Pakistan launched its COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which a doctor was the first in the country to receive the shot.

Around 500,000 doses of vaccine produced by Sinopharm and donated by China had arrived in Pakistan on a military flight on Monday, allowing authorities to kickstart a nationwide inoculation campaign starting with health workers.

"I congratulate my team...I will tell all the health workers that it is necessary for them to get vaccinated because they are the ones who are most exposed to risk," Khan said in an address during the televised ceremony.

Vaccines were being transported around the South Asian country and will begin to be administered in areas outside the capital Islamabad on Wednesday, according to the federal agency overseeing the pandemic response.

Pakistan has also been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca`s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations.

About 6 million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, the government`s main health adviser said last week.

Pakistan, a country of 220 million people, reported 1,220 new infections and 63 deaths over the latest 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 547,648, with 11,746 deaths.

Pakistan launched its COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which a doctor was the first in the country to receive the shot.

Pakistan launched its COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which a doctor was the first in the country to receive the shot. Around 500,000 doses of vaccine produced by Sinopharm and donated by China had arrived in Pakistan on a military flight on Monday, allowing authorities to kickstart a nationwide inoculation campaign starting with health workers. "I congratulate my team...I will tell all the health workers that it is necessary for them to get vaccinated because they are the ones who are most exposed to risk," Khan said in an address during the televised ceremony. Vaccines were being transported around the South Asian country and will begin to be administered in areas outside the capital Islamabad on Wednesday, according to the federal agency overseeing the pandemic response. Pakistan has also been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca`s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations. About 6 million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, the government`s main health adviser said last week. Pakistan, a country of 220 million people, reported 1,220 new infections and 63 deaths over the latest 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 547,648, with 11,746 deaths.

Pakistan launches COVID-19 vaccine campaign

The UK variant of the coronavirus has developed a new, concerning mutation in a small number of cases, which scientists said makes it similar to the South African and Brazilian variants and could reduce the efficacy of vaccines.

The emergence of the mutation to the variant first discovered in Britain highlights how complicated exiting COVID-19 lockdown will be even once vaccines are rolled out.

Public Health England said there had been 11 reports of the UK variant which feature the E484K mutation, mostly in south-west England.

The E484K mutation, which occurs on the spike protein of the virus, is the same change as has been seen in the South African and Brazilian variants that have caused international concern.

"PHE is monitoring the situation closely and all necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, including enhanced contact tracing and control measures," a PHE spokesman said.

Several laboratory studies have found that vaccines and antibody therapy are less effective against the South African variant.

By contrast, early evidence showed that vaccines worked just as well against the UK variant, which originally did not have the E484K mutation.

Health minister Matt Hancock said it was too early to tell the impact of variants on vaccines, but mutations of concern had been reported in Bristol and Liverpool.

"We must continue to act with caution, not least because of the renewed challenges posed by new variants of the coronavirus," he told lawmakers.

Calum Semple, who is part of a panel that advises the British government, told BBC radio that E484K was the "mutation of most concern", and had "occurred spontaneously" in the UK variant.

The name E484K, in layman`s terms, is like map coordinates. The number 484 is the exact location of the mutation, the letter E is the amino acid that it was originally and the letter K is the amino acid that it has mutated to.

Concern over the South African variant, with its E484K mutation, has already prompted authorities in England to begin a door-to-door mass testing drive in areas where cases of the variant have been found in people with no link to South Africa, while mandatory quarantine in hotels for arrivals from South Africa is yet to come into force.

Though the number of reported cases of the UK variant with the concerning mutation are small, scientists said that it demonstrated how Britain`s high prevalence of cases meant that it was not enough simply to prevent new variants being imported.

"This report would seem to suggest that under conditions of very high levels of virus replication even the most stringent of border controls, although they may delay spread, are unlikely to prevent the appearance of new variants," said Jonathan Stoye, virologist at The Francis Crick Institute.

The UK variant of the coronavirus has developed a new, concerning mutation in a small number of cases, which scientists said makes it similar to the South African and Brazilian variants and could reduce the efficacy of vaccines.

The UK variant of the coronavirus has developed a new, concerning mutation in a small number of cases, which scientists said makes it similar to the South African and Brazilian variants and could reduce the efficacy of vaccines. The emergence of the mutation to the variant first discovered in Britain highlights how complicated exiting COVID-19 lockdown will be even once vaccines are rolled out. Public Health England said there had been 11 reports of the UK variant which feature the E484K mutation, mostly in south-west England. The E484K mutation, which occurs on the spike protein of the virus, is the same change as has been seen in the South African and Brazilian variants that have caused international concern. "PHE is monitoring the situation closely and all necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, including enhanced contact tracing and control measures," a PHE spokesman said. Several laboratory studies have found that vaccines and antibody therapy are less effective against the South African variant. By contrast, early evidence showed that vaccines worked just as well against the UK variant, which originally did not have the E484K mutation. Health minister Matt Hancock said it was too early to tell the impact of variants on vaccines, but mutations of concern had been reported in Bristol and Liverpool. "We must continue to act with caution, not least because of the renewed challenges posed by new variants of the coronavirus," he told lawmakers. Calum Semple, who is part of a panel that advises the British government, told BBC radio that E484K was the "mutation of most concern", and had "occurred spontaneously" in the UK variant. The name E484K, in layman`s terms, is like map coordinates. The number 484 is the exact location of the mutation, the letter E is the amino acid that it was originally and the letter K is the amino acid that it has mutated to. Concern over the South African variant, with its E484K mutation, has already prompted authorities in England to begin a door-to-door mass testing drive in areas where cases of the variant have been found in people with no link to South Africa, while mandatory quarantine in hotels for arrivals from South Africa is yet to come into force. Though the number of reported cases of the UK variant with the concerning mutation are small, scientists said that it demonstrated how Britain`s high prevalence of cases meant that it was not enough simply to prevent new variants being imported. "This report would seem to suggest that under conditions of very high levels of virus replication even the most stringent of border controls, although they may delay spread, are unlikely to prevent the appearance of new variants," said Jonathan Stoye, virologist at The Francis Crick Institute.

UK virus variant has developed concerning new mutation in small number of cases

India has invited Pakistani diplomats for its Covid vaccination drive as part of the offer to the entire diplomatic community based in the national capital Delhi. The offer to the foreign diplomats based in Delhi is in line with India's domestic vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Pakistan still has to take a call on if its diplomats will take part in the vaccination drive.

India has been in past reaching out to foreign diplomats on its vaccination drive and how it is dealing with the Covid crisis. December saw over 50 foreign envoys being taken to the southern city of Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at two biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E.&nbsp;

During the one-day visit, the foreign envoys were briefed on India’s indigenous efforts to develop COVID vaccines and clinical trials.

A release by MEA said, "India’s R&amp;D facilities, manufacturing capacity, foreign collaborations, etc. in the fields of pharmaceuticals, including vaccine production, were highlighted....India is committed to partnering with all interested countries in vaccine-related efforts, in the service of humanity."

Earlier in November, foreign envoys were briefed on the action plan to deal with the Covid crisis by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Around 190 heads of diplomatic missions were present in the briefing that took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan.

India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16, and so far over 41 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated. This even as New Delhi has gifted India-manufactured vaccines to more than ten countries in the region and many West Asian countries.&nbsp;

In the neighbourhood, four countries -- Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka began their vaccination drive in last two weeks using India-manufactured and India gifted vaccines. &nbsp;

In contrast, Pakistan began its vaccination on Tuesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan thanking China for sending 50,000 doses of its vaccine -Sinopharm.

India has invited Pakistani diplomats for its Covid vaccination drive as part of the offer to the entire diplomatic community based in the national capital Delhi.

India has invited Pakistani diplomats for its Covid vaccination drive as part of the offer to the entire diplomatic community based in the national capital Delhi. The offer to the foreign diplomats based in Delhi is in line with India's domestic vaccine rollout. Pakistan still has to take a call on if its diplomats will take part in the vaccination drive. India has been in past reaching out to foreign diplomats on its vaccination drive and how it is dealing with the Covid crisis. December saw over 50 foreign envoys being taken to the southern city of Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at two biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E. During the one-day visit, the foreign envoys were briefed on India’s indigenous efforts to develop COVID vaccines and clinical trials. A release by MEA said, "India’s R&D facilities, manufacturing capacity, foreign collaborations, etc. in the fields of pharmaceuticals, including vaccine production, were highlighted....India is committed to partnering with all interested countries in vaccine-related efforts, in the service of humanity." Earlier in November, foreign envoys were briefed on the action plan to deal with the Covid crisis by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Around 190 heads of diplomatic missions were present in the briefing that took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan. India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16, and so far over 41 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated. This even as New Delhi has gifted India-manufactured vaccines to more than ten countries in the region and many West Asian countries. In the neighbourhood, four countries -- Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka began their vaccination drive in last two weeks using India-manufactured and India gifted vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan began its vaccination on Tuesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan thanking China for sending 50,000 doses of its vaccine -Sinopharm.

Pakistani diplomats invited for Covid vaccination by India as part of offer to diplomatic community

China has arrested over 80 people for smuggling and supplying counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines, amid reports that some of the jabs have already made their way to Africa, the official media reported on Tuesday.

Apart from the arrests, 3,000 doses of the fake vaccines were confiscated from the accused in a special drive that China has carried out to curb vaccine-related crimes, the Global Times reported.

The raids were carried out in a joint action by police in Beijing and East China's Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, among other regions. The criminal activity was scattered across multiple cities, the report said.

The suspects were profiting from the illegal manufacture and sale of the vaccines since September last year, the report added.

The accused made the counterfeit vaccines by injecting saline into pre-filled syringes, the newspaper said, adding that the "doses" were being sold for high prices.

