In the last 24 hours, India reported 21,257 fresh COVID-19&nbsp;cases and 271 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said in its latest update on Friday.

 
With the new fatalities, the country's overall death toll has increased to 4,50,127, according to the Ministry.

Also in the same period, a total of 24,963 patients recovered, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,25,2210.

India's recovery rate currently stands at 97.96 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-2367-million-419033">Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million</a>

The active caseload is presently 2,40,221, which is the lowest in 205 days.

Active cases presently constitute 0.71 per cent of the country's total positive cases.

The weekly positivity rate at 1.64 per cent, remains less than 3 per cent for the last 105 days now, while the daily positivity rate is 1.53 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for the last 39 days and below 5 per cent for 122 consecutive days now.

The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,85,706 tests being conducted, taking the cumulative total to over 58 crore.

With 50,17,753 vaccine doses administered in the same duration, India's COVID-19 inoculation coverage crossed the 93 crore mark as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Friday.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uk-in-talks-for-early-resolution-on-covid-travel-rules-row-417581">&nbsp;India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row</a>

This has been achieved through 90,68,525 sessions.

Over 94.86 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through the Centre as well as the direct state procurement category.

However, more than 8.22 cr unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, the Health Ministry said.

In the last 24 hours, India reported 21,257 fresh COVID-19 cases and 271 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said in its latest update on Friday. With the new fatalities, the country's overall death toll has increased to 4,50,127, according to the Ministry.

In the last 24 hours, India reported 21,257 fresh COVID-19 cases and 271 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said in its latest update on Friday. With the new fatalities, the country's overall death toll has increased to 4,50,127, according to the Ministry. Also in the same period, a total of 24,963 patients recovered, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,25,2210. India's recovery rate currently stands at 97.96 per cent, the highest since March 2020. Also Read | Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million The active caseload is presently 2,40,221, which is the lowest in 205 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.71 per cent of the country's total positive cases. The weekly positivity rate at 1.64 per cent, remains less than 3 per cent for the last 105 days now, while the daily positivity rate is 1.53 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for the last 39 days and below 5 per cent for 122 consecutive days now. The last 24 hours saw a total of 13,85,706 tests being conducted, taking the cumulative total to over 58 crore. With 50,17,753 vaccine doses administered in the same duration, India's COVID-19 inoculation coverage crossed the 93 crore mark as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Friday. Also Read | India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row This has been achieved through 90,68,525 sessions. Over 94.86 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through the Centre as well as the direct state procurement category. However, more than 8.22 cr unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, the Health Ministry said.

India logs 21,257 new Covid cases, 271 deaths

A total of 24,602 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,00,258. India`s recovery rate stands at 97.95 per cent - the highest since March 2020.

The active caseload is presently 2,44,198, which is the lowest in 204 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.72 per cent of the country`s total positive cases.

Meanwhile, the fresh deaths have taken the toll to 4,49,856, as per the Health Ministry data.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-covid-testing-kits-recalled-that-delivered-false-positives-418697">Thousands of Covid testing kits recalled that delivered false positives</a>

The weekly positivity rate, at 1.68 per cent, remains less than 3 per cent for the last 104 days now, while the daily positivity rate is 1.57 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 38 days and below 5 per cent for 121 consecutive days now.

The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,31,819 tests being conducted, taking the cumulative total to over 57.86 crore.

With 43,09,525 vaccine doses administered in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed the 92.63 crore mark as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Thursday. This has been achieved through 90,14,182 sessions.

Over 93.94 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through the Centre as well as the direct state procurement category. However, more than 7.64 cr unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, the Health Ministry data said

A total of 24,602 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,00,258. India`s recovery rate stands at 97.95 per cent - the highest since March 2020.

A total of 24,602 patients recovered in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally of recoveries to 3,32,00,258. India`s recovery rate stands at 97.95 per cent - the highest since March 2020. The active caseload is presently 2,44,198, which is the lowest in 204 days. Active cases presently constitute 0.72 per cent of the country`s total positive cases. Meanwhile, the fresh deaths have taken the toll to 4,49,856, as per the Health Ministry data. Also Read | Thousands of Covid testing kits recalled that delivered false positives The weekly positivity rate, at 1.68 per cent, remains less than 3 per cent for the last 104 days now, while the daily positivity rate is 1.57 per cent, having remained below 3 per cent for last 38 days and below 5 per cent for 121 consecutive days now. The last 24 hours saw a total of 14,31,819 tests being conducted, taking the cumulative total to over 57.86 crore. With 43,09,525 vaccine doses administered in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed the 92.63 crore mark as per provisional reports till 7 a.m. on Thursday. This has been achieved through 90,14,182 sessions. Over 93.94 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs so far through the Centre as well as the direct state procurement category. However, more than 7.64 cr unutilised vaccine doses are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, the Health Ministry data said

India logs 22,431 new COVID-19 cases, 318 deaths

None of the data on coronavirus vaccines so far provides credible evidence in support of boosters for the general population, according to a review published Monday by an international group of scientists, including some at the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.

The 18 authors include Dr. Philip Krause and Marion Gruber, FDA scientists who announced last month that they will be leaving the agency, at least in part because they disagreed with the Biden administration’s push for boosters before federal scientists could review the evidence and make recommendations.

The administration has proposed administering vaccine boosters eight months after the initial shots. But many scientists have opposed the plan, saying the vaccines continue to be powerfully protective against severe illness and hospitalization. A committee of advisers to the FDA is scheduled to meet Friday to review the data.

In the new review, published in The Lancet, experts said that whatever advantage boosters provide would not outweigh the benefit of using those doses to protect the billions of people who remain unvaccinated worldwide. Boosters may be useful in some people with weak immune systems, they said, but are not yet needed for the general population.

Several studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including three Friday, suggest that while efficacy against infection with the delta variant seems to wane slightly over time, the vaccines hold steady against severe illness in all age groups. Only in people older than 75 do the vaccines show some weakening in protection against hospitalization.

Immunity conferred by vaccines relies on protection both from antibodies and from immune cells. Although the levels of antibodies may wane over time — and raise the risk of infection — the body’s memory of the virus is long-lived.

The vaccines are slightly less effective against infection with the delta variant than with the alpha variant, but the virus has not yet evolved to evade the sustained responses from immune cells, the experts said. Boosters may eventually be needed even for the general population if a variant emerges that sidesteps the immune response.

The experts cautioned that promoting boosters before they are needed, as well as any reports of side effects from booster shots such as heart problems or Guillain-Barre syndrome, may undermine confidence in the primary vaccination.

Data from Israel suggest that booster doses enhance protection against infection. But that evidence was collected just a week or so after the third dose and may not hold up over time, the experts said.

None of the data on coronavirus vaccines so far provides credible evidence in support of boosters for the general population, according to a review published Monday by an international group of scientists, including some at the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.

None of the data on coronavirus vaccines so far provides credible evidence in support of boosters for the general population, according to a review published Monday by an international group of scientists, including some at the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization. The 18 authors include Dr. Philip Krause and Marion Gruber, FDA scientists who announced last month that they will be leaving the agency, at least in part because they disagreed with the Biden administration’s push for boosters before federal scientists could review the evidence and make recommendations. The administration has proposed administering vaccine boosters eight months after the initial shots. But many scientists have opposed the plan, saying the vaccines continue to be powerfully protective against severe illness and hospitalization. A committee of advisers to the FDA is scheduled to meet Friday to review the data. In the new review, published in The Lancet, experts said that whatever advantage boosters provide would not outweigh the benefit of using those doses to protect the billions of people who remain unvaccinated worldwide. Boosters may be useful in some people with weak immune systems, they said, but are not yet needed for the general population. Several studies published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including three Friday, suggest that while efficacy against infection with the delta variant seems to wane slightly over time, the vaccines hold steady against severe illness in all age groups. Only in people older than 75 do the vaccines show some weakening in protection against hospitalization. Immunity conferred by vaccines relies on protection both from antibodies and from immune cells. Although the levels of antibodies may wane over time — and raise the risk of infection — the body’s memory of the virus is long-lived. The vaccines are slightly less effective against infection with the delta variant than with the alpha variant, but the virus has not yet evolved to evade the sustained responses from immune cells, the experts said. Boosters may eventually be needed even for the general population if a variant emerges that sidesteps the immune response. The experts cautioned that promoting boosters before they are needed, as well as any reports of side effects from booster shots such as heart problems or Guillain-Barre syndrome, may undermine confidence in the primary vaccination. Data from Israel suggest that booster doses enhance protection against infection. But that evidence was collected just a week or so after the third dose and may not hold up over time, the experts said.

Scientists say boosters aren’t needed for general population

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a> by the year-end, research suggests,&nbsp;as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps".

