Ireland has approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, with first delivery expected as early as December 26, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Friday, adding that the vaccination campaign will start next Wednesday.

"Delighted to report that I have just signed the regulation authorising the use of the Pfizer vaccine in Ireland. The first delivery will be St Stephen`s Day, first vaccinations December 30," Donnelly said on Twitter.

Saint Stephen`s Day is celebrated on December 26. On Tuesday, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced new restrictions that took effect on Thursday and will last through January 12, which will include shutting down restaurants, pubs, museums, galleries and libraries, while gyms and pools will be opened only for individual training. Movement between the Irish counties will be banned after Saturday

Ireland has approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, with first delivery expected as early as December 26, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Friday, adding that the vaccination campaign will start next Wednesday.

Ireland has approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, with first delivery expected as early as December 26, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Friday, adding that the vaccination campaign will start next Wednesday. "Delighted to report that I have just signed the regulation authorising the use of the Pfizer vaccine in Ireland. The first delivery will be St Stephen`s Day, first vaccinations December 30," Donnelly said on Twitter. Saint Stephen`s Day is celebrated on December 26. On Tuesday, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced new restrictions that took effect on Thursday and will last through January 12, which will include shutting down restaurants, pubs, museums, galleries and libraries, while gyms and pools will be opened only for individual training. Movement between the Irish counties will be banned after Saturday

Ireland approves use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, rollout to begin on Dec 30

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions. The panel also recommended that chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease should be considered as underlying conditions that should determine priority for the vaccine.

The recommendations of the panel would include &nbsp;36 million elderly people and 8.2 million people with medical conditions. These may be the first groups to receive coronavirus vaccine.

Another government panel this week recommended that priority be given to frontline medical professionals and workers at elderly care facilities, while the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also receive priority.

Japan has a population of 126 million. The country has struck deals to buy 290 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna. The vaccines are enough to be made available for 145 million people.

Japan is currently facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, putting the nation`s medical system under heavy strain.

Five national groups of doctors and other medical workers made an emergency request on Friday to Suga and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, asking for strong anti-infection measures and support for the medical sector.

With hospitals equipped for COVID-19 patients filling up, other hospitals are being forced to accept them, said Tsuyoshi Masuda, president of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, one of the groups.

(With Reuters inputs)

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions.

Japanese health ministry panel on Friday, said that those aged 65 or older should get priority for COVID-19 vaccination. The Japanese government is setting guidelines that are expected to prioritise frontline healthcare workers and people with medical conditions. The panel also recommended that chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease and chronic kidney disease should be considered as underlying conditions that should determine priority for the vaccine. The recommendations of the panel would include 36 million elderly people and 8.2 million people with medical conditions. These may be the first groups to receive coronavirus vaccine. Another government panel this week recommended that priority be given to frontline medical professionals and workers at elderly care facilities, while the elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also receive priority. Japan has a population of 126 million. The country has struck deals to buy 290 million vaccine doses from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna. The vaccines are enough to be made available for 145 million people. Japan is currently facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, putting the nation`s medical system under heavy strain. Five national groups of doctors and other medical workers made an emergency request on Friday to Suga and Health Minister Norihisa Tamura, asking for strong anti-infection measures and support for the medical sector. With hospitals equipped for COVID-19 patients filling up, other hospitals are being forced to accept them, said Tsuyoshi Masuda, president of the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, one of the groups. (With Reuters inputs)

COVID vaccination: Japan panel recommends priority for ages 65 and above

Costa Rica received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines late Wednesday and planned to start vaccinations the following day, joining Mexico among the first Latin American countries to begin mass immunization campaigns.

"Tomorrow the first Costa Ricans will be vaccinated," President Carlos Alvarado said at a news conference.

"It is positive news for our country because it may be the beginning of the end of this pandemic," he added.

The Costa Rican leader was at Juan Santamaria airport in the capital San Jose to greet the flight that delivered the first 9,750 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which arrived at 9:00 pm (0300 GMT on Thursday).