The smugglers are believed to have smuggled the fake vaccines into Africa, although it is not known how they managed to leave the country, the report said.

Asked about the reports of fake vaccines in circulation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing on Tuesday that China will take effective measures to fight against the counterfeit vaccines and their smuggling.

He said cooperation with other countries would be needed to prevent such criminal activities.

The captured suspects might have planned to send vaccines abroad, the report said. The police have multiple times checked with vaccine manufacturers to confirm the vaccines illegally sold in markets were the fake ones produced by the suspects.

In early January, Japanese media had reported that smuggled Chinese vaccines were in circulation in the country. However, the reports were slammed by the Chinese Embassy to Japan as "unverified and misleading".

China is presently conducting clinical trials of 16 COVID-19 vaccines, seven of which have entered phase three trials and one has conditionally hit the market, according to Wu Yuanbin, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The deadly coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 and then spread across the world and became a pandemic.

According to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker, over 2,240,00 people have died and more than 103,500,000 people have been hit by the coronavirus.

China is vaccinating people at home with two vaccines and sending the same doses abroad. The Chinese government has given conditional approval to the Sinopharm vaccine, even as the results of the third trial is yet to be released.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is reviewing the trials of both the vaccines. China said 46 countries so far have expressed their desire to import the locally-made vaccines.

China is yet to release the date of the phase three trials of its vaccines. When asked about it, Wang said many of the Chinese vaccine candidates are in phase three clinical trials overseas.

"Judging from the published phase three clinical trial data so far the Chinese vaccines are effective and safe", he said, adding that the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Brazil and other countries have approved the use of Chinese vaccines.

"These are tests to the safety and effectiveness of our vaccines", he said.

China has arrested over 80 people for smuggling and supplying counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines, amid reports that some of the jabs have already made their way to Africa, the official media reported on Tuesday.

China has arrested over 80 people for smuggling and supplying counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines, amid reports that some of the jabs have already made their way to Africa, the official media reported on Tuesday. Apart from the arrests, 3,000 doses of the fake vaccines were confiscated from the accused in a special drive that China has carried out to curb vaccine-related crimes, the Global Times reported. The raids were carried out in a joint action by police in Beijing and East China's Jiangsu and Shandong provinces, among other regions. The criminal activity was scattered across multiple cities, the report said. The suspects were profiting from the illegal manufacture and sale of the vaccines since September last year, the report added. The accused made the counterfeit vaccines by injecting saline into pre-filled syringes, the newspaper said, adding that the "doses" were being sold for high prices. The smugglers are believed to have smuggled the fake vaccines into Africa, although it is not known how they managed to leave the country, the report said. Asked about the reports of fake vaccines in circulation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing on Tuesday that China will take effective measures to fight against the counterfeit vaccines and their smuggling. He said cooperation with other countries would be needed to prevent such criminal activities. The captured suspects might have planned to send vaccines abroad, the report said. The police have multiple times checked with vaccine manufacturers to confirm the vaccines illegally sold in markets were the fake ones produced by the suspects. In early January, Japanese media had reported that smuggled Chinese vaccines were in circulation in the country. However, the reports were slammed by the Chinese Embassy to Japan as "unverified and misleading". China is presently conducting clinical trials of 16 COVID-19 vaccines, seven of which have entered phase three trials and one has conditionally hit the market, according to Wu Yuanbin, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology. The deadly coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 and then spread across the world and became a pandemic. According to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 tracker, over 2,240,00 people have died and more than 103,500,000 people have been hit by the coronavirus. China is vaccinating people at home with two vaccines and sending the same doses abroad. The Chinese government has given conditional approval to the Sinopharm vaccine, even as the results of the third trial is yet to be released. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is reviewing the trials of both the vaccines. China said 46 countries so far have expressed their desire to import the locally-made vaccines. China is yet to release the date of the phase three trials of its vaccines. When asked about it, Wang said many of the Chinese vaccine candidates are in phase three clinical trials overseas. "Judging from the published phase three clinical trial data so far the Chinese vaccines are effective and safe", he said, adding that the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Brazil and other countries have approved the use of Chinese vaccines. "These are tests to the safety and effectiveness of our vaccines", he said.

Over 80 people arrested in China for smuggling fake COVID-19 vaccines

According to a closely-watched annual study by an anti-graft organization, countries with the least corruption are highly likely to weather the health and economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, which measures the perception of public sector corruption according to experts and business people, has carried out the study.&nbsp;

It says the countries that have invested well in healthcare, were “better able to provide universal health coverage and are less likely to violate democratic norms.”&nbsp;

Covid-19 is not just a health and economic crisis. It is a corruption crisis - and one that we are currently failing to manage,” said Transparency head, Delia Ferreira Rubio. &nbsp;

The United States has hit a new low in this year’s index amid a steady decline under the presidency of Donald Trump, with a score of 67 on a scale where 0 is “highly corrupt” and 100 is “very clean.”&nbsp;

The US has tied with Chile for the 25th spot, behind many other western democracies. It has dropped from scores of 69 in 2019, 71 in 2018 and 75 in 2017. And was down to the lowest level since figures for comparison have been available.&nbsp;

The Transparency report, which is based in Berlin, said, “In addition to alleged conflicts of interest and abuse of office at the highest level, in 2020 weak oversight of the $1 trillion Covid-19 relief package raised serious concerns and marked a retreat from longstanding democratic norms promoting accountable government.” &nbsp;

According to the analysis of the report, the link between corruption and coronavirus response is widely visible around the world.&nbsp;

Uruguay scored 71 — putting it at 21st place on the list. The country invests heavily in healthcare and has a strong epidemiological surveillance system, which has helped not only with Covid-19 but also other diseases, such as yellow fever and Zika, the organization said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Bangladesh, which scored 26 and is placed 146th on the list, “invests little in healthcare while corruption flourishes during Covid-19, ranging from bribery in health clinics to misappropriated aid,” said Transparency. &nbsp;

Of 180 countries surveyed, two-thirds scored below 50 out of 100 and the average score was 43.&nbsp;

Denmark and New Zealand tied for the first place as the countries seen as least corrupt, with scores of 88, followed by Finland, Singapore, Switzerland and Sweden with scores of 85, Norway at 84, the Netherlands at 82, and Germany and Luxembourg at 80 to round out the top 10.&nbsp;

Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and Britain each scored 77 for 11th place.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a closely-watched annual study by an anti-graft organization, countries with the least corruption are highly likely to weather the health and economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a closely-watched annual study by an anti-graft organization, countries with the least corruption are highly likely to weather the health and economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, which measures the perception of public sector corruption according to experts and business people, has carried out the study. It says the countries that have invested well in healthcare, were “better able to provide universal health coverage and are less likely to violate democratic norms.” Covid-19 is not just a health and economic crisis. It is a corruption crisis - and one that we are currently failing to manage,” said Transparency head, Delia Ferreira Rubio. The United States has hit a new low in this year’s index amid a steady decline under the presidency of Donald Trump, with a score of 67 on a scale where 0 is “highly corrupt” and 100 is “very clean.” The US has tied with Chile for the 25th spot, behind many other western democracies. It has dropped from scores of 69 in 2019, 71 in 2018 and 75 in 2017. And was down to the lowest level since figures for comparison have been available. The Transparency report, which is based in Berlin, said, “In addition to alleged conflicts of interest and abuse of office at the highest level, in 2020 weak oversight of the $1 trillion Covid-19 relief package raised serious concerns and marked a retreat from longstanding democratic norms promoting accountable government.” According to the analysis of the report, the link between corruption and coronavirus response is widely visible around the world. Uruguay scored 71 — putting it at 21st place on the list. The country invests heavily in healthcare and has a strong epidemiological surveillance system, which has helped not only with Covid-19 but also other diseases, such as yellow fever and Zika, the organization said. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, which scored 26 and is placed 146th on the list, “invests little in healthcare while corruption flourishes during Covid-19, ranging from bribery in health clinics to misappropriated aid,” said Transparency. Of 180 countries surveyed, two-thirds scored below 50 out of 100 and the average score was 43. Denmark and New Zealand tied for the first place as the countries seen as least corrupt, with scores of 88, followed by Finland, Singapore, Switzerland and Sweden with scores of 85, Norway at 84, the Netherlands at 82, and Germany and Luxembourg at 80 to round out the top 10. Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and Britain each scored 77 for 11th place. (With inputs from agencies)

Least corrupt nations generate best Covid-19 response: Study

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6 per cent effective against symptomatic Covid-19, according to results published in The Lancet on Tuesday.

Sputnik V was&nbsp;approved in Russia months before results from its final-stage clinical trials were published, and the country, to this end,&nbsp;launched a mass inoculation campaign for citizens 18 and older. But the new analysis of data from 20,000 participants in Phase 3 trials suggests that the two-dose vaccination offers more than 90 per cent efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19.&nbsp;

The results suggest Sputnik V is among the top performing vaccines, along with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna jabs that also reported more than 90 per cent efficacy.&nbsp;

Sputnik V uses two different disarmed strains of the adenovirus, a virus that causes the common cold, as vectors to deliver the vaccine dose. The vaccine has the advantage of being able to be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures instead of the conditions far below freezing required for some other vaccines.

"The development of the Sputnik V vaccine has been criticised for unseemly haste, corner cutting, and an absence of transparency. But the outcome reported here is clear and the scientific principle of vaccination is demonstrated, which means another vaccine can now join the fight to reduce the incidence of Covid-19," said an independent Lancet commentary by Ian Jones of the University of Reading and Polly Roy of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.&nbsp;

The trial involved giving 14,964 participants in the vaccine group and 4,902 in the placebo group two jabs 21 days apart.&nbsp;

Those taking part were tested for Covid-19 at enrolment into the trial, again when they had the second dose and then after that if they reported symptoms.&nbsp;

From the second dose, 16 cases of symptomatic Covid-19 were confirmed in the vaccine group and 62 cases were reported in the placebo group, giving an efficacy equivalent to 91.6 percent. The authors said, however, that efficacy was only calculated on symptomatic cases and said more research would be needed to assess how it affects asymptomatic disease.&nbsp;

The follow-up period was around 48 days from the first dose, so the full period of protection is still unknown. The trial is ongoing and plans to recruit a total of 40,000 people.