Airfinity, a life science analytics company, found that 467 million vaccines are currently on order, with 306 million due to be delivered to the UK by the end of 2021.

Surprisingly, to comply with the expected demand, only around 95 million vaccinations will be needed. This includes doses needed both to vaccinate everyone over 16 and to give the vulnerable a booster in autumn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-rich-countries-share-vaccines-or-patents-380945">Will rich countries share vaccines or patents?</a>&nbsp;

Considering that the average adult vaccination rate is currently over 80 per cent, if the same level of enrollment is maintained for those eligible, that will result in a surplus of 210 million vaccines. The figure would still be 186m even if take-up increases to 100&nbsp;per cent.

As the UK opposes a temporary waiver of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine's intellectual property rights, the government faces increasing pressure to do more to aid nations where only a small number of people have received a vaccine.

According to the global advocacy group Global Justice Now, which compiled the statistics, leftover vaccines could provide vaccinations for about 211 million people living in the ten least vaccinated countries in the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-calls-out-rich-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines-359471">SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines</a>

Talking to&nbsp;the Guardian&nbsp;Nick Dearden, director of the organisation, says that the UK's expansion of vaccine coverage and preparation to vaccinate teenagers were insults to low- and middle-income countries which were left "fighting for scraps".

The UK's actions to "obstruct" a temporary waiver of patent rights on Coronavirus vaccines made the problem even more problematic, he said.

In October 2020, India and South Africa filed a bid for this at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was then subsequently backed by the US, France, and Italy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-western-countries-hoard-vaccines-9-out-of-10-in-low-income-countries-to-miss-out-348585">As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out</a>

Minutes of the WTO meeting discussing the proposal concluded that there was still disagreement regarding the appropriate and most effective way to address shortages and inequitable access to vaccines, and a decision will now be delayed until October 2021.

In a statement, a government spokesperson said that the UK is committed to supporting global progress towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving vaccine access.

The spokesperson added that UK's pledge to donate 100 million vaccine doses by June 2022 is underway, with the first deliveries started last week.&nbsp;

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare coronavirus vaccines by the year-end, research suggests, as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps".

The UK will be hoarding up to 210 million spare coronavirus vaccines by the year-end, research suggests, as ministers are accused of leaving poorer countries "fighting for scraps". Airfinity, a life science analytics company, found that 467 million vaccines are currently on order, with 306 million due to be delivered to the UK by the end of 2021. Surprisingly, to comply with the expected demand, only around 95 million vaccinations will be needed. This includes doses needed both to vaccinate everyone over 16 and to give the vulnerable a booster in autumn. Also read | Will rich countries share vaccines or patents? Considering that the average adult vaccination rate is currently over 80 per cent, if the same level of enrollment is maintained for those eligible, that will result in a surplus of 210 million vaccines. The figure would still be 186m even if take-up increases to 100 per cent. As the UK opposes a temporary waiver of the COVID-19 vaccine's intellectual property rights, the government faces increasing pressure to do more to aid nations where only a small number of people have received a vaccine. According to the global advocacy group Global Justice Now, which compiled the statistics, leftover vaccines could provide vaccinations for about 211 million people living in the ten least vaccinated countries in the world. Also read | SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines Talking to the Guardian Nick Dearden, director of the organisation, says that the UK's expansion of vaccine coverage and preparation to vaccinate teenagers were insults to low- and middle-income countries which were left "fighting for scraps". The UK's actions to "obstruct" a temporary waiver of patent rights on Coronavirus vaccines made the problem even more problematic, he said. In October 2020, India and South Africa filed a bid for this at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was then subsequently backed by the US, France, and Italy. Also read | As western countries hoard vaccines, 9 out of 10 in low-income countries to miss out Minutes of the WTO meeting discussing the proposal concluded that there was still disagreement regarding the appropriate and most effective way to address shortages and inequitable access to vaccines, and a decision will now be delayed until October 2021. In a statement, a government spokesperson said that the UK is committed to supporting global progress towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and improving vaccine access. The spokesperson added that UK's pledge to donate 100 million vaccine doses by June 2022 is underway, with the first deliveries started last week.

Vaccine apartheid: Research suggests UK will hoard up to 210 million vaccines

As COVID cases surge in New York, the state govt is giving new incentives for people who are getting vaccinated against Coronavirus. Starting this Friday, anyone who goes to a city vaccination site for taking the first dose of COVID vaccination will receive 100 dollars.

New York govt gives new incentives for people getting vaccinated against Coronavirus

Vaccine hesitancy has been solidifying into an outright vaccine refusal in the United States. Nearly 99 of unvaccinated Americans don't even plan to get the short at all. Nearly half of those who have rejected the jabs believe that the US government is using the vaccine to microchip the population.

Polls: 90% of unvaccinated Americans don't plan to get the jabs

A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> even after getting fully vaccinated against the deadly virus.

"Yesterday, a fully-vaccinated senior spokesperson in the Speaker’s Press Office tested positive for COVID after contact with members of the Texas state legislature last week," Drew Hammill, a top aide to Pelosi said in a statement.

The aide tested positive after meeting the members of the&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;Legislature.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stocks-plunge-as-delta-variant-spreads-in-us-los-angeles-worst-hit-399098" hreflang="en">US stocks plunge as Delta variant spreads in US; Los Angeles worst-hit</a>

However, Pelosi’s office confirmed that the House Speaker has had no recent contact with the aide who tested positive, and she is therefore out of danger of getting infected. Her office is still taking all necessary precautions.

"This individual has had no contact with the Speaker since exposure. The entire Press Office is working remotely today with the exception of individuals who have had no exposure to the individual or have had a recent negative test. &nbsp;Our office will continue to follow the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician closely," Hammill said.

Local reports by Axios have also claimed that another White House staffer has tested positive for coronavirus after attending the same rooftop reception with the Pelosi staffer last Wednesday night. This staffer, too, was fully vaccinated against the virus, as per the reports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rise-of-covid-19-cases-among-unvaccinated-population-concerning-us-surgeon-general-398946" hreflang="en">Rise of COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated population concerning: US Surgeon General</a>

"We know that there will be breakthrough cases, but as this instance shows, cases in vaccinated individuals are typically mild," a White House official told the local channel, Fox News. "The White House is prepared for breakthrough cases with regular testing. This is another reminder of the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines against severe illness or hospitalization. We wish our colleague a speedy recovery."

This news has come a few days after the Vice President, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>, tested negative after she had close contact with members of the Texas delegation who got infected by the virus immediately after the meeting.

A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for Covid even after getting fully vaccinated against the deadly virus. "Yesterday, a fully-vaccinated senior spokesperson in the Speaker’s Press Office tested positive for COVID after contact with members of the Texas state legislature last week," Drew Hammill, a top aide to Pelosi said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for Covid even after getting fully vaccinated against the deadly virus. "Yesterday, a fully-vaccinated senior spokesperson in the Speaker’s Press Office tested positive for COVID after contact with members of the Texas state legislature last week," Drew Hammill, a top aide to Pelosi said in a statement. The aide tested positive after meeting the members of the Texas Legislature. Also read | US stocks plunge as Delta variant spreads in US; Los Angeles worst-hit However, Pelosi’s office confirmed that the House Speaker has had no recent contact with the aide who tested positive, and she is therefore out of danger of getting infected. Her office is still taking all necessary precautions. "This individual has had no contact with the Speaker since exposure. The entire Press Office is working remotely today with the exception of individuals who have had no exposure to the individual or have had a recent negative test. Our office will continue to follow the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician closely," Hammill said. Local reports by Axios have also claimed that another White House staffer has tested positive for coronavirus after attending the same rooftop reception with the Pelosi staffer last Wednesday night. This staffer, too, was fully vaccinated against the virus, as per the reports. Also read | Rise of COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated population concerning: US Surgeon General "We know that there will be breakthrough cases, but as this instance shows, cases in vaccinated individuals are typically mild," a White House official told the local channel, Fox News. "The White House is prepared for breakthrough cases with regular testing. This is another reminder of the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines against severe illness or hospitalization. We wish our colleague a speedy recovery." This news has come a few days after the Vice President, Kamala Harris, tested negative after she had close contact with members of the Texas delegation who got infected by the virus immediately after the meeting.

Nancy Pelosi's aide and White House staffer test positive for Covid, despite getting fully vaccinated

Ocugen Inc., Bharat Biotech's partner for the USA and Canada for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> Covaxin has initiated a rolling submission to Health Canada for the jab, the US company said in a regulatory filing.

The move follows the release by Bharat Biotech of Phase 3 clinical trial results, which demonstrated efficacy and safety in nearly 25,800 adults, it said on Thursday.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bharat-biotech-announces-covaxins-efficacy-rate-after-final-stage-trials-395623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Often referred to as a rolling review, this allows Health Canada to start its review right away, as information continues to come in, to accelerate the overall review process.