Costa Rica last week announced it had approved the vaccine, though it said at the time a supply would not be available until the first quarter of 2021.

Health workers and the elderly will be the first to receive jabs.

"It is not an immediate end, this will take more time and we have to continue to take care of ourselves," the president added.

Costa Rica, a country of about five million people, had recorded more than 160,000 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, with 2,065 deaths.&nbsp;

Like many other countries, its health system is under severe strain with the number of Covid-19 patients.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Mexico will also begin vaccinations on Christmas Eve, using its first batch of 3,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Chile was scheduled to start next week, while Argentina was awaiting delivery of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Costa Rica received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines late Wednesday and planned to start vaccinations the following day, joining Mexico among the first Latin American countries to begin mass immunization campaigns.

Costa Rica received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines late Wednesday and planned to start vaccinations the following day, joining Mexico among the first Latin American countries to begin mass immunization campaigns. "Tomorrow the first Costa Ricans will be vaccinated," President Carlos Alvarado said at a news conference. "It is positive news for our country because it may be the beginning of the end of this pandemic," he added. The Costa Rican leader was at Juan Santamaria airport in the capital San Jose to greet the flight that delivered the first 9,750 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which arrived at 9:00 pm (0300 GMT on Thursday). Costa Rica last week announced it had approved the vaccine, though it said at the time a supply would not be available until the first quarter of 2021. Health workers and the elderly will be the first to receive jabs. "It is not an immediate end, this will take more time and we have to continue to take care of ourselves," the president added. Costa Rica, a country of about five million people, had recorded more than 160,000 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday, with 2,065 deaths. Like many other countries, its health system is under severe strain with the number of Covid-19 patients. Elsewhere in Latin America, Mexico will also begin vaccinations on Christmas Eve, using its first batch of 3,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Chile was scheduled to start next week, while Argentina was awaiting delivery of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

Costa Rica to begin Covid vaccination on Christmas eve

The US government has signed a deal with Pfizer Inc according to which it will pay nearly $2 billion for 100 million additional doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to bolster its supply.

Under the new agreement, Pfizer will deliver at least 70 million doses by June 30 and the rest no later than July 31, the company said on Wednesday.

This will bring the total number of doses to 200 million for a total price of about $4 billion.

The purchase price amounts to $19.50 per shot and is slightly higher than the $18.90 per dose that Reuters has reported the European Union has agreed to pay.

The US deal comes after growing concern that the government had not done enough to secure doses of one of the two authorised vaccines, made more pressing amid a COVID-19 surge that has left hospitals struggling to find beds for the sick.

Pfizer first started asking for the government’s help in obtaining supplies as early as September and has been unhappy about the lack of response, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times.

Pfizer already has a federal contract, signed in July, to deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine by the end of March.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

The US government has signed a deal with Pfizer Inc according to which it will pay nearly $2 billion for 100 million additional doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to bolster its supply.

The US government has signed a deal with Pfizer Inc according to which it will pay nearly $2 billion for 100 million additional doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to bolster its supply. Under the new agreement, Pfizer will deliver at least 70 million doses by June 30 and the rest no later than July 31, the company said on Wednesday. This will bring the total number of doses to 200 million for a total price of about $4 billion. The purchase price amounts to $19.50 per shot and is slightly higher than the $18.90 per dose that Reuters has reported the European Union has agreed to pay. The US deal comes after growing concern that the government had not done enough to secure doses of one of the two authorised vaccines, made more pressing amid a COVID-19 surge that has left hospitals struggling to find beds for the sick. Pfizer first started asking for the government’s help in obtaining supplies as early as September and has been unhappy about the lack of response, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times. Pfizer already has a federal contract, signed in July, to deliver 100 million doses of its vaccine by the end of March. (with inputs)

Pfizer, US strike 100 million COVID-19 vaccine deal

Israel announced Thursday that it will impose a nationwide lockdown from next week, its third of the Covid-19 pandemic, just days after it began vaccinations against the virus.

"A general lockdown will be imposed from 17:00 (1500 GMT) on Sunday for two weeks," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said.