&nbsp;

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6 per cent effective against symptomatic Covid-19, according to results published in The Lancet on Tuesday. Sputnik V was approved in Russia months before results from its final-stage clinical trials were published, and the country, to this end, launched a mass inoculation campaign for citizens 18 and older.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6 per cent effective against symptomatic Covid-19, according to results published in The Lancet on Tuesday. Sputnik V was approved in Russia months before results from its final-stage clinical trials were published, and the country, to this end, launched a mass inoculation campaign for citizens 18 and older. But the new analysis of data from 20,000 participants in Phase 3 trials suggests that the two-dose vaccination offers more than 90 per cent efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19. The results suggest Sputnik V is among the top performing vaccines, along with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna jabs that also reported more than 90 per cent efficacy. Sputnik V uses two different disarmed strains of the adenovirus, a virus that causes the common cold, as vectors to deliver the vaccine dose. The vaccine has the advantage of being able to be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures instead of the conditions far below freezing required for some other vaccines. "The development of the Sputnik V vaccine has been criticised for unseemly haste, corner cutting, and an absence of transparency. But the outcome reported here is clear and the scientific principle of vaccination is demonstrated, which means another vaccine can now join the fight to reduce the incidence of Covid-19," said an independent Lancet commentary by Ian Jones of the University of Reading and Polly Roy of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The trial involved giving 14,964 participants in the vaccine group and 4,902 in the placebo group two jabs 21 days apart. Those taking part were tested for Covid-19 at enrolment into the trial, again when they had the second dose and then after that if they reported symptoms. From the second dose, 16 cases of symptomatic Covid-19 were confirmed in the vaccine group and 62 cases were reported in the placebo group, giving an efficacy equivalent to 91.6 percent. The authors said, however, that efficacy was only calculated on symptomatic cases and said more research would be needed to assess how it affects asymptomatic disease. The follow-up period was around 48 days from the first dose, so the full period of protection is still unknown. The trial is ongoing and plans to recruit a total of 40,000 people.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6% effective, Lancet study says

Merkel said there were various reasons for the slower pace of vaccination in Germany compared to other countries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel promises every citizen a Covid vaccine by September

A group of 10 Republican senators have written President Joe Biden to propose an alternative to his massive Covid-19 relief plan, arguing that their approach could garner the bipartisan support he has said he seeks.

Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, said on Twitter that she had joined the group, which asked the president in a letter Friday for a meeting to discuss their plan.

She said the group would release details of their plan on Monday.

"We've received the letter and we certainly will be reviewing it," Brian Deese, director of the president's National Economic Council, told CNN.

He said Biden was "open to ideas," but stressed that action was needed immediately.

The president's $1.9 trillion plan, he added, had been "calibrated to the economic crisis that we face," which he said had left some 30 million people without enough to eat.

Biden unveiled his plan on January 14, saying it was urgently needed to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control and help pull the nation out of a deep economic slump.&nbsp;

The Biden plan would provide checks to families, funds to help safely reopen schools, money to accelerate Covid-19 testing and vaccine distribution, financial support for struggling small businesses, and increased food aid for those in need.

Republicans say the bill is far too costly at a time of historic debt levels, and with Congress already having committed some $4 trillion to pandemic relief. They want aid more closely targeted to those in need.

Republicans also want a separate vote on raising the federal minimum wage -- which Biden's plan would boost from $7.25 an hour to $15.

If Senate Democrats hold together in support of Biden's plan, the 10 Republican senators would give them enough support to pass the bill under normal procedure, which requires 60 out of 100 votes.&nbsp;

Democrats have said that if necessary they will turn to a process known as reconciliation, which would allow them to pass the package with a simple majority.

The Democrats control 50 seats in the upper chamber, but ties are broken by Vice President Kamala Harris. They also hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives.

Biden said on Friday that "I support passing Covid relief with support from Republicans if we can get it. But Covid relief has to pass. There's no ifs, ands or buts."&nbsp;

Independent-minded Senator Bernie Sanders struck a similar tone on Sunday.

"If Republicans want to work with us, they have better ideas on how to address those crises, that's great," he told ABC's "This Week."

But he quickly added that he was "absolutely confident" that Democrats could stick together and pass the relief bill through reconciliation. 
&nbsp;

A group of 10 Republican senators have written President Joe Biden to propose an alternative to his massive Covid-19 relief plan, arguing that their approach could garner the bipartisan support he has said he seeks.

A group of 10 Republican senators have written President Joe Biden to propose an alternative to his massive Covid-19 relief plan, arguing that their approach could garner the bipartisan support he has said he seeks. Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, said on Twitter that she had joined the group, which asked the president in a letter Friday for a meeting to discuss their plan. She said the group would release details of their plan on Monday. "We've received the letter and we certainly will be reviewing it," Brian Deese, director of the president's National Economic Council, told CNN. He said Biden was "open to ideas," but stressed that action was needed immediately. The president's $1.9 trillion plan, he added, had been "calibrated to the economic crisis that we face," which he said had left some 30 million people without enough to eat. Biden unveiled his plan on January 14, saying it was urgently needed to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control and help pull the nation out of a deep economic slump. The Biden plan would provide checks to families, funds to help safely reopen schools, money to accelerate Covid-19 testing and vaccine distribution, financial support for struggling small businesses, and increased food aid for those in need. Republicans say the bill is far too costly at a time of historic debt levels, and with Congress already having committed some $4 trillion to pandemic relief. They want aid more closely targeted to those in need. Republicans also want a separate vote on raising the federal minimum wage -- which Biden's plan would boost from $7.25 an hour to $15. If Senate Democrats hold together in support of Biden's plan, the 10 Republican senators would give them enough support to pass the bill under normal procedure, which requires 60 out of 100 votes. Democrats have said that if necessary they will turn to a process known as reconciliation, which would allow them to pass the package with a simple majority. The Democrats control 50 seats in the upper chamber, but ties are broken by Vice President Kamala Harris. They also hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. Biden said on Friday that "I support passing Covid relief with support from Republicans if we can get it. But Covid relief has to pass. There's no ifs, ands or buts." Independent-minded Senator Bernie Sanders struck a similar tone on Sunday. "If Republicans want to work with us, they have better ideas on how to address those crises, that's great," he told ABC's "This Week." But he quickly added that he was "absolutely confident" that Democrats could stick together and pass the relief bill through reconciliation.

Ten Republicans propose alternate Covid relief plan to Biden

Russia has begun supplying its Sputnik V Covid vaccine to the rebel-controlled region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine despite a ban by Kyiv.

Ukraine's government is planning to receive shipments of Western-made vaccines from February and has prohibited the use of Russia's Sputnik V.

Kyiv, however, has little control over Donetsk on its border with Russia, where conflict between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatist rebels has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014.

Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic, was quoted by the region's news agency DAN as saying vaccinations would soon begin thanks to Russian supplies. He said health workers and teachers were among those being vaccinated first and free of charge.

It was not clear which institution supplied the doses. On Saturday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which markets the Sputnik vaccine abroad, said it did not supply the Donetsk or Luhansk breakaway regions.

Russia has begun supplying its Sputnik V Covid vaccine to the rebel-controlled region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine despite a ban by Kyiv. Ukraine's government is planning to receive shipments of Western-made vaccines from February and has prohibited the use of Russia's Sputnik V.

Russia has begun supplying its Sputnik V Covid vaccine to the rebel-controlled region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine despite a ban by Kyiv. Ukraine's government is planning to receive shipments of Western-made vaccines from February and has prohibited the use of Russia's Sputnik V. Kyiv, however, has little control over Donetsk on its border with Russia, where conflict between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatist rebels has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014. Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic, was quoted by the region's news agency DAN as saying vaccinations would soon begin thanks to Russian supplies. He said health workers and teachers were among those being vaccinated first and free of charge. It was not clear which institution supplied the doses. On Saturday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which markets the Sputnik vaccine abroad, said it did not supply the Donetsk or Luhansk breakaway regions.

Russia begins supplying Sputnik V doses to rebel-held area despite Ukraine ban

Egypt said Saturday the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca would arrive on Sunday.

The Egyptian authority in charge of the acquisition of pharmaceuticals announced "the arrival of the first batch of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine tomorrow, Sunday January 31, 2021", without specifying the number of doses.

Last week, officials said they had ordered 20 million doses, according to Egyptian media.

Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country with around 100 million people, has recorded nearly 165,000 Covid-19 cases, including more than 9,200 deaths.

But some health officials suggest the reported infection rate is much lower than actual figures.

Cairo started vaccinating healthcare workers using China's Sinopharm jabs on January 24, the first doses of which were delivered in December.

On Friday, Health Minister Hala Zayed said that 1,315 medical workers had received a first dose.

Jabs will be rolled out next to the elderly and people with chronic health conditions.

AstraZeneca was initially praised for the speed of its vaccine development, but is now being criticised for delays in delivery to the European Union due to production problems.

Germany's Robert Koch Institute has also questioned the effectiveness of the jab among the over-65s, citing gaps in test data.

Egypt said Saturday the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca would arrive on Sunday. The Egyptian authority in charge of the acquisition of pharmaceuticals announced "the arrival of the first batch of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine tomorrow, Sunday January 31, 2021", without specifying the number of doses.

