officials said. This agreement has been approved by the Attorney General on Monday. Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield is being manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute. The SII has collaborated with Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for making the vaccine. Earlier this week, the vaccination was extended to the general public and MPs. About 250,000 out of 500,000 Oxford AstraZeneca Covishield vaccines have been administered so far, General Shavendra Silva, the Army chief who heads the COVID-19 prevention operations said on Friday. He said the WHO has assured Sri Lanka that it would provide vaccines for 20 per cent of the local population free of charge. He added that China and Russia had also agreed to donate vaccines to the local population. The Indian Army and the Russian military have also agreed to provide a number of vaccines to the Sri Lankan military. Sri Lanka has recorded 78,420 cases by last night with 71,000 of them have recovered. At least 430 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak in mid-March last year. India is one of the world's biggest drugmakers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines. India has sent consignments of domestically produced coronavirus vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mauritius and Seychelles. It is also undertaking commercial supplies of the doses to a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Brazil and Morocco.

Sri Lanka to procure 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from India: Official

<p>India's exports of the COVID-19 vaccine stood at around Rs 338 crore till February 8, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.</p>

<p>The exports include grant of the vaccine doses to friendly countries and commercial shipments. Replying to supplementary questions in the House, Goyal said exports of the vaccine started in January.</p>

<p>India is taking care of the domestic vaccine requirement first and based on that "giving vaccines to friendly countries," he said.</p>

<p>"Total export is about Rs 338 crore worth of COVID vaccine," the minister said.</p>

<p>Giving details, Goyal said the export of Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Insitute of India, Pune as Government of India grant stood at 62.7 lakh doses with FoB (free on board) value of about Rs 125.4 crore.</p>

<p>Paid exports of 1.05 crore doses were valued at about Rs 213.32 crore.</p>

<p>Goyal said the government has granted permission to the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech International Limited, Hyderabad for manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines.</p>

<p>Close coordination is being maintained through regular interaction between relevant departments of the Government of India and vaccine manufacturers to ensure adequate availability of COVID-19 vaccines for the national vaccination program, he added.</p>

<p>The minister further said the health ministry is working along with all states, and the Prime Minister is also interacting with all states. Highest priority for vaccination has been given to healthcare and frontline workers by the government, Goyal said.&nbsp;</p>


India's exports of the COVID-19 vaccine stood at around Rs 338 crore till February 8, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

India's exports of the COVID-19 vaccine stood at around Rs 338 crore till February 8, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The exports include grant of the vaccine doses to friendly countries and commercial shipments. Replying to supplementary questions in the House, Goyal said exports of the vaccine started in January. India is taking care of the domestic vaccine requirement first and based on that "giving vaccines to friendly countries," he said. "Total export is about Rs 338 crore worth of COVID vaccine," the minister said. Giving details, Goyal said the export of Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Insitute of India, Pune as Government of India grant stood at 62.7 lakh doses with FoB (free on board) value of about Rs 125.4 crore. Paid exports of 1.05 crore doses were valued at about Rs 213.32 crore. Goyal said the government has granted permission to the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech International Limited, Hyderabad for manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines. Close coordination is being maintained through regular interaction between relevant departments of the Government of India and vaccine manufacturers to ensure adequate availability of COVID-19 vaccines for the national vaccination program, he added. The minister further said the health ministry is working along with all states, and the Prime Minister is also interacting with all states. Highest priority for vaccination has been given to healthcare and frontline workers by the government, Goyal said.

India has exported vaccines worth Rs 338 crore: Government declares in Parliament

<p>Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have had their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office Clarence House said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Charles, 72, joins his mother Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who had the shots in January, in having a first dose of the vaccines which are currently being rolled out to millions across Britain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have had their first COVID-19 vaccinations," Clarence House said in a brief statement, declining to elaborate on when Charles and Camilla, 73, received the shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prince tested positive for the coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic in March last year but said he was fortunate to have suffered only relatively mild symptoms and returned to good health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Britain has delivered vaccine shots to about 13 million people and is on course to reach those in its top four priority groups, which includes all those over 70, by next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last December, while visiting a vaccination centre near his home in west England, Charles said he would be "way down the list" for a shot but would "absolutely" have one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the royal family resist giving out details of such health issues, saying they are a private matter but have decided to make public their vaccinations to avoid any speculation.&nbsp;</p>


Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have had their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office Clarence House said on Wednesday. Charles, 72, joins his mother Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who had the shots in January, in having a first dose of the vaccines which are currently being rolled out to millions across Britain.

Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have had their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office Clarence House said on Wednesday. Charles, 72, joins his mother Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who had the shots in January, in having a first dose of the vaccines which are currently being rolled out to millions across Britain. "The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have had their first COVID-19 vaccinations," Clarence House said in a brief statement, declining to elaborate on when Charles and Camilla, 73, received the shot. The prince tested positive for the coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic in March last year but said he was fortunate to have suffered only relatively mild symptoms and returned to good health. So far, Britain has delivered vaccine shots to about 13 million people and is on course to reach those in its top four priority groups, which includes all those over 70, by next week. Last December, while visiting a vaccination centre near his home in west England, Charles said he would be "way down the list" for a shot but would "absolutely" have one. Usually, the royal family resist giving out details of such health issues, saying they are a private matter but have decided to make public their vaccinations to avoid any speculation.

Prince Charles, wife Camilia receive Covid-19 vaccine 

South Africa has halted the roll-out of AstraZeneca vaccine in fight against COVID-19 on a temporary basis, as the study showed minimal protection against Coronavirus.

South Africa halts the roll-out of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on temporarily basis

<p>Pharma major Pfizer on Friday said it has decided to withdraw its application for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine in India.</p>

<p>Pfizer was the first pharmaceutical firm to seek an emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its COVID-19 vaccine in the country, after it secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain.</p>

<p>"In pursuance of the Emergency Use Authorisation of its COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer participated in the Subject Expert Committee meeting of the Drug Regulatory Authority of India on February 3. Based on the deliberations at the meeting and our understanding of additional information that the regulator may need, the company has decided to withdraw its application at this time," a company spokesperson said in a statement.</p>

<p>Pfizer will continue to engage with the authority and resubmit its approval request with additional information as it becomes available in the near future, the statement said.</p>

<p>"Pfizer remains committed to making its vaccine available for use by the Government in India and to pursuing the requisite pathway for emergency use authorisation that enables the availability of this vaccine for any future deployment," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Pfizer in its application submitted to the drug regulator in December 2020, had sought permission to import the vaccine for sale and distribution in India, besides waiver of clinical trials on Indian population in accordance with the special provisions under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, official sources had said.</p>


Pharma major Pfizer on Friday said it has decided to withdraw its application for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine in India. Pfizer was the first pharmaceutical firm to seek an emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its COVID-19 vaccine in the country, after it secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain.

Pharma major Pfizer on Friday said it has decided to withdraw its application for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine in India. Pfizer was the first pharmaceutical firm to seek an emergency use authorisation from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for its COVID-19 vaccine in the country, after it secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain. "In pursuance of the Emergency Use Authorisation of its COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer participated in the Subject Expert Committee meeting of the Drug Regulatory Authority of India on February 3. Based on the deliberations at the meeting and our understanding of additional information that the regulator may need, the company has decided to withdraw its application at this time," a company spokesperson said in a statement. Pfizer will continue to engage with the authority and resubmit its approval request with additional information as it becomes available in the near future, the statement said. "Pfizer remains committed to making its vaccine available for use by the Government in India and to pursuing the requisite pathway for emergency use authorisation that enables the availability of this vaccine for any future deployment," the spokesperson said. Pfizer in its application submitted to the drug regulator in December 2020, had sought permission to import the vaccine for sale and distribution in India, besides waiver of clinical trials on Indian population in accordance with the special provisions under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, official sources had said.

COVID-19 vaccine: Pfizer withdraws Emergency Use Authorisation application in India

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday (February 1) defended her government against criticism that Germany's vaccine roll-out was too slow, saying that there had been a good reason for Europe's modest pace compared to other regions.

Merkel vows to offer all Germans COVID-19 vaccine by end-summer

South Africa welcomed its first batch of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Vice President David Mabuza, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Indian High Commissioner to South Africa, Jaideep Sarkar received the first consignment of one million jabs of the vaccine.

South Africa welcomes its first batch of coronavirus vaccine from India

The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement to increase the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit for the insurance sector is a welcome move.

Budget 2021: Increase in FDI limit in insurance sector a welcome move

On being asked to BBC former senior journalist Andrew Whitehead over gigantic allocation to healthcare sector in this budget, he says 'It's a good and important step, but we have to remember two things; firstly it would be India's spending over healthcare that is still very low as compared to many nations with 10% of their GDP, Secondly, allocation of 35,000 crores to Covid vaccine could be a radical turning point as far as India's health sector is concerned'.