Ocugen initiated the rolling submission through its affiliate, Vaccigen, Ltd.

Health Canada will make a decision upon review of the evidence submitted that supports its safety, efficacy and quality.

The rolling submission process was recommended and accepted under the Minister of Health's Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19 and transitioned to a new drug, Ocugen said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/estonia-becomes-first-eu-nation-to-approve-both-indian-vaccines-395244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We thank Health Canada for their upcoming review of Covaxin and look forward to working with them so that we can offer the possibility of another safe and effective option to be used in their fight against COVID-19 and its Delta variant," Dr Shankar Musunuri, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ocugen said.

Covaxin was developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Virology (NIV)

Ocugen Inc., Bharat Biotech's partner for the USA and Canada for COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin has initiated a rolling submission to Health Canada for the jab, the US company said in a regulatory filing.

Ocugen Inc., Bharat Biotech's partner for the USA and Canada for COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin has initiated a rolling submission to Health Canada for the jab, the US company said in a regulatory filing. The move follows the release by Bharat Biotech of Phase 3 clinical trial results, which demonstrated efficacy and safety in nearly 25,800 adults, it said on Thursday. Often referred to as a rolling review, this allows Health Canada to start its review right away, as information continues to come in, to accelerate the overall review process. Ocugen initiated the rolling submission through its affiliate, Vaccigen, Ltd. Health Canada will make a decision upon review of the evidence submitted that supports its safety, efficacy and quality. The rolling submission process was recommended and accepted under the Minister of Health's Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19 and transitioned to a new drug, Ocugen said. "We thank Health Canada for their upcoming review of Covaxin and look forward to working with them so that we can offer the possibility of another safe and effective option to be used in their fight against COVID-19 and its Delta variant," Dr Shankar Musunuri, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ocugen said. Covaxin was developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Institute of Virology (NIV)

Bharat Biotech's partner seeks approval for India-made Covaxin in Canada

Joining a list of countries like France and Greece, that have made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccination mandatory in some sectors, China has also made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">i</a>t mandatory for school-going children.

A few local governments in China have stated that students cannot return to school in September unless their whole family has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.

In several cities, vaccines are required to enter public places such as hospitals and supermarkets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-will-china-vaccinate-560-million-people-start-with-free-ice-cream-375757">How will China vaccinate 560 million people? Start with free ice cream</a>

Earlier this week, a public notice posted in Guangxi province advised that those who are not yet vaccinated must do it soon so that their children's return to school is not affected, specifying that it applies to children of all ages.

Even though the rules are different for different regions, there were similar announcements from governments in Jiangxi and Henan, saying that only pupils whose families were vaccinated could attend the new autumn semester.

Schools in the Hebei province of Pingxiang have announced that they will only&nbsp;allow fully vaccinated students between the ages of 12 and 17, to attend school. Whether this is true for other ages of students is unclear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-lead-the-vaccine-race-beijing-makes-chinese-jabs-compulsory-371241">In a bid to lead the vaccine race, Beijing makes Chinese jabs compulsory</a>

Others like Hancheng in&nbsp;Shaanxi province have said it will not allow unvaccinated people to visit hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues.

While the deadlines differ for different areas, most have set the end of July as the cutoff date for vaccines before the strict measures take effect

These deadlines have been termed as "unfair" by the netizens, with people commenting that even though vaccinations were at first touted as voluntary, they've now turned out to be mandatory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-using-crude-efforts-to-get-people-vaccinated-says-state-media-374580">China using 'crude' efforts to get people vaccinated, says state media</a>

By the end of the year, China intends to inoculate 64 per cent of its population. According to China's top health officials, people should get jabs, but the last decision would rest with the individuals.&nbsp;

Government officials at lower levels have also been instructed to prioritize vaccination.

Chinese health authorities have not revealed how many people have been fully vaccinated but they claim to have administered more than 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far.

Joining a list of countries like France and Greece, that have made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in some sectors, China has also made it mandatory for school-going children.

Joining a list of countries like France and Greece, that have made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in some sectors, China has also made it mandatory for school-going children. A few local governments in China have stated that students cannot return to school in September unless their whole family has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus. In several cities, vaccines are required to enter public places such as hospitals and supermarkets. Also read | How will China vaccinate 560 million people? Start with free ice cream Earlier this week, a public notice posted in Guangxi province advised that those who are not yet vaccinated must do it soon so that their children's return to school is not affected, specifying that it applies to children of all ages. Even though the rules are different for different regions, there were similar announcements from governments in Jiangxi and Henan, saying that only pupils whose families were vaccinated could attend the new autumn semester. Schools in the Hebei province of Pingxiang have announced that they will only allow fully vaccinated students between the ages of 12 and 17, to attend school. Whether this is true for other ages of students is unclear. Also read | In a bid to lead the vaccine race, Beijing makes Chinese jabs compulsory Others like Hancheng in Shaanxi province have said it will not allow unvaccinated people to visit hotels, restaurants or entertainment venues. While the deadlines differ for different areas, most have set the end of July as the cutoff date for vaccines before the strict measures take effect These deadlines have been termed as "unfair" by the netizens, with people commenting that even though vaccinations were at first touted as voluntary, they've now turned out to be mandatory. Also read | China using 'crude' efforts to get people vaccinated, says state media By the end of the year, China intends to inoculate 64 per cent of its population. According to China's top health officials, people should get jabs, but the last decision would rest with the individuals. Government officials at lower levels have also been instructed to prioritize vaccination. Chinese health authorities have not revealed how many people have been fully vaccinated but they claim to have administered more than 1.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far.

China mandates vaccines for school children and their families

French lawmakers have prepared a new law that would force healthcare workers to be vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, despite President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcements that vaccination would not be made compulsory.

The development comes&nbsp;amid fears that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> rates among the country's medical professionals is&nbsp;low. In France, according to data shared by the French Hospital Federation, only 57 per cent of nursing home staff and 64 per cent of hospital staff have got&nbsp;a dose of the Covid vaccine so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-medics-fear-worst-of-covid-wave-still-to-come-375243">Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come</a>

According to the&nbsp;country's finance minister,&nbsp;Bruno Le Maire, France is not discussing mandatory vaccination for all. The country only wants to make vaccinations compulsory for healthcare professionals who are at risk due to their constant exposure to Covid patients.

Olivier Véran, the country's health minister, has also expressed support for the plan. It was also supported by the French Hospital Federation that compulsory vaccinations for the sector be implemented.

Previously UK and Italy had also made vaccines mandatory for health care workers. Health care providers in Italy were mandated to receive vaccinations in April. While the UK announced in June,&nbsp;that care home staff would also be required to receive the Covid vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-in-france-race-to-vaccinate-in-bordeaux-as-rare-variant-detected-387495">Covid in France: Race to vaccinate in Bordeaux as rare variant detected</a>

In France, vaccine scepticism is higher than anywhere else in Europe, which makes the situation more challenging. Eurofound polled French citizens and found that almost 30 per cent said they were "very unlikely" to receive a Covid vaccine.&nbsp;In contrast, according to the same survey, around 64 per cent of Europeans responded positively to getting a shot.

Despite this, according to Our World in Data, 51 per cent of France's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 shot, a ret that falls only marginally below the EU’s rate of vaccination, though it is 15 percentage points lower than the UK's rate.

With concern over new mutations of Covid and a surge in Delta variant infections, increasing vaccination has become even more important in recent weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-could-face-covid-19-fourth-wave-amid-surge-in-delta-variant-says-government-scientific-adviser-394964">France could face COVID-19 fourth wave amid surge in Delta variant, says government scientific adviser</a>

Earlier this week, the French government also warned of the likelihood&nbsp;of a fourth wave of cases in late July.

French GDP is currently projected to grow at around 5 per cent in 2021, so this could be yet another headache for the country.

France's finance minister also expressed concerns over the possible economic ramifications of the fourth wave, saying that it might jeopardise 'the economic recovery in France'.

In the last few weeks, France has also eased several covid restrictions, including the requirement to wear a face mask outdoors and late-night curfews.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/life-will-resume-france-lifts-more-covid-curbs-allows-indoor-dining-390333">'Life will resume': France lifts more Covid curbs, allows indoor dining</a>

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to talk on this topic in one of his upcoming speeches.&nbsp;

French lawmakers have prepared a new law that would force healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, despite President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcements that vaccination would not be made compulsory.