Egypt said Saturday the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca would arrive on Sunday. The Egyptian authority in charge of the acquisition of pharmaceuticals announced "the arrival of the first batch of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine tomorrow, Sunday January 31, 2021", without specifying the number of doses. Last week, officials said they had ordered 20 million doses, according to Egyptian media. Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country with around 100 million people, has recorded nearly 165,000 Covid-19 cases, including more than 9,200 deaths. But some health officials suggest the reported infection rate is much lower than actual figures. Cairo started vaccinating healthcare workers using China's Sinopharm jabs on January 24, the first doses of which were delivered in December. On Friday, Health Minister Hala Zayed said that 1,315 medical workers had received a first dose. Jabs will be rolled out next to the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. AstraZeneca was initially praised for the speed of its vaccine development, but is now being criticised for delays in delivery to the European Union due to production problems. Germany's Robert Koch Institute has also questioned the effectiveness of the jab among the over-65s, citing gaps in test data.

Egypt to receive first AstraZeneca vaccines Sunday

Algeria launched its Covid vaccination campaign on Saturday in the town where the country's first case of infection with the coronavirus was confirmed in March.

A 65-year-old retiree got the first shot of Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine at a hospital in the town of Blida, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the capital, Algiers, in the presence of health authorities.

Vaccines will start being administered in all regions of the country on Sunday. The campaign is set to start with health care workers, the elderly and other vulnerable population.

Algeria received its first shipment of vaccines on Friday. Authorities did not indicate how many arrived, though the government had said it had ordered a first batch of 500,000 doses.

The government said it is also negotiating acquisition of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Algeria has lost at least 2,884 lives to the coronavirus pandemic and confirmed more than 106,000 cases.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing about Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has been convalescing for more than a month in an undisclosed location in Germany after suffering COVID side effects.

Algeria launched its Covid vaccination campaign on Saturday in the town where the country's first case of infection with the coronavirus was confirmed in March. A 65-year-old retiree got the first shot of Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine at a hospital in the town of Blida, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the capital, Algiers, in the presence of health authorities.

Algeria launched its Covid vaccination campaign on Saturday in the town where the country's first case of infection with the coronavirus was confirmed in March. A 65-year-old retiree got the first shot of Russia's Sputnik-V vaccine at a hospital in the town of Blida, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the capital, Algiers, in the presence of health authorities. Vaccines will start being administered in all regions of the country on Sunday. The campaign is set to start with health care workers, the elderly and other vulnerable population. Algeria received its first shipment of vaccines on Friday. Authorities did not indicate how many arrived, though the government had said it had ordered a first batch of 500,000 doses. The government said it is also negotiating acquisition of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Algeria has lost at least 2,884 lives to the coronavirus pandemic and confirmed more than 106,000 cases. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has been convalescing for more than a month in an undisclosed location in Germany after suffering COVID side effects.

Algeria launches its Covid vaccination campaign

WandaVison actor Randall Park is the latest celebrity to reveal that he got a COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
During an interview,&nbsp;the actor revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine back in September 2020, because he had joined the vaccine trials.

The 46-year-old&nbsp;explained that he joined the trial after his friend and fellow actor Ken Jeong told him they were looking for Asian candidates for the vaccine trials. Randall didn't know if he had the placebo or the actual vaccine administered until they told him on Thursday that he actually did receive the vaccine in September during the trials.

The actor, who stars as Agent Jimmy Woo said,&nbsp;"I just found out that I've been vaccinated against Covid since September of last year."

He explained: 'Around September of last year I was on the phone with my friend and yours, Ken Jeong, Dr. Ken. And he was telling me about this vaccine trial that was taking place, and they were looking for Asian candidates.' 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/celebrities-whove-received-the-coronavirus-vaccine-so-far-359234">Celebrities who've received the coronavirus vaccine so far</a>

Ken, 51, who became a household name in Knocked Up, Role Models, Community, The Hangover franchise and Crazy Rich Asians, is actually a doctor; he graduated from Duke University in 1990 and got his MD at the UNC School of Medicine in 1995. He completed his residency at Ochsner Medical Center in &nbsp;New Orleans.

He gave up his practice in 2006 to pursue acting full time.&nbsp;

Randall continued during his interview on The Talk: 'And you know, I was thinking, oh that's interesting. Then, I found out it was near my home, not far, and I was bored because it was pandemic.'

Adding, "I was stuck in the house. And I was like, maybe I should donate my body to science."

Randall currently stars in the Marvel/Disney+ series WandaVision; he became a household name on The Office, The Interview, Fresh Off the Boat, Aquaman, and Always Be My Maybe.

WandaVison actor Randall Park is the latest celebrity to reveal that he got a COVID-19 vaccine. During an interview, the actor revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine back in September 2020, because he had joined the vaccine trials.

WandaVison actor Randall Park is the latest celebrity to reveal that he got a COVID-19 vaccine. During an interview, the actor revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine back in September 2020, because he had joined the vaccine trials. The 46-year-old explained that he joined the trial after his friend and fellow actor Ken Jeong told him they were looking for Asian candidates for the vaccine trials. Randall didn't know if he had the placebo or the actual vaccine administered until they told him on Thursday that he actually did receive the vaccine in September during the trials. The actor, who stars as Agent Jimmy Woo said, "I just found out that I've been vaccinated against Covid since September of last year." He explained: 'Around September of last year I was on the phone with my friend and yours, Ken Jeong, Dr. Ken. And he was telling me about this vaccine trial that was taking place, and they were looking for Asian candidates.' Celebrities who've received the coronavirus vaccine so far Ken, 51, who became a household name in Knocked Up, Role Models, Community, The Hangover franchise and Crazy Rich Asians, is actually a doctor; he graduated from Duke University in 1990 and got his MD at the UNC School of Medicine in 1995. He completed his residency at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He gave up his practice in 2006 to pursue acting full time. Randall continued during his interview on The Talk: 'And you know, I was thinking, oh that's interesting. Then, I found out it was near my home, not far, and I was bored because it was pandemic.' Adding, "I was stuck in the house. And I was like, maybe I should donate my body to science." Randall currently stars in the Marvel/Disney+ series WandaVision; he became a household name on The Office, The Interview, Fresh Off the Boat, Aquaman, and Always Be My Maybe.

'WandaVision' actor Randall Park reveals he got a COVID-19 vaccine

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses&nbsp;

"The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities."

"Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said.

The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world.

The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hungary-becomes-first-country-in-eu-to-approve-chinese-vaccine-sinopharm-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-360101">Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus</a>

WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine.

Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries.

He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over.&nbsp;

"I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said.

The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure."

But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery."

"Is that what we want? It is our choice."

(With AFP inputs)

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past.

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses "The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities." "Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said. The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world. The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021. Also Read | Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine. Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries. He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over. "I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said. The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure." But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery." "Is that what we want? It is our choice." (With AFP inputs)

WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations

Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Novartis has signed an initial agreement to help produce the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against Covid-19, as countries scramble to boost supplies.

The rare act of cooperation comes after French pharma group Sanofi announced earlier this week that it would also team up with rivals Pfizer and BioNTech to help produce 125 million doses of their jab.

Novartis on Friday said in a statement that it would use its sterilised manufacturing facilities at its site in Stein, Switzerland to help produce the Pfizer-BioNTech jabs.

Under the agreement, the company said it would "take bulk mRNA active ingredient from BioNTech and fill this into vials under aseptic conditions for shipment back to BioNTech for their distribution to healthcare system customers around the world".

Once a final agreement is reached, Novartis said it expected to begin production in the second quarter of the year, with initial shipment of finished product expected in the third quarter.

The two-dose vaccine, which is based on mRNA technology, has been shown to be around 95 per cent effective and has been approved for use by the World Health Organisation and in some 50 countries.

But it is in limited supply as nations around the world race to immunise their populations against the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 2.2 million people in just over a year.

Novartis added it was already in "advanced discussions" with a number of other companies about with other production tasks, including of mRNA, therapeutic protein and raw material production for Covid vaccines and therapeutics.

Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Novartis has signed an initial agreement to help produce the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against Covid-19, as countries scramble to boost supplies.

Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Novartis has signed an initial agreement to help produce the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against Covid-19, as countries scramble to boost supplies. The rare act of cooperation comes after French pharma group Sanofi announced earlier this week that it would also team up with rivals Pfizer and BioNTech to help produce 125 million doses of their jab. Novartis on Friday said in a statement that it would use its sterilised manufacturing facilities at its site in Stein, Switzerland to help produce the Pfizer-BioNTech jabs. Under the agreement, the company said it would "take bulk mRNA active ingredient from BioNTech and fill this into vials under aseptic conditions for shipment back to BioNTech for their distribution to healthcare system customers around the world". Once a final agreement is reached, Novartis said it expected to begin production in the second quarter of the year, with initial shipment of finished product expected in the third quarter. The two-dose vaccine, which is based on mRNA technology, has been shown to be around 95 per cent effective and has been approved for use by the World Health Organisation and in some 50 countries. But it is in limited supply as nations around the world race to immunise their populations against the coronavirus, which has killed nearly 2.2 million people in just over a year. Novartis added it was already in "advanced discussions" with a number of other companies about with other production tasks, including of mRNA, therapeutic protein and raw material production for Covid vaccines and therapeutics.

Novartis to help make Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine

Johnson and Johnson on Friday said its single-dose vaccine was 72 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in the United States. But an effective lower rate of 66 per cent was observed globally in the large trial conducted across three continents and against multiple variants.

In the trial of nearly 44,000 volunteers, the level of protection against moderate and severe COVID-19 was 66 per cent in Latin America and just 57 per cent in South Africa, where a deadly variant of the novel coronavirus is circulating.