"There is an option to extend the lockdown for an additional two weeks, unless the basic reproduction number (for the virus) falls below 1 and the number of new cases per day falls below 1,000."

Israelis will be barred from travelling more than one kilometre (1,000 yards or so) from their homes and businesses will be closed except for deliveries.

Exceptions will be made for those travelling for vaccinations and schools will remain partially open for some age groups.

The new lockdown comes after a sharp rebound in the infection rate since the last lockdown in September, when the per capita infection rate was among the highest in the world.

In a population of nine million, Israel has now confirmed 385,022 coronavirus cases, 3,150 of them fatal.

Israel launched a nationwide inoculation programme on Monday after receiving a first consignment of the vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.

On Wednesday, the health ministry confirmed four cases of a new strain of Covid-19 that emerged in southern England and that British health officials believe spreads faster.

In response, Israel this week banned foreign nationals arriving from Britain, Denmark or South Africa, where a separate new strain has emerged.

It also imposed a mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from abroad.

Israel announced Thursday that it will impose a nationwide lockdown from next week, its third of the Covid-19 pandemic, just days after it began vaccinations against the virus.

Israel announced Thursday that it will impose a nationwide lockdown from next week, its third of the Covid-19 pandemic, just days after it began vaccinations against the virus. "A general lockdown will be imposed from 17:00 (1500 GMT) on Sunday for two weeks," a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said. "There is an option to extend the lockdown for an additional two weeks, unless the basic reproduction number (for the virus) falls below 1 and the number of new cases per day falls below 1,000." Israelis will be barred from travelling more than one kilometre (1,000 yards or so) from their homes and businesses will be closed except for deliveries. Exceptions will be made for those travelling for vaccinations and schools will remain partially open for some age groups. The new lockdown comes after a sharp rebound in the infection rate since the last lockdown in September, when the per capita infection rate was among the highest in the world. In a population of nine million, Israel has now confirmed 385,022 coronavirus cases, 3,150 of them fatal. Israel launched a nationwide inoculation programme on Monday after receiving a first consignment of the vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. On Wednesday, the health ministry confirmed four cases of a new strain of Covid-19 that emerged in southern England and that British health officials believe spreads faster. In response, Israel this week banned foreign nationals arriving from Britain, Denmark or South Africa, where a separate new strain has emerged. It also imposed a mandatory quarantine for all arrivals from abroad.

Israel announces third nationwide virus lockdown

Cancer patients who get COVID-19 are at high risk for poor outcomes and should be considered for priority access to coronavirus vaccines

Experts call for people with cancer to receive COVID vaccine first

Experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) were set to meet on a response to a new fast-spreading Covid strain in the UK even as Europe on Wednesday began lifting travel bans put in place&nbsp;to contain the virus.

The new coronavirus variant has swept the UK and spurred global panic just as vaccines are being rolled out. But the European Commission on Tuesday urged EU nations to lift travel bans imposed on Britain in recent days.

The new strain of the virus, which has also been detected in small numbers elsewhere, appears to spread more easily than other types but experts say there is no evidence it is more lethal or resistant to vaccines.

The World Health Organisation in Europe said its experts would meet on Wednesday to discuss how to handle the outbreak, saying "limiting travel to contain spread is prudent until we have better info".

WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge wrote on Twitter that the organisation would "discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission &amp; communicating risks".

The death toll from the virus surpassed 1.7 million on Tuesday, roughly a year after it emerged in China.&nbsp;

The discovery unleashed panic that led to more than two dozen countries suspending UK flights, threatening travel chaos during the holiday season.

The European Union instead urged virus tests be carried out on passengers within 72 hours before travel.

"Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions," the EU said.

The European Union is preparing its rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Sunday, following similar vaccination campaigns in the UK and the US.&nbsp;

Britain has become increasingly isolated, and one of the biggest concerns was France's ban on freight traffic as part of a 48-hour blockade on the movement of people across the English Channel.&nbsp;

(with inputs)

Experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) were set to meet on a response to a new fast-spreading Covid strain in the UK even as Europe on Wednesday began lifting travel bans put in place to contain the virus.

Experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) were set to meet on a response to a new fast-spreading Covid strain in the UK even as Europe on Wednesday began lifting travel bans put in place to contain the virus. The new coronavirus variant has swept the UK and spurred global panic just as vaccines are being rolled out. But the European Commission on Tuesday urged EU nations to lift travel bans imposed on Britain in recent days. The new strain of the virus, which has also been detected in small numbers elsewhere, appears to spread more easily than other types but experts say there is no evidence it is more lethal or resistant to vaccines. The World Health Organisation in Europe said its experts would meet on Wednesday to discuss how to handle the outbreak, saying "limiting travel to contain spread is prudent until we have better info". WHO's Europe director Hans Kluge wrote on Twitter that the organisation would "discuss strategies for testing, reducing transmission & communicating risks". The death toll from the virus surpassed 1.7 million on Tuesday, roughly a year after it emerged in China. The discovery unleashed panic that led to more than two dozen countries suspending UK flights, threatening travel chaos during the holiday season. The European Union instead urged virus tests be carried out on passengers within 72 hours before travel. "Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions," the EU said. The European Union is preparing its rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Sunday, following similar vaccination campaigns in the UK and the US. Britain has become increasingly isolated, and one of the biggest concerns was France's ban on freight traffic as part of a 48-hour blockade on the movement of people across the English Channel. (with inputs)

WHO to meet over UK virus strain; EU starts to ease bans

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Morning news brief: Trump rejects Covid relief bill, Fauci gets coronavirus jab, and more

Mexico will begin Covid-19 immunisation on Thursday, a day after the country receives its first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

Undersecretary of Health Hugo Lopez-Gatell said Tuesday on Twitter: "Tomorrow (Wednesday) the first consignment of the Pfizer vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 arrives."

"There will be a press opportunity and then the vaccine will be safeguarded until its use on Thursday, December 24, the day vaccinations start," he added.

Mexico's health regulator granted emergency authorisation to the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on December 12.

The first batch of 250,000 doses will immunise 125,000 people, since the vaccine requires two shots.&nbsp;

Medical staff battling on the front lines of the pandemic will be the first priority of the immunisation programme, and doses will be administered only in Mexico City and in the northern state of Coahuila, due to the specialist deep freeze and logistics requirements of the vaccine.&nbsp;

Mexico had signed an agreement to purchase 34.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Mexico will begin Covid-19 immunisation on Thursday, a day after the country receives its first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Undersecretary of Health Hugo Lopez-Gatell said Tuesday on Twitter: "Tomorrow (Wednesday) the first consignment of the Pfizer vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 arrives.

Mexico will begin Covid-19 immunisation on Thursday, a day after the country receives its first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Undersecretary of Health Hugo Lopez-Gatell said Tuesday on Twitter: "Tomorrow (Wednesday) the first consignment of the Pfizer vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 arrives." "There will be a press opportunity and then the vaccine will be safeguarded until its use on Thursday, December 24, the day vaccinations start," he added. Mexico's health regulator granted emergency authorisation to the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on December 12. The first batch of 250,000 doses will immunise 125,000 people, since the vaccine requires two shots. Medical staff battling on the front lines of the pandemic will be the first priority of the immunisation programme, and doses will be administered only in Mexico City and in the northern state of Coahuila, due to the specialist deep freeze and logistics requirements of the vaccine. Mexico had signed an agreement to purchase 34.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Mexico to start Covid-19 vaccination on Thursday

Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease specialist, received his Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday along with other senior officials and six health workers at a live streamed event at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The widely-respected scientist rolled up his left shirt sleeve, and said he was taking the shot "as a symbol to the rest of the country that I feel extreme confidence in the safety and the efficacy of this vaccine.

"I want to encourage everyone who has the opportunity to get vaccinated so that we could have a veil of protection over this country, that would end this pandemic," he added.

He then gave a thumbs-up sign and clapped for his colleagues as he left the stage of an auditorium at the NIH's headquarters in Bethesda, a Washington suburb.