Budget 2021: Rs 35,000 crore allotted for Covid-19 vaccines

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{850d635f-65cc-48be-be38-58c307a66ee6}{19}" paraid="1056642436" >With the conclusion of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host&nbsp;senior men's, senior women's and Under-19 men's 50-over competitions along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While India has fought the battle against COVID-19 bravely, the BCCI is reportedly looking to get its players vaccinated as early as possible to&nbsp;continue hosting tournaments without a hitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{59e04239-c024-4196-8440-936727544d8d}{118}" paraid="276807816" >The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination has already started a couple of weeks back with frontline workers and sanitation workers first in the line to be vaccinated. According to a report in&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI is in touch with the government in a&nbsp;bid to&nbsp;get its players vaccinated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ce06ae54-0021-42ba-a26f-742f471a9c46}{207}" paraid="808553723" >Since cricket has resumed after a prolonged break due to COVID-19, players and staff are undergoing strict quarantine before the start of a series and are required to&nbsp;follow all the health protocols inside the bio-secure bubble.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ce06ae54-0021-42ba-a26f-742f471a9c46}{207}" paraid="808553723" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/government-allocates-inr-282692-crore-to-sports-budget-360684" hreflang="en">Government allocates INR 2826.92 crore to sports budget</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c8e950ed-2002-4083-aaf0-78b809f70e15}{94}" paraid="1593076736" >"It is tough but at least this way we are getting to play. We are working on getting our players vaccinated. The government's directive is that frontline workers and the most vulnerable will be the first to get vaccinated, but we are in touch with the government to get our players vaccinated," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal&nbsp;was quoted as&nbsp;saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ce06ae54-0021-42ba-a26f-742f471a9c46}{243}" paraid="2146658458" >While a full-fledged home series against England is set to commence on February 5, there are high chances that fans would be back inside the stadium, from second Test onwards, with a 50 per cent capacity allowance.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ce06ae54-0021-42ba-a26f-742f471a9c46}{243}" paraid="2146658458" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-gautam-gambhir-predicts-scoreline-of-test-series-360669" hreflang="en">India vs England: Gautam Gambhir predicts scoreline of Test series</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{252c2d32-30d0-438d-be7f-493320bfbef7}{6}" paraid="1742007415" >Meanwhile, after all the frontline workers, senior citizens with comorbidities would be next in the line to get COVID-19 vaccination and it would be interesting to see what the government decides after talks with the BCCI.&nbsp;</p>


With the conclusion of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host senior men's, senior women's and Under-19 men's 50-over competitions along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

With the conclusion of Syed Mushtaq Ali T20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host senior men's, senior women's and Under-19 men's 50-over competitions along with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While India has fought the battle against COVID-19 bravely, the BCCI is reportedly looking to get its players vaccinated as early as possible to continue hosting tournaments without a hitch. The first phase of COVID-19 vaccination has already started a couple of weeks back with frontline workers and sanitation workers first in the line to be vaccinated. According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI is in touch with the government in a bid to get its players vaccinated. Since cricket has resumed after a prolonged break due to COVID-19, players and staff are undergoing strict quarantine before the start of a series and are required to follow all the health protocols inside the bio-secure bubble. ALSO READ: Government allocates INR 2826.92 crore to sports budget "It is tough but at least this way we are getting to play. We are working on getting our players vaccinated. The government's directive is that frontline workers and the most vulnerable will be the first to get vaccinated, but we are in touch with the government to get our players vaccinated," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying. While a full-fledged home series against England is set to commence on February 5, there are high chances that fans would be back inside the stadium, from second Test onwards, with a 50 per cent capacity allowance. ALSO READ: India vs England: Gautam Gambhir predicts scoreline of Test series Meanwhile, after all the frontline workers, senior citizens with comorbidities would be next in the line to get COVID-19 vaccination and it would be interesting to see what the government decides after talks with the BCCI.

BCCI in touch with government to get Indian cricketers vaccinated: Report

<p>The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans.</p>

<p>"No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated,"&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;spokesman John Kirby tweeted. "We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe.</p>
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1355600353086025731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba houses detainees in the US "war on terror," including top Al-Qaeda figure and alleged 9/11 attack planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.</p>

<p>The reversal comes days after the Defense Department said it would offer coronavirus vaccines "on a voluntary basis" to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the prison in Cuba, with the rollout possibly coming as soon as next week.</p>

<p>The plan had been met with fierce pushback, particularly by Republican lawmakers, before it was paused, especially in light of vaccine shortages across the country.</p>

<p>"It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Representative Elise Stefanik tweeted prior to Kirby's Saturday announcement.</p>

<p>"Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind and&nbsp;Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine," added Representative Dan Bishop, citing Biden's repeated calls for unity.</p>
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<p>The United States has been the world's hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, in absolute terms, with 436,000 deaths and nearly 26 million cases.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden has pledged to vaccine 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office, but so far the country's mass inoculation drive has been beset by stumbles, including a shortfall in vaccines and widespread technical difficulties for eligible Americans trying to make appointments.</p>

<p>According to health officials, the US has so far administered just under 30 million of the nearly 50 million doses distributed in the country.</p>


The Pentagon said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans.