The company's main study goal was the prevention of moderate to severe COVID-19, and the vaccine was 85 per cent effective in stopping severe disease and preventing hospitalizsation across all geographies and against multiple variants 28 days after immunisation.

Meanwhile, public health officials have been counting on the J&amp;J vaccine to increase much-needed supply and simplify the U.S. immunization campaign.

Unlike the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, J&amp;J's does not require a second shot weeks after the first or need to be kept frozen, making it a strong candidate for use in parts of the world with weak transportation infrastructure and insufficient cold storage facilities.

J&amp;J's vaccine uses a common cold virus known as adenovirus type 26 to introduce coronavirus proteins into cells in the body and trigger an immune response. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines use a new technology called messenger RNA (mRNA) that requires it to be stored in a freezer.

J&amp;J has planned to deliver 1 billion doses in 2021 and will produce the vaccine in the United States, Europe, South Africa and India.

Johnson and Johnson on Friday said its single-dose vaccine was 72 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in the United States. But an effective lower rate of 66 per cent was observed globally in the large trial conducted across three continents and against multiple variants.

Johnson and Johnson on Friday said its single-dose vaccine was 72 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19 in the United States. But an effective lower rate of 66 per cent was observed globally in the large trial conducted across three continents and against multiple variants. In the trial of nearly 44,000 volunteers, the level of protection against moderate and severe COVID-19 was 66 per cent in Latin America and just 57 per cent in South Africa, where a deadly variant of the novel coronavirus is circulating. The company's main study goal was the prevention of moderate to severe COVID-19, and the vaccine was 85 per cent effective in stopping severe disease and preventing hospitalizsation across all geographies and against multiple variants 28 days after immunisation. Meanwhile, public health officials have been counting on the J&J vaccine to increase much-needed supply and simplify the U.S. immunization campaign. Unlike the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, J&J's does not require a second shot weeks after the first or need to be kept frozen, making it a strong candidate for use in parts of the world with weak transportation infrastructure and insufficient cold storage facilities. J&J's vaccine uses a common cold virus known as adenovirus type 26 to introduce coronavirus proteins into cells in the body and trigger an immune response. The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines use a new technology called messenger RNA (mRNA) that requires it to be stored in a freezer. J&J has planned to deliver 1 billion doses in 2021 and will produce the vaccine in the United States, Europe, South Africa and India.

Johnson and Johnson says Covid vaccine 66% effective overall, less so against S African variant

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries.

Releasing the document on Friday, EU spokesman Eric Mamer said it would show that the contract covers AstraZeneca plants in the UK and that "these plants will contribute to the effort... to deliver doses to the European Union".

The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices.

"The Commission welcomes the company's commitment towards more transparency in its participation in the rollout of the EU Vaccines Strategy," the EU executive said in its statement.

AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. The firm unexpectedly announced cuts in supplies to the region last week, citing production problems at a Belgian factory, triggering a furious response from the bloc.

AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot argued in a media interview this week that deliveries of vaccine in Europe had been slowed because of glitches in its Belgian plant.

Britain, meanwhile, had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels had and the firm used the time to resolve production problems and launch deliveries. But the Europe Commission reacted angrily, insisting that its contract does not stipulate that Britain production be reserved for UK deliveries and that it was for the firm to meet its commitments.

Mamer said that the previously confidential contract would prove that AstraZeneca had signed up for a clear delivery schedule and not simply to make its "best efforts" to serve the EU contract. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries.

The European Commission has published a redacted version of its contract with drugs giant AstraZeneca, in an attempt to prove the company had breached a commitment on coronavirus vaccine deliveries. Releasing the document on Friday, EU spokesman Eric Mamer said it would show that the contract covers AstraZeneca plants in the UK and that "these plants will contribute to the effort... to deliver doses to the European Union". The contract was signed on August 27 and the published version contains redacted parts related to some confidential information such as invoices. "The Commission welcomes the company's commitment towards more transparency in its participation in the rollout of the EU Vaccines Strategy," the EU executive said in its statement. AstraZeneca and the EU had signed a deal for up to 400 million doses of the vaccine. The firm unexpectedly announced cuts in supplies to the region last week, citing production problems at a Belgian factory, triggering a furious response from the bloc. AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot argued in a media interview this week that deliveries of vaccine in Europe had been slowed because of glitches in its Belgian plant. Britain, meanwhile, had signed its contract three months earlier than Brussels had and the firm used the time to resolve production problems and launch deliveries. But the Europe Commission reacted angrily, insisting that its contract does not stipulate that Britain production be reserved for UK deliveries and that it was for the firm to meet its commitments. Mamer said that the previously confidential contract would prove that AstraZeneca had signed up for a clear delivery schedule and not simply to make its "best efforts" to serve the EU contract. (with inputs from agencies)

EU publishes redacted AstraZeneca vaccine contract amid row

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab has no link to reported post-vaccination deaths and no new side effects, the EU's medicines regulator said Friday based on the first data from the vaccine's rollout.

The update by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency followed reports that dozens of mainly elderly people had died in Norway and other European countries after receiving a first shot of the vaccine.

The EMA said it had looked at the deaths and "concluded that the data did not show a link to vaccination with Comirnaty (the vaccine) and the cases do not raise a safety concern."

In its first safety update since the EU started its vaccination campaign in December, the watchdog said that overall, data "is consistent with the known safety profile of the vaccine, and no new side effects were identified."

Reports of occasional severe allergic reactions did not go beyond what had already been found about this "known side effect".

"The benefits of Comirnaty in preventing Covid-19 continue to outweigh any risks, and there are no recommended changes regarding the use of the vaccine," the EMA said.

The EU watchdog has so far approved two vaccines, by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

It is set to give its verdict on a third, by AstraZeneca, later Friday. Germany recommended on Thursday that the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given to under-65s.

The frail and the elderly are first in line for vaccinations in many countries.

Norway in particular registered 33 deaths among some 20,000 retirement home residents who had received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Concern grew as a number of countries, including France and also Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, gave similar reports.

Oslo said earlier this month it had not established a link but recommended doctors consider the overall health of the most frail before giving them the jab.

The EMA said that "given concerns which arose from Norway" it had reviewed reports of deaths of people of any age after receiving the jab.

"In many cases concerning individuals above 65 years of age, progression of (multiple) pre-existing diseases seemed to be a plausible explanation for death," it said.

Some had already received palliative care, it said.

The EMA noted that clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine had included people aged 75 and older.&nbsp;But the watchdog said it had asked the company to keep "reviewing all reports of suspected side effects with fatal outcome thoroughly."

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab has no link to reported post-vaccination deaths and no new side effects, the EU's medicines regulator said Friday based on the first data from the vaccine's rollout.

The Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus jab has no link to reported post-vaccination deaths and no new side effects, the EU's medicines regulator said Friday based on the first data from the vaccine's rollout. The update by the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency followed reports that dozens of mainly elderly people had died in Norway and other European countries after receiving a first shot of the vaccine. The EMA said it had looked at the deaths and "concluded that the data did not show a link to vaccination with Comirnaty (the vaccine) and the cases do not raise a safety concern." In its first safety update since the EU started its vaccination campaign in December, the watchdog said that overall, data "is consistent with the known safety profile of the vaccine, and no new side effects were identified." Reports of occasional severe allergic reactions did not go beyond what had already been found about this "known side effect". "The benefits of Comirnaty in preventing Covid-19 continue to outweigh any risks, and there are no recommended changes regarding the use of the vaccine," the EMA said. The EU watchdog has so far approved two vaccines, by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. It is set to give its verdict on a third, by AstraZeneca, later Friday. Germany recommended on Thursday that the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given to under-65s. The frail and the elderly are first in line for vaccinations in many countries. Norway in particular registered 33 deaths among some 20,000 retirement home residents who had received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Concern grew as a number of countries, including France and also Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, gave similar reports. Oslo said earlier this month it had not established a link but recommended doctors consider the overall health of the most frail before giving them the jab. The EMA said that "given concerns which arose from Norway" it had reviewed reports of deaths of people of any age after receiving the jab. "In many cases concerning individuals above 65 years of age, progression of (multiple) pre-existing diseases seemed to be a plausible explanation for death," it said. Some had already received palliative care, it said. The EMA noted that clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine had included people aged 75 and older. But the watchdog said it had asked the company to keep "reviewing all reports of suspected side effects with fatal outcome thoroughly."

Pfizer vaccine not linked to post-jab deaths, EU regulator assures

A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines has forced Paris and two other regions that together account for a third of the French population to postpone giving out first doses, a source familiar with the discussion, and health officials, said on Thursday.

Europe faces a vaccine shortfall because pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has temporarily slowed supplies in order to make manufacturing changes, while AstraZeneca said it would cut supplies of its shot allocated to the EU in the first quarter due to production issues at a Belgian factory.

Portugal said its vaccine roll-out would be slower than planned, and Germany said shortages would persist into April.

The public health agency for Paris and the surrounding region, an area with a population of 12.1 million people, told hospitals that from Feb. 2, all first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be suspended, according to the source.

The agency said injections of the second, follow-up dose would continue, according to the source. There was no indication when the first doses would resume.

The agency cited as the reason the "extremely tight vaccine supplies and the need to guarantee the second injection for people already vaccinated", the source said.

The Paris region public health agency and the health ministry could not immediately be reached for comment.

SUPPLY PROBLEMS

The public health agency for the Hauts-de-France region in northern France said earlier on Thursday that it was pushing back to the first week of March injection of the first doses that had been planned for early February. It too cited supply problems.

In the region around the wine-making Burgundy area, the public health agency said it was deferring appointments for first injections of COVID-19 vaccines in order to address supply shortages.

Residents of care homes - among the most at risk from serious illness in the epidemic - are unlikely to be affected by the French delays because most have already received the first dose.