The 79-year-old, who continues to practice as a physician, was among the first Americans to receive injections developed by Moderna and the NIH's National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which he has led since 1984.

NIH director Francis Collins and health secretary Alex Azar also received their vaccinations at the ceremony.

"I want the American people to know that I have absolute and complete confidence in the integrity and the independence of the processes used by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to approve these vaccines," said Azar, a political appointee of the Trump administration.

Before them, six health care workers received their shots, many appearing emotional as they explained why they chose to be vaccinated.

"I work directly with Covid patients so I felt I have an opportunity, why not," said nurse Naomi Richardson.

- Confidence growing -

It comes as a new poll showed Americans' willingness to take a coronavirus vaccine has jumped since the first two were authorized.

The USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, carried out Wednesday through Sunday, showed 46 percent said they were willing to take the vaccine as soon as they can -- a significant jump on the 26 percent who answered similarly in late October.

A further 32 percent said they would wait for others to get the shots before they do so themselves.

Twenty percent remain unpersuaded. Experts say 70-75 percent of the population will need to be vaccinated to achieve population immunity.

Earlier, Fauci paid tribute to his colleagues, saying the vaccine "essentially had its origination in the fundamental basic research that's conducted here at NIH."

NIAID scientists helped develop the mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) technology used in the Moderna vaccine, which gives the human body the genetic instructions it needs to create a surface protein of the coronavirus.

This simulates a natural infection and trains the immune system to be ready for when it encounters the real virus.

Traditional vaccines use weakened or inactivated forms of microbes, and take much longer to develop and scale up.

The US is hoping to immunize 20 million people this month, with long-term care residents and health workers at the front of the line.

On Sunday, an expert committee said that people 75 and older should be the next vaccinated along with 30 million "frontline essential workers," including teachers, grocery store employees and police. 
&nbsp;

Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease specialist, received his Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday along with other senior officials and six health workers at a live streamed event at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease specialist, received his Covid-19 vaccine on Tuesday along with other senior officials and six health workers at a live streamed event at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The widely-respected scientist rolled up his left shirt sleeve, and said he was taking the shot "as a symbol to the rest of the country that I feel extreme confidence in the safety and the efficacy of this vaccine. "I want to encourage everyone who has the opportunity to get vaccinated so that we could have a veil of protection over this country, that would end this pandemic," he added. He then gave a thumbs-up sign and clapped for his colleagues as he left the stage of an auditorium at the NIH's headquarters in Bethesda, a Washington suburb. The 79-year-old, who continues to practice as a physician, was among the first Americans to receive injections developed by Moderna and the NIH's National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which he has led since 1984. NIH director Francis Collins and health secretary Alex Azar also received their vaccinations at the ceremony. "I want the American people to know that I have absolute and complete confidence in the integrity and the independence of the processes used by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to approve these vaccines," said Azar, a political appointee of the Trump administration. Before them, six health care workers received their shots, many appearing emotional as they explained why they chose to be vaccinated. "I work directly with Covid patients so I felt I have an opportunity, why not," said nurse Naomi Richardson. - Confidence growing - It comes as a new poll showed Americans' willingness to take a coronavirus vaccine has jumped since the first two were authorized. The USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, carried out Wednesday through Sunday, showed 46 percent said they were willing to take the vaccine as soon as they can -- a significant jump on the 26 percent who answered similarly in late October. A further 32 percent said they would wait for others to get the shots before they do so themselves. Twenty percent remain unpersuaded. Experts say 70-75 percent of the population will need to be vaccinated to achieve population immunity. Earlier, Fauci paid tribute to his colleagues, saying the vaccine "essentially had its origination in the fundamental basic research that's conducted here at NIH." NIAID scientists helped develop the mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) technology used in the Moderna vaccine, which gives the human body the genetic instructions it needs to create a surface protein of the coronavirus. This simulates a natural infection and trains the immune system to be ready for when it encounters the real virus. Traditional vaccines use weakened or inactivated forms of microbes, and take much longer to develop and scale up. The US is hoping to immunize 20 million people this month, with long-term care residents and health workers at the front of the line. On Sunday, an expert committee said that people 75 and older should be the next vaccinated along with 30 million "frontline essential workers," including teachers, grocery store employees and police.