French lawmakers have prepared a new law that would force healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, despite President Emmanuel Macron's earlier announcements that vaccination would not be made compulsory. The development comes amid fears that vaccination rates among the country's medical professionals is low. In France, according to data shared by the French Hospital Federation, only 57 per cent of nursing home staff and 64 per cent of hospital staff have got a dose of the Covid vaccine so far. Also read | Paris medics fear worst of Covid wave still to come According to the country's finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, France is not discussing mandatory vaccination for all. The country only wants to make vaccinations compulsory for healthcare professionals who are at risk due to their constant exposure to Covid patients. Olivier Véran, the country's health minister, has also expressed support for the plan. It was also supported by the French Hospital Federation that compulsory vaccinations for the sector be implemented. Previously UK and Italy had also made vaccines mandatory for health care workers. Health care providers in Italy were mandated to receive vaccinations in April. While the UK announced in June, that care home staff would also be required to receive the Covid vaccine. Also read | Covid in France: Race to vaccinate in Bordeaux as rare variant detected In France, vaccine scepticism is higher than anywhere else in Europe, which makes the situation more challenging. Eurofound polled French citizens and found that almost 30 per cent said they were "very unlikely" to receive a Covid vaccine. In contrast, according to the same survey, around 64 per cent of Europeans responded positively to getting a shot. Despite this, according to Our World in Data, 51 per cent of France's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 shot, a ret that falls only marginally below the EU’s rate of vaccination, though it is 15 percentage points lower than the UK's rate. With concern over new mutations of Covid and a surge in Delta variant infections, increasing vaccination has become even more important in recent weeks. Also read | France could face COVID-19 fourth wave amid surge in Delta variant, says government scientific adviser Earlier this week, the French government also warned of the likelihood of a fourth wave of cases in late July. French GDP is currently projected to grow at around 5 per cent in 2021, so this could be yet another headache for the country. France's finance minister also expressed concerns over the possible economic ramifications of the fourth wave, saying that it might jeopardise 'the economic recovery in France'. In the last few weeks, France has also eased several covid restrictions, including the requirement to wear a face mask outdoors and late-night curfews. Also read | 'Life will resume': France lifts more Covid curbs, allows indoor dining President Emmanuel Macron is expected to talk on this topic in one of his upcoming speeches.

France prepares law to ensure mandatory vaccination for health workers

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Mumbai police, probing instances of fake vaccination camps against COVID-19 in the city, must identify the "big fish" in such cases and should not spare them.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inform the court about steps that the civic body proposed to take to check those duped by such camps for antibodies and any adverse effects on their health because of the fake vaccine.

The court was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations (PILs) on increasing the accessibility of citizens to the vaccination drives against COVID-19. The state's counsel, advocate Deepak Thakare, told the HC that seven FIRs had been registered and 13 people arrested in the case. He said the probe into the case is still going on.

The BMC's counsel, senior advocate Anil Sakhare, told the court that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for private COVID-19 vaccination camps for housing societies and offices will be finalised by Wednesday.

The HC then said advocate Thakare must tell the investigating officers in the case not to spare anyone found to be involved in the "scam". "There might be big fish yet to be identified. They must be identified and should not be spared. Tell the police the investigation must be proper and no one should be left out," the court said.

It further said the BMC must inform the court of the steps it was planning to take to test the victims. The court asked why the BMC and state authorities were so far unable to determine what the victims were administered in the name of anti-COVID-19 vaccine.

"This appears to be a state failure. Why doesn't the corporation think of testing? What are you thinking of doing for the unfortunate people, you must tell us on Thursday," the HC said. The state and the BMC had earlier told the high court that a total of 2,053 people across the city fell victim to the fake vaccination camps. The HC will continue hearing the PILs on July 1.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Mumbai police, probing instances of fake vaccination camps against COVID-19 in the city, must identify the "big fish" in such cases and should not spare them.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said the Mumbai police, probing instances of fake vaccination camps against COVID-19 in the city, must identify the "big fish" in such cases and should not spare them. A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni also directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to inform the court about steps that the civic body proposed to take to check those duped by such camps for antibodies and any adverse effects on their health because of the fake vaccine. The court was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations (PILs) on increasing the accessibility of citizens to the vaccination drives against COVID-19. The state's counsel, advocate Deepak Thakare, told the HC that seven FIRs had been registered and 13 people arrested in the case. He said the probe into the case is still going on. The BMC's counsel, senior advocate Anil Sakhare, told the court that the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for private COVID-19 vaccination camps for housing societies and offices will be finalised by Wednesday. The HC then said advocate Thakare must tell the investigating officers in the case not to spare anyone found to be involved in the "scam". "There might be big fish yet to be identified. They must be identified and should not be spared. Tell the police the investigation must be proper and no one should be left out," the court said. It further said the BMC must inform the court of the steps it was planning to take to test the victims. The court asked why the BMC and state authorities were so far unable to determine what the victims were administered in the name of anti-COVID-19 vaccine. "This appears to be a state failure. Why doesn't the corporation think of testing? What are you thinking of doing for the unfortunate people, you must tell us on Thursday," the HC said. The state and the BMC had earlier told the high court that a total of 2,053 people across the city fell victim to the fake vaccination camps. The HC will continue hearing the PILs on July 1.

Find and don't spare 'big fish' in fake vaccination scam: HC to Mumbai police

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka">Sri&nbsp;Lankan</a> President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Friday that most people aged 30 and over would be vaccinated by late September, as deliveries of millions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID vaccines</a> from various manufacturers were due soon.

"At present, the vaccination drive is being carried out successfully in all provinces of the country. In July, we expect to receive 4 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine and 2.5 million doses of Sinovac. Arrangements have also been made to obtain 2 million Sputnik V doses. In addition, 5 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine, 2.5 million doses of Sinovac and 2 million doses of Sputnik V are expected in August. By getting 3 million more Sinopharm vaccine doses in September, we could vaccinate 13 million people by the end of September this year. Accordingly, we can vaccinate almost everyone over the age of 30 by that time. This is a very satisfactory situation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-begin-provincial-rollout-of-covid-19-vaccine-387703">Sri Lanka to begin provincial rollout of COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Rajapaksa said he personally spoke to world leaders to acquire supplies of COVID vaccines to ensure they get enough doses for some 13 million adults above the age of 30.

The Indian Ocean Island, with a population of 22 million people, has recorded 2,48,050 infections and 2,814 deaths.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;reported 248,050 total confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases as of this Friday, and 2,814 deaths, according to the health ministry data.

The island nation has fully vaccinated only 3.98 per cent&nbsp;of its population so far, Johns Hopkins data here showed on Friday.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Friday that most people aged 30 and over would be vaccinated by late September, as deliveries of millions of COVID vaccines from various manufacturers were due soon.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa announced on Friday that most people aged 30 and over would be vaccinated by late September, as deliveries of millions of COVID vaccines from various manufacturers were due soon. "At present, the vaccination drive is being carried out successfully in all provinces of the country. In July, we expect to receive 4 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine and 2.5 million doses of Sinovac. Arrangements have also been made to obtain 2 million Sputnik V doses. In addition, 5 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine, 2.5 million doses of Sinovac and 2 million doses of Sputnik V are expected in August. By getting 3 million more Sinopharm vaccine doses in September, we could vaccinate 13 million people by the end of September this year. Accordingly, we can vaccinate almost everyone over the age of 30 by that time. This is a very satisfactory situation." Also read | Sri Lanka to begin provincial rollout of COVID-19 vaccine Rajapaksa said he personally spoke to world leaders to acquire supplies of COVID vaccines to ensure they get enough doses for some 13 million adults above the age of 30. The Indian Ocean Island, with a population of 22 million people, has recorded 2,48,050 infections and 2,814 deaths. Sri Lanka reported 248,050 total confirmed coronavirus cases as of this Friday, and 2,814 deaths, according to the health ministry data. The island nation has fully vaccinated only 3.98 per cent of its population so far, Johns Hopkins data here showed on Friday.

Sri Lankan president hopes to vaccinate majority of over-30s by end of September

The health service in&nbsp;England&nbsp;will open up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> to everyone aged over 18 on Friday, a big step towards the government's target of giving every adult who wants a vaccine a first shot in the next month.

Head of NHS&nbsp;England, Simon Stevens, said that if they continue on course they will be able to offer a vaccine to every adult by July 19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-infections-rising-exponentially-in-england-doubling-every-11-days-392367">COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days</a>

While Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday pushed back the full re-opening of&nbsp;England&nbsp;from lockdown until July 19 because of a rise in cases, he also accelerated his vaccination plans, pledging to give every adult a first dose by the same date.

Britain has given the first dose of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine to more than 42 million people, almost 80 per cent of adults, while well over a half have received both shots.

Health authorities in&nbsp;England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each run their own vaccination campaigns. Wales and Northern Ireland have already made vaccines available to any adult, while Scotland is offering them to anyone over 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-surge-in-uk-as-delta-variant-worries-officials-392398">Coronavirus cases surge in UK as Delta variant worries officials</a>

Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are being rolled out across the United Kingdom, although officials have said that people under 40 should be offered an alternative to AstraZeneca's shot after it was linked to rare blood clots.