But the delays are likely to affect people over 75 and health care workers who are currently due to receive a first dose.

Most of the vaccines currently approved for use globally come in two doses: the first gives only limited protection from the virus, with the second needed to fully inoculate a patient.

The French health ministry said on Wednesday that as of Jan. 26 a total of 1.13 million first doses and 6,153 second doses had been administered.

The vaccine roll-out in France, as in its European neighbours, lags far behind other countries. States including Israel, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates and Britain have already vaccinated a much larger share of their population.

Because EU countries decided to procure their COVID-19 vaccination doses collectively, the supply issues hitting France are affecting other countries in the bloc.

Portugal said the first phase of its vaccination plan will be extended by around two months into April, as delivery delays mean it will receive half the expected doses by March.

Germany faces a shortage well into April, its health minister said. "We will still have at least 10 tough weeks with a shortage of vaccine," the minister, Jens Spahn, said in a Tweet.

A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines has forced Paris and two other regions that together account for a third of the French population to postpone giving out first doses, a source familiar with the discussion, and health officials, said on Thursday.

A shortage of COVID-19 vaccines has forced Paris and two other regions that together account for a third of the French population to postpone giving out first doses, a source familiar with the discussion, and health officials, said on Thursday. Europe faces a vaccine shortfall because pharmaceutical firm Pfizer has temporarily slowed supplies in order to make manufacturing changes, while AstraZeneca said it would cut supplies of its shot allocated to the EU in the first quarter due to production issues at a Belgian factory. Portugal said its vaccine roll-out would be slower than planned, and Germany said shortages would persist into April. The public health agency for Paris and the surrounding region, an area with a population of 12.1 million people, told hospitals that from Feb. 2, all first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be suspended, according to the source. The agency said injections of the second, follow-up dose would continue, according to the source. There was no indication when the first doses would resume. The agency cited as the reason the "extremely tight vaccine supplies and the need to guarantee the second injection for people already vaccinated", the source said. The Paris region public health agency and the health ministry could not immediately be reached for comment. SUPPLY PROBLEMS The public health agency for the Hauts-de-France region in northern France said earlier on Thursday that it was pushing back to the first week of March injection of the first doses that had been planned for early February. It too cited supply problems. In the region around the wine-making Burgundy area, the public health agency said it was deferring appointments for first injections of COVID-19 vaccines in order to address supply shortages. Residents of care homes - among the most at risk from serious illness in the epidemic - are unlikely to be affected by the French delays because most have already received the first dose. But the delays are likely to affect people over 75 and health care workers who are currently due to receive a first dose. Most of the vaccines currently approved for use globally come in two doses: the first gives only limited protection from the virus, with the second needed to fully inoculate a patient. The French health ministry said on Wednesday that as of Jan. 26 a total of 1.13 million first doses and 6,153 second doses had been administered. The vaccine roll-out in France, as in its European neighbours, lags far behind other countries. States including Israel, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates and Britain have already vaccinated a much larger share of their population. Because EU countries decided to procure their COVID-19 vaccination doses collectively, the supply issues hitting France are affecting other countries in the bloc. Portugal said the first phase of its vaccination plan will be extended by around two months into April, as delivery delays mean it will receive half the expected doses by March. Germany faces a shortage well into April, its health minister said. "We will still have at least 10 tough weeks with a shortage of vaccine," the minister, Jens Spahn, said in a Tweet.

Vaccine shortage halts COVID-19 first shots in Paris region, source says

Europe's fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies has intensified when the European Union said it would tighten oversight of exports after a row with AstraZeneca and Britain demanded that it receive all the shots it paid for.

The 27-nation EU is not faring well in comparison to countries like Israel and the United Kingdom. Even the United States, whose response to the pandemic has otherwise been widely criticised and where tens of thousands of appointments for shots have been cancelled because of vaccine shortages, appears to be moving faster.

While Israel has given at least one shot of a two-dose vaccine to over 40 per cent of its population and that figure in Britain is 10 per cent, the EU total stands at just over 2 per cent.

For every 100 people in Italy, only 2.6 have received a vaccine dose. The number is 2.4 in Germany; 1.7 in France, 2.9 in Spain, 2.3 in Finland and Switzerland, 2.2 in Austria, 2.0 in Greece, Belgium, Slovakia, Cyprus and Sweden.

Europe's best performing country -- Denmark -- has vaccinated just 3.6 people for every 100.

Britain has injected 7.1 million first doses of vaccines into arms, and is on track to deliver a shot to all over-70s, frontline medics and care workers, the clinically vulnerable and older care home residents - some 15 million people - by February 15.

In the northern French region of Hauts-de-France, France's second-most-densely-populated region, several vaccination centres were no longer taking appointments for a first jab. In several other French regions, some online appointment platforms closed booking options.

Spain's Madrid region has ceased first vaccinations for at least this week and next and was using the few doses it has to administer second shots to those who have had the first one, said deputy regional government chief Ignacio Aguado.

Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, last week postponed opening its vaccination centres until February 8, while the state of Brandenburg has also had to push back vaccination appointments originally scheduled for the end of January due to delivery delays.

Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper described the problems around procuring vaccines as a "scandal".

As vaccination centres in Germany and France cancelled or delayed appointments, the EU publically rebuked Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca for failing to deliver and even asked if it could divert supplies from Britain.

The EU Commission, which has coordinated vaccine orders, said it would on Friday detail a mechanism to require both notification and authorisation of COVID-19 vaccine exports from the bloc.

Britain, which has repeatedly touted its lead in the vaccine rollout race since leaving the EU's orbit on January 1, said its deliveries must be honoured.

The swiftest mass vaccination drive in history is stoking tensions across the world as big powers buy up doses in bulk and poorer nations try to navigate a financial and diplomatic minefield to collect whatever supplies are left.

The EU scolded AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain.

Tensions have risen as both New York-based Pfizer and AstraZeneca, headquartered in Cambridge, England, have had production problems.

The EU rollout was also slowed because the European Medicines Agency took more time than the US or UK regulators to authorise its first vaccine.

But individual countries also share in the blame.

Germany, Europe’s cliche of an organised and orderly nation, was found sorely wanting, with its rollout marred by chaotic bureaucracy and technological failures.

The Dutch have been particularly criticized since they were the last in the EU to begin vaccinations, more than a week after the first shots were given in the bloc, and they have been especially slow to roll doses out to elderly people living at home.

(with inputs)

Europe's fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies has intensified when the European Union said it would tighten oversight of exports after a row with AstraZeneca and Britain demanded that it receive all the shots it paid for.

Europe's fight to secure COVID-19 vaccine supplies has intensified when the European Union said it would tighten oversight of exports after a row with AstraZeneca and Britain demanded that it receive all the shots it paid for. The 27-nation EU is not faring well in comparison to countries like Israel and the United Kingdom. Even the United States, whose response to the pandemic has otherwise been widely criticised and where tens of thousands of appointments for shots have been cancelled because of vaccine shortages, appears to be moving faster. While Israel has given at least one shot of a two-dose vaccine to over 40 per cent of its population and that figure in Britain is 10 per cent, the EU total stands at just over 2 per cent. For every 100 people in Italy, only 2.6 have received a vaccine dose. The number is 2.4 in Germany; 1.7 in France, 2.9 in Spain, 2.3 in Finland and Switzerland, 2.2 in Austria, 2.0 in Greece, Belgium, Slovakia, Cyprus and Sweden. Europe's best performing country -- Denmark -- has vaccinated just 3.6 people for every 100. Britain has injected 7.1 million first doses of vaccines into arms, and is on track to deliver a shot to all over-70s, frontline medics and care workers, the clinically vulnerable and older care home residents - some 15 million people - by February 15. In the northern French region of Hauts-de-France, France's second-most-densely-populated region, several vaccination centres were no longer taking appointments for a first jab. In several other French regions, some online appointment platforms closed booking options. Spain's Madrid region has ceased first vaccinations for at least this week and next and was using the few doses it has to administer second shots to those who have had the first one, said deputy regional government chief Ignacio Aguado. Germany’s most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, last week postponed opening its vaccination centres until February 8, while the state of Brandenburg has also had to push back vaccination appointments originally scheduled for the end of January due to delivery delays. Germany's top-selling Bild newspaper described the problems around procuring vaccines as a "scandal". As vaccination centres in Germany and France cancelled or delayed appointments, the EU publically rebuked Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca for failing to deliver and even asked if it could divert supplies from Britain. The EU Commission, which has coordinated vaccine orders, said it would on Friday detail a mechanism to require both notification and authorisation of COVID-19 vaccine exports from the bloc. Britain, which has repeatedly touted its lead in the vaccine rollout race since leaving the EU's orbit on January 1, said its deliveries must be honoured. The swiftest mass vaccination drive in history is stoking tensions across the world as big powers buy up doses in bulk and poorer nations try to navigate a financial and diplomatic minefield to collect whatever supplies are left. The EU scolded AstraZeneca on Wednesday and demanded the drugmaker spell out how it would supply the bloc with reserved doses of COVID-19 vaccine from plants in Europe and Britain. Tensions have risen as both New York-based Pfizer and AstraZeneca, headquartered in Cambridge, England, have had production problems. The EU rollout was also slowed because the European Medicines Agency took more time than the US or UK regulators to authorise its first vaccine. But individual countries also share in the blame. Germany, Europe’s cliche of an organised and orderly nation, was found sorely wanting, with its rollout marred by chaotic bureaucracy and technological failures. The Dutch have been particularly criticized since they were the last in the EU to begin vaccinations, more than a week after the first shots were given in the bloc, and they have been especially slow to roll doses out to elderly people living at home. (with inputs)

How Europe's Covid vaccine rollout became a disaster

China failed to export vaccines to the world, so it is now exporting a smear campaign. Beijing is targeting Pfizer, Moderna vaccines. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how.