Anthony Fauci receives Covid vaccine in 'symbol' for US

Dubai will start inoculating people with the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech for free from Wednesday, the emirate`s government said, joining Saudi Arabia which last week became the first Arab country to begin using this vaccine.

The move comes after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain earlier this month rolled out a vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) to the general public.

The UAE`s Ministry of Health and Prevention registered the Pfizer-BioNTech`s vaccine for emergency use on the request of Pfizer, the state news agency WAM reported, citing the ministry.

The UAE was the first country outside China to roll out the Chinese vaccine, saying earlier this month it had 86% efficacy, citing an interim analysis of late-stage clinical trials.

Dubai`s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said in a statement on Twitter late on Tuesday an "extensive vaccination campaign" against COVID-19 would kick off on Wednesday using Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine.

A message on Dubai Health Authority`s hotline said the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine would be for citizens and Dubai residents 60 years and above, as well as for individuals with chronic illness who were above the age of 18.

Dubai, the business and financial hub of the UAE, has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, which hurt its key tourism, real estate and trade sectors.

S&amp;P Global warned earlier this year that Dubai’s economy was set to shrink 11% this year, almost four times the drop in GDP experienced during the global financial crisis in 2009.

Qatar has also granted emergency use authorisation for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, while fellow Gulf Arab state Oman will receive its first shipment of the same vaccine on Wednesday.

Qatar started the free vaccination drive on Wednesday, Qatari media reported.

Kuwait received 150,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Wednesday and expects to receive about 450,000 doses of it in the first quarter, Ghada Ibrahim, head of public relations at the ministry health, said in a video posted on Twitter.

UAE has recorded 195,878 coronavirus cases and 642 deaths so far from the virus.

Dubai will start inoculating people with the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech for free from Wednesday, the emirate`s government said, joining Saudi Arabia which last week became the first Arab country to begin using this vaccine.

Dubai will start inoculating people with the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech for free from Wednesday, the emirate`s government said, joining Saudi Arabia which last week became the first Arab country to begin using this vaccine. The move comes after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain earlier this month rolled out a vaccine developed by China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) to the general public. The UAE`s Ministry of Health and Prevention registered the Pfizer-BioNTech`s vaccine for emergency use on the request of Pfizer, the state news agency WAM reported, citing the ministry. The UAE was the first country outside China to roll out the Chinese vaccine, saying earlier this month it had 86% efficacy, citing an interim analysis of late-stage clinical trials. Dubai`s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said in a statement on Twitter late on Tuesday an "extensive vaccination campaign" against COVID-19 would kick off on Wednesday using Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine. A message on Dubai Health Authority`s hotline said the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine would be for citizens and Dubai residents 60 years and above, as well as for individuals with chronic illness who were above the age of 18. Dubai, the business and financial hub of the UAE, has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, which hurt its key tourism, real estate and trade sectors. S&P Global warned earlier this year that Dubai’s economy was set to shrink 11% this year, almost four times the drop in GDP experienced during the global financial crisis in 2009. Qatar has also granted emergency use authorisation for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, while fellow Gulf Arab state Oman will receive its first shipment of the same vaccine on Wednesday. Qatar started the free vaccination drive on Wednesday, Qatari media reported. Kuwait received 150,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Wednesday and expects to receive about 450,000 doses of it in the first quarter, Ghada Ibrahim, head of public relations at the ministry health, said in a video posted on Twitter. UAE has recorded 195,878 coronavirus cases and 642 deaths so far from the virus.

Dubai to begin inoculations with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from Wednesday

India's total tests conducted for detection of COVID-19 are nearing 16.5 crore, the Union Health ministry said on Wednesday highlighting that an average of more than 10 lakh tests conducted daily has ensured that the cumulative positivity rate is sustained at low levels.

The share of COVID-19 active cases in the total infections has further shrunk to 2.86 per cent with 26 states and UTs having less than 10,000 active cases, the ministry said.