The health service in England will open up COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone aged over 18 on Friday, a big step towards the government's target of giving every adult who wants a vaccine a first shot in the next month.

The health service in England will open up COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone aged over 18 on Friday, a big step towards the government's target of giving every adult who wants a vaccine a first shot in the next month. Head of NHS England, Simon Stevens, said that if they continue on course they will be able to offer a vaccine to every adult by July 19. Also read | COVID-19 infections rising exponentially in England, doubling every 11 days While Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday pushed back the full re-opening of England from lockdown until July 19 because of a rise in cases, he also accelerated his vaccination plans, pledging to give every adult a first dose by the same date. Britain has given the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to more than 42 million people, almost 80 per cent of adults, while well over a half have received both shots. Health authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each run their own vaccination campaigns. Wales and Northern Ireland have already made vaccines available to any adult, while Scotland is offering them to anyone over 30. Also read | Coronavirus cases surge in UK as Delta variant worries officials Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines are being rolled out across the United Kingdom, although officials have said that people under 40 should be offered an alternative to AstraZeneca's shot after it was linked to rare blood clots.

England invites citizens over 18 to get their COVID-19 jabs

Israel&nbsp;will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed.

Under the terms of the deal, first announced on Friday by the office of new&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the PA agreed to give&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;a reciprocal number of Pfizer-BioNTech doses from one of its own shipments due to arrive later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-for-just-cause-of-palestine-389238">Opinion: For just cause of Palestine</a>

Confirming the agreement, the PA health ministry said in a statement it was Pfizer that initially offered the exchange and that "it was approved in order to speed up the vaccination process" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

Rights groups have criticised&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;for not doing more to ensure Palestinian access to doses in territory it captured in a 1967 war.

Israeli officials have argued that under the Oslo peace accords, the PA health ministry is responsible for vaccinating people in Gaza and parts of the West Bank where it has limited self-rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-risk-generational-catastrophe-from-covid-19-watchdog-389109">Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog</a>

Criticising the dose-sharing deal, Physicians for Human Rights&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;said on Twitter: "It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Israel's initiative of loaning the PA vaccines is too little too late. It does not fulfill Israel's obligation of vaccinating all Palestinians living under its jurisdiction. It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire.
— PHRI (@PHRIsrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/PHRIsrael/status/1405846181469638659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The deal was among initial policy moves towards the Palestinians by Bennett, who was sworn in on Sunday and replaced veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Israel&nbsp;will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 1-1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine," a joint statement from Bennett's office and the health and defence ministries said.

The Pfizer-BioNTech doses earmarked for transfer "will expire soon", the statement said, and they were "approved in light of the fact that&nbsp;Israel's vaccine stock meets its needs today". The statement did not give its exact expiration date.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-200000-palestinians-need-health-aid-after-israel-gaza-conflict-says-who-389080">Nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Israel-Gaza conflict, says WHO</a>

An initial 100,000 doses were transferred on Friday,&nbsp;Israeli officials said.

A PA health ministry source said the Palestinians expect to receive a shipment of Pfizer doses in August or September. The&nbsp;Israeli statement said&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;would receive reciprocal doses from the PA in September or October.

Around 55 per cent of eligible&nbsp;Israelis are fully vaccinated - a coverage rate largely unchanged by this month's expansion of eligibility to include 12&nbsp;to 15-year-olds.

Some 30 per cent of eligible Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, home to a combined 5.2 million people, have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Palestinian officials.

According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 40 per cent of Palestinians are willing to take the vaccine once it is available, while 35 per cent say they and their families are not willing to get vaccinated.

The Palestinians have received vaccine doses from&nbsp;Israel, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the global COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative.

Israel will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed.

Israel will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed. Under the terms of the deal, first announced on Friday by the office of new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the PA agreed to give Israel a reciprocal number of Pfizer-BioNTech doses from one of its own shipments due to arrive later this year. Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine Confirming the agreement, the PA health ministry said in a statement it was Pfizer that initially offered the exchange and that "it was approved in order to speed up the vaccination process" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Rights groups have criticised Israel for not doing more to ensure Palestinian access to doses in territory it captured in a 1967 war. Israeli officials have argued that under the Oslo peace accords, the PA health ministry is responsible for vaccinating people in Gaza and parts of the West Bank where it has limited self-rule. Also read | Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog Criticising the dose-sharing deal, Physicians for Human Rights Israel said on Twitter: "It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire." Israel's initiative of loaning the PA vaccines is too little too late. It does not fulfill Israel's obligation of vaccinating all Palestinians living under its jurisdiction. It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire. — PHRI (@PHRIsrael) June 18, 2021 × The deal was among initial policy moves towards the Palestinians by Bennett, who was sworn in on Sunday and replaced veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu. "Israel will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 1-1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine," a joint statement from Bennett's office and the health and defence ministries said. The Pfizer-BioNTech doses earmarked for transfer "will expire soon", the statement said, and they were "approved in light of the fact that Israel's vaccine stock meets its needs today". The statement did not give its exact expiration date. Also read | Nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Israel-Gaza conflict, says WHO An initial 100,000 doses were transferred on Friday, Israeli officials said. A PA health ministry source said the Palestinians expect to receive a shipment of Pfizer doses in August or September. The Israeli statement said Israel would receive reciprocal doses from the PA in September or October. Around 55 per cent of eligible Israelis are fully vaccinated - a coverage rate largely unchanged by this month's expansion of eligibility to include 12 to 15-year-olds. Some 30 per cent of eligible Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, home to a combined 5.2 million people, have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Palestinian officials. According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 40 per cent of Palestinians are willing to take the vaccine once it is available, while 35 per cent say they and their families are not willing to get vaccinated. The Palestinians have received vaccine doses from Israel, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the global COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative.

Under Covid vaccine swap, Israel to send 1 million doses to Palestinians

South Africa, which is struggling to roll out its inoculation programme as it enters a third wave of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>, said Sunday it will pull two million doses of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/johnson-and-johnson-covid-vaccine-update">Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine</a> following contamination concerns at one of the US drugmaker's sites.&nbsp;

On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration told J&amp;J that millions of doses produced at the group's Emergent BioSolutions facility in the city of Baltimore were not suitable for use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tells-jj-millions-of-vaccine-doses-from-troubled-plant-cant-be-used-390950">US tells J&amp;J millions of vaccine doses from troubled plant can't be used</a>

Following a review of the FDA decision, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said in a statement that it had decided "not to release vaccine produced using the drug substance batches that were not suitable".

J&amp;J's Emergent plant was ordered to pause production in April several weeks after it was determined that batches of a substance used to produce the vaccine were cross-contaminated with ingredients from another jab made by Anglo-Swedish pharma giant AstraZeneca.&nbsp;

J&amp;J did not reveal the precise number of doses in each batch, but they are known to correspond to several million jabs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-suspends-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-amid-clot-concerns-377433">South Africa suspends Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine amid clot concerns</a>

The FDA is still deciding whether to allow the factory to reopen.&nbsp;

Acknowledging the setback in South Africa's vaccination programme, Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said Saturday that the country had two batches representing some two million doses, that were stored in a high-security laboratory in Port Elizabeth belonging to drugmaker Aspen.&nbsp;

South Africa is one of the countries campaigning for a waiver of patents on COVID-19 vaccines in order to allow every nation to produce generic versions at low cost.&nbsp;

"If we are to save lives and end the pandemic, we need to expand and diversify manufacturing and get medical products to treat, combat and prevent the pandemic to as many people as quickly as possible," President Cyril Ramaphosa told the G7 group of wealthy nations meeting in Britain on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-extends-shelf-life-of-jj-vaccine-from-3-to-45-months-390702">US: FDA extends shelf-life of J&amp;J vaccine from 3 to 4.5 months</a>

South Africa is counting on a delivery of 31 million doses of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine to help inoculate its population of 59 million.&nbsp;

One percent vaccinated&nbsp;

It has also secured 30 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but that jab must be stored at extremely low temperatures and requires two shots.

SAHPRA said that a new delivery of around 300,000 doses of the J&amp;J jab "that have been cleared by the US FDA that meet the requirements and will subsequently be released and shipped to South Africa."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-enters-third-wave-of-coronavirus-positivity-rate-reaches-157-390705">South Africa enters third wave of coronavirus; positivity rate reaches 15.7%</a>

The government already temporarily suspended vaccinations in April after rare cases of blood clots were reported in the US.

And in February, South Africa turned down more than 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine because of doubts about its efficacy on the local coronavirus variant.&nbsp;

Lagging behind many other countries, South Africa has only vaccinated just over one percent of its population. It is the African country hardest hit by the pandemic, with more than 1.7 million infections and nearly 58,000 deaths.&nbsp;

More than 9,300 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours.