Gravitas: China starts a smear campaign

WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog has found that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which drew national attention last year when the Trump administration fired its director, has been used for the past 10 years as a “slush fund” to cover expenses unrelated to its core mission of fighting health threats like Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus.

The 223-page report, issued Wednesday by the Office of Special Counsel, found that the Department of Health and Human Services diverted millions of taxpayer dollars intended for BARDA to finance vaccine research and pandemic preparedness into other government activities, and failed to inform Congress — a potential violation of federal law.

Among the unrelated activities were the removal of office furniture, administrative expenses, news subscriptions, legal services and the salaries of other department employees. The practice of diverting funds was so common, investigators found, that employees had a name for it: the “Bank of BARDA.”

The report focuses on the actions of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response, the health department official who oversees BARDA and is responsible for its budget. The assistant secretary is responsible for leading the federal response to pandemic threats like the novel coronavirus. Its most recent occupant was Dr. Robert Kadlec; President Joe Biden has not named a successor.

“I am deeply concerned about ASPR’s apparent misuse of millions of dollars in funding meant for public health emergencies like the one our country is currently facing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Henry J. Kerner, the special counsel, wrote in a letter to Biden, using the acronym for the assistant secretary for preparedness and response.

“Equally concerning,” Kerner added, “is how widespread and well-known this practice appeared to be for nearly a decade.”

The report does not specifically say how much money was misappropriated. But roughly $25 million was taken from BARDA programs and provided to the assistant secretary’s office as recently as the 2019 fiscal year, the office found. And from the 2007 to 2016 fiscal years, the assistant secretary failed to account for $517.8 million in administrative expenditures, according to the report.

It also suggests a senator, Richard Burr, R-N.C., who wrote the legislation that created BARDA and is considered its champion in Congress, became involved in internal funding disputes. The whistleblower told investigators that “restrictive wording” was added to the 2016 appropriations bill at the behest of Burr and his “pet project” — an apparent reference to BARDA.

A spokesman for the senator had no comment.

BARDA was created by Congress in 2006. Its mission is to finance novel research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other “medical countermeasures” to combat natural and biodefense threats. It operated in relative obscurity until April, when Kadlec fired its director, Dr. Rick Bright.

Bright said then that he was removed from his post and reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health after he pressed for rigorous vetting of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by President Donald Trump as a coronavirus treatment, and that the administration had put “politics and cronyism ahead of science.”

Days later, he filed a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal watchdog agency. He has since left the federal government, and most recently advised Biden on the coronavirus during the transition.

But the report issued Wednesday is not in response to Bright’s allegations. Rather, it covers both the Obama and Trump administrations, and grew out of an investigation into a 2018 complaint from an unnamed whistleblower whose allegations primarily concerned Kadlec’s predecessor, Dr. Nicole Lurie. The whistleblower accused Lurie of “reporting false information to Congress” in her monthly reports to lawyers.

Both Kadlec and Lurie have denied wrongdoing. In a brief interview Wednesday, Lurie said she had not been interviewed for the investigation. The findings were reported earlier by The Washington Post.

“We left the country stronger than we found it, including with a playbook for pandemics,” Lurie said of her time overseeing the agency. “All expenditures were done in a routine way and approved through multiple layers of rigorous budget processes. No expenditures were made unilaterally.”

The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that it would review how the assistant secretary had allocated money from the 2015 to 2019 fiscal years to determine whether any law had been violated.

A lawyer for Bright, Debra Katz, called the findings “an outrage.” While the special counsel said last spring that it had “reasonable grounds” to believe Bright’s removal was payback and called for his reinstatement, Katz said the investigation into his complaint was progressing slowly because the Trump administration had not cooperated.

“These people used BARDA as their own piggy bank — both to steer contracts to their cronies and do whatever special projects they wanted, to the detriment of American’s public health and safety,” she said.

In a statement, Kerner urged Congress and the health department to “take immediate actions to ensure funding for public health emergencies can no longer be used as a slush fund for unrelated expenses.”

WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog has found that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which drew national attention last year when the Trump administration fired its director, has been used for the past 10 years as a “slush fund” to cover expenses unrelated to its core mission of fighting health threats like Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus.

WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog has found that the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which drew national attention last year when the Trump administration fired its director, has been used for the past 10 years as a “slush fund” to cover expenses unrelated to its core mission of fighting health threats like Ebola, Zika and the coronavirus. The 223-page report, issued Wednesday by the Office of Special Counsel, found that the Department of Health and Human Services diverted millions of taxpayer dollars intended for BARDA to finance vaccine research and pandemic preparedness into other government activities, and failed to inform Congress — a potential violation of federal law. Among the unrelated activities were the removal of office furniture, administrative expenses, news subscriptions, legal services and the salaries of other department employees. The practice of diverting funds was so common, investigators found, that employees had a name for it: the “Bank of BARDA.” The report focuses on the actions of the assistant secretary for preparedness and response, the health department official who oversees BARDA and is responsible for its budget. The assistant secretary is responsible for leading the federal response to pandemic threats like the novel coronavirus. Its most recent occupant was Dr. Robert Kadlec; President Joe Biden has not named a successor. “I am deeply concerned about ASPR’s apparent misuse of millions of dollars in funding meant for public health emergencies like the one our country is currently facing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Henry J. Kerner, the special counsel, wrote in a letter to Biden, using the acronym for the assistant secretary for preparedness and response. “Equally concerning,” Kerner added, “is how widespread and well-known this practice appeared to be for nearly a decade.” The report does not specifically say how much money was misappropriated. But roughly $25 million was taken from BARDA programs and provided to the assistant secretary’s office as recently as the 2019 fiscal year, the office found. And from the 2007 to 2016 fiscal years, the assistant secretary failed to account for $517.8 million in administrative expenditures, according to the report. It also suggests a senator, Richard Burr, R-N.C., who wrote the legislation that created BARDA and is considered its champion in Congress, became involved in internal funding disputes. The whistleblower told investigators that “restrictive wording” was added to the 2016 appropriations bill at the behest of Burr and his “pet project” — an apparent reference to BARDA. A spokesman for the senator had no comment. BARDA was created by Congress in 2006. Its mission is to finance novel research into vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics and other “medical countermeasures” to combat natural and biodefense threats. It operated in relative obscurity until April, when Kadlec fired its director, Dr. Rick Bright. Bright said then that he was removed from his post and reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health after he pressed for rigorous vetting of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug embraced by President Donald Trump as a coronavirus treatment, and that the administration had put “politics and cronyism ahead of science.” Days later, he filed a whistleblower complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, an independent federal watchdog agency. He has since left the federal government, and most recently advised Biden on the coronavirus during the transition. But the report issued Wednesday is not in response to Bright’s allegations. Rather, it covers both the Obama and Trump administrations, and grew out of an investigation into a 2018 complaint from an unnamed whistleblower whose allegations primarily concerned Kadlec’s predecessor, Dr. Nicole Lurie. The whistleblower accused Lurie of “reporting false information to Congress” in her monthly reports to lawyers. Both Kadlec and Lurie have denied wrongdoing. In a brief interview Wednesday, Lurie said she had not been interviewed for the investigation. The findings were reported earlier by The Washington Post. “We left the country stronger than we found it, including with a playbook for pandemics,” Lurie said of her time overseeing the agency. “All expenditures were done in a routine way and approved through multiple layers of rigorous budget processes. No expenditures were made unilaterally.” The Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that it would review how the assistant secretary had allocated money from the 2015 to 2019 fiscal years to determine whether any law had been violated. A lawyer for Bright, Debra Katz, called the findings “an outrage.” While the special counsel said last spring that it had “reasonable grounds” to believe Bright’s removal was payback and called for his reinstatement, Katz said the investigation into his complaint was progressing slowly because the Trump administration had not cooperated. “These people used BARDA as their own piggy bank — both to steer contracts to their cronies and do whatever special projects they wanted, to the detriment of American’s public health and safety,” she said. In a statement, Kerner urged Congress and the health department to “take immediate actions to ensure funding for public health emergencies can no longer be used as a slush fund for unrelated expenses.”

Millions meant for public health threats were diverted elsewhere, watchdog says

Africa can expect to see at least 30 percent of its population immunised against coronavirus by the end of 2021, the World Health Organization said Thursday, as vaccines begin trickling into the continent.

It is estimated Africa will need 1.5 billion vaccine doses to immunise 60 percent of its 1.3 billion inhabitants, the threshold for herd immunity against Covid-19.

But the continent has fallen behind in the global vaccine scramble, as wealthier nations have been accused of bulk-buying excess doses directly from manufacturers.

Most African countries are relying on the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) to shoulder at least part of their innoculation campaigns -- providing vaccines and helping to finance their roll out.

WHO Africa's immunisation coordinator Richard Mihigo said the WHO-backed Covax vaccine sharing facility and the AU's African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) would jointly deliver enough doses to vaccinate between 30 to 35 percent of the continent's population this year.

"Given the latest developments within the Covax facility, there is a very good prospect that the objective to supply 600 million doses by the end of 2021 will definitely be reached," Mihigo told a virtual press briefing.&nbsp;

The Covax vaccines will cover at least 20 percent of the population, with the rest "complemented" by AVATT, he added.

While the AU has so far secured 270 million doses through AVATT, Mihigo warned "some of those may not become available soon" and that the initiative could "realistically" only expect to reach between 10 and 15 percent of the continent in 2021.

The bulk of Covax and AVATT provisions will be shots of Oxford/AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by a few million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs.

Mihigo said the WHO was exploring "additional candidates", with particularly high hopes for Johnson &amp; Johnson's one-shot vaccine.

So far only a small handful of African countries have started vaccinating their populations, including Guinea, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

Morocco is expected to begin administering the shots this week, while South Africa announced on Wednesday that a first batch of 1.5 million AstraZeneca vaccines would arrive on February 1.