The Pentagon said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans. "No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby tweeted. "We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe." No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe. — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) January 30, 2021 × The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba houses detainees in the US "war on terror," including top Al-Qaeda figure and alleged 9/11 attack planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The reversal comes days after the Defense Department said it would offer coronavirus vaccines "on a voluntary basis" to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the prison in Cuba, with the rollout possibly coming as soon as next week. The plan had been met with fierce pushback, particularly by Republican lawmakers, before it was paused, especially in light of vaccine shortages across the country. "It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Representative Elise Stefanik tweeted prior to Kirby's Saturday announcement. "Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind and Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine," added Representative Dan Bishop, citing Biden's repeated calls for unity. The United States has been the world's hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, in absolute terms, with 436,000 deaths and nearly 26 million cases. President Joe Biden has pledged to vaccine 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office, but so far the country's mass inoculation drive has been beset by stumbles, including a shortfall in vaccines and widespread technical difficulties for eligible Americans trying to make appointments. According to health officials, the US has so far administered just under 30 million of the nearly 50 million doses distributed in the country.

Pentagon pauses plan to give COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay

The European Union failed to make a breakthrough in crisis talks with AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

European Union demands AstraZeneca plan to break vaccine deadlock

Despite "very strong demand" and a "reliable" organisation, the anti-Covid vaccination centre at Salle de la Bourse in Strasbourg is at a standstill, "because of a lack of vaccines," explains deputy mayor Alexandre Feltz.

Vaccines shortage leaves Strasbourg anti-COVID clinic at standstill

The European Union health commissioner said that AstraZeneca had provided insufficient clarification at a meeting on Monday (January 25) on its decision to slow down supplies of COVID-19 vaccines to the EU.

European Union reminds AstraZeneca of its contract obligations

Moderna Inc said on Monday it believes its COVID-19 vaccine protects against new variants found in Britain and South Africa, although it will test a new booster shot aimed at the South African variant after concluding the antibody response could be diminished.

Moderna says it believes vaccine will work against new variants

<p>Samuel L. Jackson is the latest celebrity to receive the COVID-19&nbsp;vaccination. Recently, Samuel L. Jackson took to his Instagram account to let his followers know that he had been vaccinated against COVID-19.</p>

<p>The 72-year-old actor shared a duo of images to show that he had arrived at The Forum in Inglewood to receive his dose. In his second image, the&nbsp;actor could be seen wearing an Avengers-themed face mask.&nbsp;<br />
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<p>He wrote in the caption for the two photos: 'At The Forum getting that 1st jab!!'&nbsp;He’s played Avengers founder and S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury — mentioned on the lower left side of his face — since 2008’s Iron Man, appearing in 11 Marvel films as the eyepatch-wearing character.</p>

<p>Jackson shared his excitement for getting his “first jab,” adding the hashtag “#LookOutWorldBoutToBustBackOut” to his caption. Other celebrities who have gotten the first vaccination include Steve Martin, Joan Collins, Martha Stewart, and Ian McKellen.</p>


Samuel L. Jackson is the latest celebrity to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Recently, Samuel L. Jackson took to his Instagram account to let his followers know that he had been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Samuel L. Jackson is the latest celebrity to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Recently, Samuel L. Jackson took to his Instagram account to let his followers know that he had been vaccinated against COVID-19. The 72-year-old actor shared a duo of images to show that he had arrived at The Forum in Inglewood to receive his dose. In his second image, the actor could be seen wearing an Avengers-themed face mask. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samuel L Jackson (@samuelljackson) × He wrote in the caption for the two photos: 'At The Forum getting that 1st jab!!' He’s played Avengers founder and S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury — mentioned on the lower left side of his face — since 2008’s Iron Man, appearing in 11 Marvel films as the eyepatch-wearing character. Jackson shared his excitement for getting his “first jab,” adding the hashtag “#LookOutWorldBoutToBustBackOut” to his caption. Other celebrities who have gotten the first vaccination include Steve Martin, Joan Collins, Martha Stewart, and Ian McKellen.

Samuel L Jackson receives COVID-19 vaccination

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