South Africa, which is struggling to roll out its inoculation programme as it enters a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, said Sunday it will pull two million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following contamination concerns at one of the US drugmaker's sites.

South Africa, which is struggling to roll out its inoculation programme as it enters a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, said Sunday it will pull two million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following contamination concerns at one of the US drugmaker's sites. On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration told J&J that millions of doses produced at the group's Emergent BioSolutions facility in the city of Baltimore were not suitable for use. Also read | US tells J&J millions of vaccine doses from troubled plant can't be used Following a review of the FDA decision, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said in a statement that it had decided "not to release vaccine produced using the drug substance batches that were not suitable". J&J's Emergent plant was ordered to pause production in April several weeks after it was determined that batches of a substance used to produce the vaccine were cross-contaminated with ingredients from another jab made by Anglo-Swedish pharma giant AstraZeneca. J&J did not reveal the precise number of doses in each batch, but they are known to correspond to several million jabs. Also read | South Africa suspends Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine amid clot concerns The FDA is still deciding whether to allow the factory to reopen. Acknowledging the setback in South Africa's vaccination programme, Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said Saturday that the country had two batches representing some two million doses, that were stored in a high-security laboratory in Port Elizabeth belonging to drugmaker Aspen. South Africa is one of the countries campaigning for a waiver of patents on COVID-19 vaccines in order to allow every nation to produce generic versions at low cost. "If we are to save lives and end the pandemic, we need to expand and diversify manufacturing and get medical products to treat, combat and prevent the pandemic to as many people as quickly as possible," President Cyril Ramaphosa told the G7 group of wealthy nations meeting in Britain on Sunday. Also read | US: FDA extends shelf-life of J&J vaccine from 3 to 4.5 months South Africa is counting on a delivery of 31 million doses of the single-shot J&J vaccine to help inoculate its population of 59 million. One percent vaccinated It has also secured 30 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, but that jab must be stored at extremely low temperatures and requires two shots. SAHPRA said that a new delivery of around 300,000 doses of the J&J jab "that have been cleared by the US FDA that meet the requirements and will subsequently be released and shipped to South Africa." Also read | South Africa enters third wave of coronavirus; positivity rate reaches 15.7% The government already temporarily suspended vaccinations in April after rare cases of blood clots were reported in the US. And in February, South Africa turned down more than 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine because of doubts about its efficacy on the local coronavirus variant. Lagging behind many other countries, South Africa has only vaccinated just over one percent of its population. It is the African country hardest hit by the pandemic, with more than 1.7 million infections and nearly 58,000 deaths. More than 9,300 new cases were registered in the past 24 hours.

South Africa pulls two million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine

France&nbsp;will start offering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccines</a> to all young people aged 12-18 years starting on June 15, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday.

During a visit to the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in southern&nbsp;France, Macron also noted that 50 per cent of French adults have now received at least one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> vaccine jab, calling it "truly a turning point" in the country's inoculation drive.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-in-europe-britain-records-zero-deaths-germany-france-ramp-up-vaccination-388850">COVID-19 in Europe: Britain records zero deaths; Germany, France ramp up vaccination</a>

Vaccine supplies have increased sharply recently, prompting officials to open up appointments to all adults earlier this week, several weeks ahead of schedule.

With the country just beginning to bounce back from a severe third wave of infections, Macron's government is keen to quickly expand the vaccine coverage to slow the spread of variants.

But Macron urged people to remain "extremely careful and vigilant" and said wearing face masks outdoors would still be required in several regions for the time being.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-cross-171-million-death-toll-at-3557281-388897">Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 171 million, death toll at 3,557,281</a>

The 43-year-old president, who caught Covid last December, announced Monday that he and his wife had also had the jab.

Later Wednesday, Health Minister Olivier Veran told TF1 television that the vaccination programme for teenagers would not be compulsory, but on a voluntary basis and with the agreement of parents.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reimposes-strict-covid-curbs-on-travel-from-uk-387998">France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK</a>

Starting the vaccinations for adolescents now would make it easier to avoid schools closures at the beginning of the next academic year in September, he added.&nbsp;

The country is emerging from its third nationwide lockdown, with restaurants and cafes now allowed to serve clients outside. Indoor dining is due to resume from June 9.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-paris-venue-hosts-indoor-rock-concert---with-masks-and-virus-tests-388334">Paris venue hosts indoor rock concert - with masks and virus tests</a>

Pressure on hospitals has eased, with the number of Covid patients in intensive care falling steadily in recent weeks, with 2,754 serious cases as of Wednesday, down from more than 6,000 in late April.&nbsp;

Macron was in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to launch a nationwide tour ahead of next year's presidential election, as well as regional elections set for later this month.

France will start offering Covid-19 vaccines to all young people aged 12-18 years starting on June 15, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday. During a visit to the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in southern France, Macron also noted that 50 per cent of French adults have now received at least one Covid vaccine jab, calling it "truly a turning point" in the country's inoculation drive.

France will start offering Covid-19 vaccines to all young people aged 12-18 years starting on June 15, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday. During a visit to the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in southern France, Macron also noted that 50 per cent of French adults have now received at least one Covid vaccine jab, calling it "truly a turning point" in the country's inoculation drive. Also Read | COVID-19 in Europe: Britain records zero deaths; Germany, France ramp up vaccination Vaccine supplies have increased sharply recently, prompting officials to open up appointments to all adults earlier this week, several weeks ahead of schedule. With the country just beginning to bounce back from a severe third wave of infections, Macron's government is keen to quickly expand the vaccine coverage to slow the spread of variants. But Macron urged people to remain "extremely careful and vigilant" and said wearing face masks outdoors would still be required in several regions for the time being. Also Read | Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 171 million, death toll at 3,557,281 The 43-year-old president, who caught Covid last December, announced Monday that he and his wife had also had the jab. Later Wednesday, Health Minister Olivier Veran told TF1 television that the vaccination programme for teenagers would not be compulsory, but on a voluntary basis and with the agreement of parents. Also Read | France reimposes strict Covid curbs on travel from UK Starting the vaccinations for adolescents now would make it easier to avoid schools closures at the beginning of the next academic year in September, he added. The country is emerging from its third nationwide lockdown, with restaurants and cafes now allowed to serve clients outside. Indoor dining is due to resume from June 9. Also Read | Paris venue hosts indoor rock concert - with masks and virus tests Pressure on hospitals has eased, with the number of Covid patients in intensive care falling steadily in recent weeks, with 2,754 serious cases as of Wednesday, down from more than 6,000 in late April. Macron was in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to launch a nationwide tour ahead of next year's presidential election, as well as regional elections set for later this month.

France to widen Covid vaccine drive to 12 to 18-year-olds from June 15

The whole world today is praying for India and its people, America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic.

Chicago-based Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson was in the city here to urge the Biden administration to give 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to India. At a news conference here, the top American civil rights leader said that he has taken up the issue with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Karris.

"The whole world today prays for India," he said, expressing his solidarity with the people of India.

The conference was addressed by several Indian American community leaders. In his remarks, Rev Jackson called for raising more funds for the people of India and other countries being impacted by COVID-19.

"We should ask for more vaccination for the world. We need respirators, medicines and vaccines right now," he said.

Eminent Indian-American community leader Dr Bharat Barai thanked Rev Jackson for his initiative. "Vaccination is the right thing to do and is the most important thing to do. This will not only save lives but also prevent the economy from collapsing," he said.

Sunil Singh, chairman of, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, said India is in dire need of vaccines now. "We need vaccines now or never. India handled the first COVID attack last year very well. It has helped 80 countries across the world," he said.

"Now India is in need, and the entire world has come forward to help India. We need more vaccines, and we need them now. Please help us now," he said, adding that the community organizations in the Washington DC area have sent 130 oxygen concentrators.

Entrepreneur Ravi Pulli, the founder of US-India Solidarity Council, urged the Biden administration to provide more help to India as he appreciated the American support so far.

In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,54,96,330 and the death toll at 2,83,248. The ministry said there are 32,26,719 active cases, while 2,19,86,363 people have so far recovered from the infection.

The whole world today is praying for India and its people, America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic.