Mihigo said the first Covax doses were likely to reach the continent by mid-February, and that "by March we will definitely see most of the countries start vaccinating".

"It is a slow start but we are expecting that in the coming months things are going to ramp up."

To date Africa has recorded close to 3.5 million coronavirus cases and 88,000 deaths, according to a tally compiled by AFP.

A new virus variant first detected in South Africa that is thought to be more contagious has cropped up in at least six African countries and 24 worldwide, according to the WHO.

Africa can expect to see at least 30 percent of its population immunised against coronavirus by the end of 2021, the World Health Organization said Thursday, as vaccines begin trickling into the continent.

Africa can expect to see at least 30 percent of its population immunised against coronavirus by the end of 2021, the World Health Organization said Thursday, as vaccines begin trickling into the continent. It is estimated Africa will need 1.5 billion vaccine doses to immunise 60 percent of its 1.3 billion inhabitants, the threshold for herd immunity against Covid-19. But the continent has fallen behind in the global vaccine scramble, as wealthier nations have been accused of bulk-buying excess doses directly from manufacturers. Most African countries are relying on the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) to shoulder at least part of their innoculation campaigns -- providing vaccines and helping to finance their roll out. WHO Africa's immunisation coordinator Richard Mihigo said the WHO-backed Covax vaccine sharing facility and the AU's African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) would jointly deliver enough doses to vaccinate between 30 to 35 percent of the continent's population this year. "Given the latest developments within the Covax facility, there is a very good prospect that the objective to supply 600 million doses by the end of 2021 will definitely be reached," Mihigo told a virtual press briefing. The Covax vaccines will cover at least 20 percent of the population, with the rest "complemented" by AVATT, he added. While the AU has so far secured 270 million doses through AVATT, Mihigo warned "some of those may not become available soon" and that the initiative could "realistically" only expect to reach between 10 and 15 percent of the continent in 2021. The bulk of Covax and AVATT provisions will be shots of Oxford/AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by a few million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs. Mihigo said the WHO was exploring "additional candidates", with particularly high hopes for Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine. So far only a small handful of African countries have started vaccinating their populations, including Guinea, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Morocco is expected to begin administering the shots this week, while South Africa announced on Wednesday that a first batch of 1.5 million AstraZeneca vaccines would arrive on February 1. Mihigo said the first Covax doses were likely to reach the continent by mid-February, and that "by March we will definitely see most of the countries start vaccinating". "It is a slow start but we are expecting that in the coming months things are going to ramp up." To date Africa has recorded close to 3.5 million coronavirus cases and 88,000 deaths, according to a tally compiled by AFP. A new virus variant first detected in South Africa that is thought to be more contagious has cropped up in at least six African countries and 24 worldwide, according to the WHO.

One third of Africa will be vaccinated this year: WHO

India is set to give 1 crore (10 million) doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines to Africa under GAVI's Covax facility. Not just that, New Delhi will also give 10 lakh (1 million) doses to UN health workers using the same method.&nbsp;

GAVI -- Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation -- was created in 2000, aiming to give equal access to vaccines for children living in the world's poorest countries. Under its Covax facility, the aim is equitable distribution of Covid vaccines, and also accelerate the development and manufacture of these vaccines.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially announced it would gift more Covid vaccines -- to Oman (1 lakh), CARICOM countries (5 lakh), Nicaragua (2 lakh) and Pacific Island states (2 lakh).

MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "In line with the prime minister’s announcement that India sees international cooperation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as its duty, we have played the role of the first responder in our neighbourhood as well as undertaken supplies to countries beyond."

Friday marks the eighth day since India gave a go-ahead to exports of Covid vaccines. It has so far gifted over 55 lakh doses of vaccines to nine countries. These are Bhutan (1.5 lakh), Maldives (1 lakh), Nepal (10 lakh), Bangladesh (20 lakh), Myanmar (15 lakh), Mauritius (1 lakh), Seychelles (50,000), Sri Lanka (5 lakh) and Bahrain (1 lakh).&nbsp;

Commercial exports also have been sent to Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. Next in line to get commercial supplies of India-made vaccines are Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Canada, and Mongolia.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, who is in India for foreign office consultations, thanked the External Affairs Minister for handing over 2 million doses of vaccines.&nbsp;

Nepal and Bangladesh began their vaccination programme on Wednesday using India-manufactured vaccines.

India is set to give 1 crore (10 million) doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines to Africa under GAVI's Covax facility. Not just that, New Delhi will also give 10 lakh (1 million) doses to UN health workers using the same method.

India is set to give 1 crore (10 million) doses of India-made COVID-19 vaccines to Africa under GAVI's Covax facility. Not just that, New Delhi will also give 10 lakh (1 million) doses to UN health workers using the same method. GAVI -- Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation -- was created in 2000, aiming to give equal access to vaccines for children living in the world's poorest countries. Under its Covax facility, the aim is equitable distribution of Covid vaccines, and also accelerate the development and manufacture of these vaccines. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially announced it would gift more Covid vaccines -- to Oman (1 lakh), CARICOM countries (5 lakh), Nicaragua (2 lakh) and Pacific Island states (2 lakh). MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "In line with the prime minister’s announcement that India sees international cooperation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as its duty, we have played the role of the first responder in our neighbourhood as well as undertaken supplies to countries beyond." Friday marks the eighth day since India gave a go-ahead to exports of Covid vaccines. It has so far gifted over 55 lakh doses of vaccines to nine countries. These are Bhutan (1.5 lakh), Maldives (1 lakh), Nepal (10 lakh), Bangladesh (20 lakh), Myanmar (15 lakh), Mauritius (1 lakh), Seychelles (50,000), Sri Lanka (5 lakh) and Bahrain (1 lakh). Commercial exports also have been sent to Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. Next in line to get commercial supplies of India-made vaccines are Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Canada, and Mongolia. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, who is in India for foreign office consultations, thanked the External Affairs Minister for handing over 2 million doses of vaccines. Nepal and Bangladesh began their vaccination programme on Wednesday using India-manufactured vaccines.

India to give 1 crore samples of Covid vaccine to Africa under GAVI's Covax facility

The vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech retains its effectiveness against coronavirus mutations in variants that have emerged recently in Britain and South Africa, the firms have said.

Pfizer/BioNTech, which had previously said it was unlikely that the strain originally found in Britain could escape vaccine protection, said Thursday that early tests suggest their immunisation would be similarly protective against the variant in South Africa.

In a statement, the two companies said these preliminary findings "do not indicate the need for a new vaccine to address the emerging variants".&nbsp;They added they are "prepared to respond" if a new strain is shown to be able to evade the immunity of the vaccine, adding that they can produce updates to their jab if needed.

The statement comes after US biotech firm Moderna this week announced that lab studies suggest its vaccine should protect against the variants first found in the United Kingdom and South Africa.&nbsp;

The latest Pfizer/BioNTech research, which has not yet been peer reviewed, was carried out by researchers from Pfizer and the University of Texas.&nbsp;

The authors compared the antibodies of 20 people who had received two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine during clinical trials with lab-engineered sets of mutations present in the variants that emerged in Britain and South Africa.&nbsp;

The new variants -- along with another linked to Brazil -- have mutations to the virus' spike protein, which enables the virus to latch onto human cells and therefore plays a key role in driving infections. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One mutation in particular -- known as E484K and found in the South Africa and Brazil strains but not the one in Britain -- has experts particularly worried about immunity "escape".

The study found that the antibodies were able to neutralise all the sets of mutations tested.&nbsp;It noted that the effect was "slightly lower" against three mutations in the variant found in South Africa, including E484K.&nbsp;

A study released last week by&nbsp;researchers in South Africa, which has also not yet been peer reviewed, tested the variant found there against blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients.&nbsp;

They found that it was resistant to neutralising antibodies built up from prior infection, but said more research was needed into the effectiveness of other parts of the immune response.

(with inputs)

The vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech retains its effectiveness against coronavirus mutations in variants that have emerged recently in Britain and South Africa, the firms have said.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech retains its effectiveness against coronavirus mutations in variants that have emerged recently in Britain and South Africa, the firms have said. Pfizer/BioNTech, which had previously said it was unlikely that the strain originally found in Britain could escape vaccine protection, said Thursday that early tests suggest their immunisation would be similarly protective against the variant in South Africa. In a statement, the two companies said these preliminary findings "do not indicate the need for a new vaccine to address the emerging variants". They added they are "prepared to respond" if a new strain is shown to be able to evade the immunity of the vaccine, adding that they can produce updates to their jab if needed. The statement comes after US biotech firm Moderna this week announced that lab studies suggest its vaccine should protect against the variants first found in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The latest Pfizer/BioNTech research, which has not yet been peer reviewed, was carried out by researchers from Pfizer and the University of Texas. The authors compared the antibodies of 20 people who had received two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine during clinical trials with lab-engineered sets of mutations present in the variants that emerged in Britain and South Africa. The new variants -- along with another linked to Brazil -- have mutations to the virus' spike protein, which enables the virus to latch onto human cells and therefore plays a key role in driving infections. One mutation in particular -- known as E484K and found in the South Africa and Brazil strains but not the one in Britain -- has experts particularly worried about immunity "escape". The study found that the antibodies were able to neutralise all the sets of mutations tested. It noted that the effect was "slightly lower" against three mutations in the variant found in South Africa, including E484K. A study released last week by researchers in South Africa, which has also not yet been peer reviewed, tested the variant found there against blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients. They found that it was resistant to neutralising antibodies built up from prior infection, but said more research was needed into the effectiveness of other parts of the immune response. (with inputs)

Pfizer says Covid vaccine effective against UK, South Africa mutations

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