The whole world today is praying for India and its people, America's top civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson said on Wednesday, exuding confidence that the country of Mahatma Gandhi will win the battle against this pandemic. Chicago-based Civil rights leader Rev Jesse Jackson was in the city here to urge the Biden administration to give 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines to India. At a news conference here, the top American civil rights leader said that he has taken up the issue with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Karris. "The whole world today prays for India," he said, expressing his solidarity with the people of India. The conference was addressed by several Indian American community leaders. In his remarks, Rev Jackson called for raising more funds for the people of India and other countries being impacted by COVID-19. "We should ask for more vaccination for the world. We need respirators, medicines and vaccines right now," he said. Eminent Indian-American community leader Dr Bharat Barai thanked Rev Jackson for his initiative. "Vaccination is the right thing to do and is the most important thing to do. This will not only save lives but also prevent the economy from collapsing," he said. Sunil Singh, chairman of, National Council of Asian Indian Associations, said India is in dire need of vaccines now. "We need vaccines now or never. India handled the first COVID attack last year very well. It has helped 80 countries across the world," he said. "Now India is in need, and the entire world has come forward to help India. We need more vaccines, and we need them now. Please help us now," he said, adding that the community organizations in the Washington DC area have sent 130 oxygen concentrators. Entrepreneur Ravi Pulli, the founder of US-India Solidarity Council, urged the Biden administration to provide more help to India as he appreciated the American support so far. In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,54,96,330 and the death toll at 2,83,248. The ministry said there are 32,26,719 active cases, while 2,19,86,363 people have so far recovered from the infection.

Country of Mahatma Gandhi will win battle against pandemic: US civil rights leader

Eminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the world.

Rev. Jackson will be joined by several prominent Indian leaders in the national capital on Wednesday, to make a public appeal to Biden for more humanitarian aid, according to a community statement.

"The pandemic poses a threat to humanity, not to any one country. Our response must be as encompassing as the threat," Rev Jackson said in a statement. He will urge Biden to give India 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, it said.

Dr Bharat Barai, the chairman of, US India Friendship Council, urged the President to facilitate the supply of the "much needed antiviral medications of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab to India immediately."

In a statement, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, national chairman, American Association of Multiethnic Physicians, USA, called on Biden to invoke the Federal International Emergency Production Act which would enable the manufacturers of the vaccine in the US to increase their production capacity.

"We need to protect India first only then can America and the rest of the world be protected," Dr Prabhakar said. Thanking Biden for his international vaccination pledge by providing 80 million COVID-19 vaccines, he also pleaded to give at least 60 million of those to India.

In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,52,28,996 and the death count 2,78,719. The ministry said there are 33,53,765 active cases, while 2,15,96,512 people have so far recovered from the infection.

Eminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the world.

Eminent American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is urging President Joe Biden to release 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to India, which is experiencing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic in the world. Rev. Jackson will be joined by several prominent Indian leaders in the national capital on Wednesday, to make a public appeal to Biden for more humanitarian aid, according to a community statement. "The pandemic poses a threat to humanity, not to any one country. Our response must be as encompassing as the threat," Rev Jackson said in a statement. He will urge Biden to give India 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, it said. Dr Bharat Barai, the chairman of, US India Friendship Council, urged the President to facilitate the supply of the "much needed antiviral medications of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab to India immediately." In a statement, Dr Vijay Prabhakar, national chairman, American Association of Multiethnic Physicians, USA, called on Biden to invoke the Federal International Emergency Production Act which would enable the manufacturers of the vaccine in the US to increase their production capacity. "We need to protect India first only then can America and the rest of the world be protected," Dr Prabhakar said. Thanking Biden for his international vaccination pledge by providing 80 million COVID-19 vaccines, he also pleaded to give at least 60 million of those to India. In its most recent update, the Union Health Ministry placed the total number of COVID-19 cases in India at 2,52,28,996 and the death count 2,78,719. The ministry said there are 33,53,765 active cases, while 2,15,96,512 people have so far recovered from the infection.

US civil rights leader to ask Biden to give India 60 million COVID-19 vaccine doses

France reached its target of injecting 20 million initial doses of coronavirus vaccines on Saturday, days ahead of a hugely anticipated reopening of restaurant terraces as the government begins lifting a nationwide lockdown.

President Emmanuel Macron announced the milestone in a tweet that said "20 million" with a green checkmark, a number that represents around 30 percent of the population.

Nearly nine million have had a second vaccine dose as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/being-tech-savvy-has-health-benefits-for-older-people-study-385254" hreflang="en">Being tech savvy has health benefits for older people: Study</a>

"It's a very important moment for the entire country, because it supports our prospects for ending this crisis," Prime Minister Jean Castex told journalists while visiting the mass vaccination site at the Porte de Versailles conference centre in Paris.

The government aims to have 30 million initial doses injected by June 15, when Macron has said all adults will be able to sign up for a jab currently reserved for priority groups and adults over 50.

"It's within reach," Castex said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-raises-state-of-emergency-as-covid-worsens-ahead-of-tokyo-olympics-385242" hreflang="en">Japan raises state of emergency as covid worsens ahead of Tokyo Olympics</a>

Authorities also reported further declines in the number of patients requiring intensive care in hospitals.

The number of people in intensive care stood at 4,352 on Friday, a decline of 90 from the previous day and well below the peak of 6,001 during the "third wave" of infections that battered France starting in March.

On Wednesday, museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls will reopen with limited capacity after six weeks of closure to halt the pandemic, and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) from 7 pm.

Non-essential shops will also reopen and outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants will be allowed for the first time since October 30.

Cafes and restaurants will be able to serve clients indoors on June 9, and the curfew will be fully lifted on June 30 if infection rates continue to decline.

France reached its target of injecting 20 million initial doses of coronavirus vaccines on Saturday, days ahead of a hugely anticipated reopening of restaurant terraces as the government begins lifting a nationwide lockdown.

France reached its target of injecting 20 million initial doses of coronavirus vaccines on Saturday, days ahead of a hugely anticipated reopening of restaurant terraces as the government begins lifting a nationwide lockdown. President Emmanuel Macron announced the milestone in a tweet that said "20 million" with a green checkmark, a number that represents around 30 percent of the population. Nearly nine million have had a second vaccine dose as well. Also read | Being tech savvy has health benefits for older people: Study "It's a very important moment for the entire country, because it supports our prospects for ending this crisis," Prime Minister Jean Castex told journalists while visiting the mass vaccination site at the Porte de Versailles conference centre in Paris. The government aims to have 30 million initial doses injected by June 15, when Macron has said all adults will be able to sign up for a jab currently reserved for priority groups and adults over 50. "It's within reach," Castex said. Also read | Japan raises state of emergency as covid worsens ahead of Tokyo Olympics Authorities also reported further declines in the number of patients requiring intensive care in hospitals. The number of people in intensive care stood at 4,352 on Friday, a decline of 90 from the previous day and well below the peak of 6,001 during the "third wave" of infections that battered France starting in March. On Wednesday, museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls will reopen with limited capacity after six weeks of closure to halt the pandemic, and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) from 7 pm. Non-essential shops will also reopen and outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants will be allowed for the first time since October 30. Cafes and restaurants will be able to serve clients indoors on June 9, and the curfew will be fully lifted on June 30 if infection rates continue to decline.

France hits 20 million milestone in Covid vaccination drive

COVID-19 vaccines deployed in England can cut transmission of the coronavirus in households by up to a half, data from Public Health England (PHE) showed on Wednesday, in addition to the protection the shots offer against symptomatic infection.

The research offers insight on one of the big unknowns over COVID-19 vaccinations ,&nbsp;the extent to which they prevent transmission of the coronavirus,&nbsp;and could strengthen the case for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan&nbsp;to end England's lockdown in June.

"We already know vaccines save lives and this study is the most comprehensive real-world data showing they also cut transmission of this deadly virus," health minister Matt Hancock said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-one-dose-of-vaccine-against-covid-19-halves-transmission-risk-381022/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New research showed that people who became infected with the coronavirus three weeks after receiving one dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine were between 38 per cent&nbsp;to 49&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;less likely to pass it on to household contacts compared to those who were unvaccinated.

The shots also stop a vaccinated person developing symptomatic infection to start with, reducing the risk by around 60&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 65&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;from four weeks after one dose of either vaccine.

"While these findings are very encouraging, even if you have been vaccinated, it is really important that you continue to act like you have the virus," said Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE.

The study included over 57,000 contacts from 24,000 households in which there was a lab-confirmed case that had received a vaccination, PHE said, compared with nearly 1 million contacts of unvaccinated cases.

Britain has one of the fastest COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in the world, with over 33.8 million first doses given and a quarter of adults receiving both shots.

That has generated real-world data on how Pfizer and AstraZeneca work outside the setting of clinical trials, and earlier this month PHE said the rollout had prevented over 10,000 deaths of people aged 60 and older by the end of March.

Previous data that showed good effectiveness of vaccines in older people helped inform other countries who reversed age limits on AstraZeneca's shot.

(With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccines deployed in England can cut transmission of the coronavirus in households by up to a half, data from Public Health England (PHE) showed on Wednesday, in addition to the protection the shots offer against symptomatic infection.

COVID-19 vaccines deployed in England can cut transmission of the coronavirus in households by up to a half, data from Public Health England (PHE) showed on Wednesday, in addition to the protection the shots offer against symptomatic infection. The research offers insight on one of the big unknowns over COVID-19 vaccinations , the extent to which they prevent transmission of the coronavirus, and could strengthen the case for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan to end England's lockdown in June. "We already know vaccines save lives and this study is the most comprehensive real-world data showing they also cut transmission of this deadly virus," health minister Matt Hancock said. New research showed that people who became infected with the coronavirus three weeks after receiving one dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine were between 38 per cent to 49 per cent less likely to pass it on to household contacts compared to those who were unvaccinated. The shots also stop a vaccinated person developing symptomatic infection to start with, reducing the risk by around 60 per cent to 65 per cent from four weeks after one dose of either vaccine. "While these findings are very encouraging, even if you have been vaccinated, it is really important that you continue to act like you have the virus," said Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE. The study included over 57,000 contacts from 24,000 households in which there was a lab-confirmed case that had received a vaccination, PHE said, compared with nearly 1 million contacts of unvaccinated cases. Britain has one of the fastest COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in the world, with over 33.8 million first doses given and a quarter of adults receiving both shots. That has generated real-world data on how Pfizer and AstraZeneca work outside the setting of clinical trials, and earlier this month PHE said the rollout had prevented over 10,000 deaths of people aged 60 and older by the end of March. Previous data that showed good effectiveness of vaccines in older people helped inform other countries who reversed age limits on AstraZeneca's shot. (With inputs from agencies)

Single dose of Covid vaccine can nearly halve transmission of virus, study finds

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May&nbsp;

The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination.

While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker.

There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of &nbsp;a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas.

Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report.

Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open.

Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks. The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination. While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker. There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas. Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots. Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report. Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open. Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to open vaccination centres capable of handling 10,000 people: Report 

Disneyland Paris has been converted into a COVID vaccination site at its convention centre to help as the country steps up its inoculation drive.

Disneyland Paris: From Rides to Jabs

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India.

The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added.

The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country.

A finance ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside business hours.

Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%.

New COVID-19 infections and deaths in India have jumped by record numbers for days, with hospitals running short of beds, oxygen and key medicines. Total deaths have swelled to nearly 179,000 and cases have climbed above 15 million, the world's second-highest tally behind the United States.

The government has now decided to open vaccinations for all adults from May 1.

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases. Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India. The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added. The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country. A finance ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside business hours. Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%. New COVID-19 infections and deaths in India have jumped by record numbers for days, with hospitals running short of beds, oxygen and key medicines. Total deaths have swelled to nearly 179,000 and cases have climbed above 15 million, the world's second-highest tally behind the United States. The government has now decided to open vaccinations for all adults from May 1.

India to waive import duty on Covid-19 vaccines: Report

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister&nbsp;Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India.

In response to a question, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "&nbsp;I would like to confirm that no third party was involved in" New Delhi sending vaccines to the south American country.&nbsp;

On March 26, India sent 100,000 doses of India-made Covid vaccines to the South American country. This came in the backdrop of a request from&nbsp;Paraguay during a telephonic conversation between its foreign minister and India's External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar. Earlier this year, India announced that it will open its embassy in the country.&nbsp;

Media reports quoting Taiwan's foreign minister had said that its intervention and working together with "like-minded countries" led to Paraguay getting vaccines.

Paraguay has ties with Taiwan and doesn't recognise China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory. Paraguay is the largest country&nbsp;in terms of size to recognise Taiwan.

Taipei, keen to help its ally reached out to New Delhi, the foreign minister had indicated.

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India.

India's Ministry of external affairs has dismissed media reports quoting Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu that Taipei's intervention led to Paraguay getting vaccines from India. In response to a question, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, " I would like to confirm that no third party was involved in" New Delhi sending vaccines to the south American country. On March 26, India sent 100,000 doses of India-made Covid vaccines to the South American country. This came in the backdrop of a request from Paraguay during a telephonic conversation between its foreign minister and India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Earlier this year, India announced that it will open its embassy in the country. Media reports quoting Taiwan's foreign minister had said that its intervention and working together with "like-minded countries" led to Paraguay getting vaccines. Paraguay has ties with Taiwan and doesn't recognise China, which considers Taiwan its breakaway territory. Paraguay is the largest country in terms of size to recognise Taiwan. Taipei, keen to help its ally reached out to New Delhi, the foreign minister had indicated.

No third party involved, says India on sending vaccines to Paraguay

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has allowed fully vaccinated people to travel, after it had held off for weeks on revising guidance that discouraged all non-essential trips.

The new CDC guidance specifically greenlights vaccinated grandparents getting on airplanes to see grandchildren.

A group representing major US airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and other trade groups had urged the CDC on March 22 to immediately update its guidance to say “vaccinated individuals can travel safely.”

The new guidlines also say fully vaccinated people do not need to get a Covid test before or after travel and do not need to self-quarantine after travel.

“Vaccines can help us return to the things we love about life, so we encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity,” CDC director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

The CDC said grandparents who have been fully vaccinated can fly to visit grandkids without getting a COVID-19 test or self-quarantining as long as they follow CDC advice for traveling safely.

The CDC’s new guidance says fully vaccinated people do not need Covid tests before international travel unless it is required by the international destination and vaccinated people returning from foreign travel do not need to self-quarantine after returning to the United States, unless required by state or local authorities.

The CDC had repeatedly declined in recent weeks to change the guidance and repeated it was still discouraging all non-essential travel because of a concern about new variants.

The announcement lifting the agency’s guidance that all Americans should avoid non-essential travel should be a shot in the arm for a US travel industry still struggling since the COVID-19 crisis began in early 2020.&nbsp;

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has allowed fully vaccinated people to travel, after it had held off for weeks on revising guidance that discouraged all non-essential trips.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has allowed fully vaccinated people to travel, after it had held off for weeks on revising guidance that discouraged all non-essential trips. The new CDC guidance specifically greenlights vaccinated grandparents getting on airplanes to see grandchildren. A group representing major US airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and other trade groups had urged the CDC on March 22 to immediately update its guidance to say “vaccinated individuals can travel safely.” The new guidlines also say fully vaccinated people do not need to get a Covid test before or after travel and do not need to self-quarantine after travel. “Vaccines can help us return to the things we love about life, so we encourage every American to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity,” CDC director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement. The CDC said grandparents who have been fully vaccinated can fly to visit grandkids without getting a COVID-19 test or self-quarantining as long as they follow CDC advice for traveling safely. The CDC’s new guidance says fully vaccinated people do not need Covid tests before international travel unless it is required by the international destination and vaccinated people returning from foreign travel do not need to self-quarantine after returning to the United States, unless required by state or local authorities. The CDC had repeatedly declined in recent weeks to change the guidance and repeated it was still discouraging all non-essential travel because of a concern about new variants. The announcement lifting the agency’s guidance that all Americans should avoid non-essential travel should be a shot in the arm for a US travel industry still struggling since the COVID-19 crisis began in early 2020.

Vaccinated people can resume travel at 'low risk', US CDC says

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India

In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated.

<h2>Who will be eligible to get jab in second phase?</h2>

Here's who will be eligible for a COVID shot in the second phase of the vaccination drive

People above 60 years of age of those who will attain the age of 60 on January 1, 2022 
People with co-morbidities who are between 45-59 year-old age group or will attain that age by January 1, 2022

Indian government has listed 20 co-morbidities that would be covered for this vaccination.

<h2>Some of them are,</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Diabetes or hypertension for over 10 years</li>
	<li>HIV infection or any other immunological disease</li>
	<li>Heart failure that resulted in hospitalisation over the last one year</li>
	<li>Those diagnosed with cancer after July 1, 2020, or those currently being treated for cancer</li>
</ul>

There have been more than 11 million reported coronavirus infections in India and over 157,000 deaths

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone who is eligible to take COVID vaccine

"Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated.

Second phase of coronavirus vaccination is starting in India today (March 1). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the first dose of COVID vaccine. Vaccinating Indian citizens against coronavirus is a giant task given the population of India In first phase of vaccination, only healthcare and frontline workers were being vaccinated. Who will be eligible to get jab in second phase? Here's who will be eligible for a COVID shot in the second phase of the vaccination drive People above 60 years of age of those who will attain the age of 60 on January 1, 2022 People with co-morbidities who are between 45-59 year-old age group or will attain that age by January 1, 2022 Indian government has listed 20 co-morbidities that would be covered for this vaccination. Some of them are, Diabetes or hypertension for over 10 years HIV infection or any other immunological disease Heart failure that resulted in hospitalisation over the last one year Those diagnosed with cancer after July 1, 2020, or those currently being treated for cancer There have been more than 11 million reported coronavirus infections in India and over 157,000 deaths Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone who is eligible to take COVID vaccine "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19. I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free!" he tweeted.