India's tests per million population (TPM) are 1,19,035. Twenty-three states and UTs have better tests per million than the national average, the ministry said.

Sixteen states and UTs have weekly positivity rate less than the national average.

Fifteen states and UTs have cumulative positivity rate less than the national average, the ministry said.

The ongoing trend of contraction of India's total active cases continues, the ministry said adding the active caseload of the country stands at 2,89,240 as on date.

"The daily recoveries exceeding the daily new cases have ensured a total net reduction of the active caseload," the ministry underlined. While 23,950 persons were found positive in a span of 24 hours, India has registered 26,895 new recoveries during the same period.&nbsp;

A net decline of 3,278 cases has been recorded in the total active cases in a span of 24 hours, it said.

Keeping in line with its commitment to conduct more than one million tests every day, 10,98,164 samples were tested in a day. The testing capacity of the country has grown to 15 lakh tests per day.

India's testing infrastructure has seen a significant boost with 2,276 labs across the country. 
"An average of more than 10 lakh tests conducted daily has ensured that the cumulative positivity rate is sustained at low levels and is presently following a downward trajectory," the ministry underscored.

With the expansion of testing infrastructure, states and UTs that have positivity rate more than the national average are also registering a decline in their positivity rate.

The total recoveries stand at 9,663,382. Of the new recovered cases, 75.87 per cent are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs.

Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,057 newly recovered cases. A total of 4,122 people recovered in Maharashtra in a span of 24 hours followed by 2,270 in West Bengal.

The ministry said that 77.34 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. 
Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,049. It is followed by Maharashtra with 3,106 new cases.

A total of 333 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours.

Ten states and UTs account for 75.38 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (75). West Bengal and Kerala follow with 38 and 27 daily deaths, respectively.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India's total tests conducted for detection of COVID-19 are nearing 16.5 crore, the Union Health ministry said on Wednesday highlighting that an average of more than 10 lakh tests conducted daily has ensured that the cumulative positivity rate is sustained at low levels.

India's total tests conducted for detection of COVID-19 are nearing 16.5 crore, the Union Health ministry said on Wednesday highlighting that an average of more than 10 lakh tests conducted daily has ensured that the cumulative positivity rate is sustained at low levels. The share of COVID-19 active cases in the total infections has further shrunk to 2.86 per cent with 26 states and UTs having less than 10,000 active cases, the ministry said. India's tests per million population (TPM) are 1,19,035. Twenty-three states and UTs have better tests per million than the national average, the ministry said. Sixteen states and UTs have weekly positivity rate less than the national average. Fifteen states and UTs have cumulative positivity rate less than the national average, the ministry said. The ongoing trend of contraction of India's total active cases continues, the ministry said adding the active caseload of the country stands at 2,89,240 as on date. "The daily recoveries exceeding the daily new cases have ensured a total net reduction of the active caseload," the ministry underlined. While 23,950 persons were found positive in a span of 24 hours, India has registered 26,895 new recoveries during the same period. A net decline of 3,278 cases has been recorded in the total active cases in a span of 24 hours, it said. Keeping in line with its commitment to conduct more than one million tests every day, 10,98,164 samples were tested in a day. The testing capacity of the country has grown to 15 lakh tests per day. India's testing infrastructure has seen a significant boost with 2,276 labs across the country. "An average of more than 10 lakh tests conducted daily has ensured that the cumulative positivity rate is sustained at low levels and is presently following a downward trajectory," the ministry underscored. With the expansion of testing infrastructure, states and UTs that have positivity rate more than the national average are also registering a decline in their positivity rate. The total recoveries stand at 9,663,382. Of the new recovered cases, 75.87 per cent are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs. Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,057 newly recovered cases. A total of 4,122 people recovered in Maharashtra in a span of 24 hours followed by 2,270 in West Bengal. The ministry said that 77.34 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,049. It is followed by Maharashtra with 3,106 new cases. A total of 333 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Ten states and UTs account for 75.38 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (75). West Bengal and Kerala follow with 38 and 27 daily deaths, respectively.

Total Covid tests in India nearing 16.5 crore

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Morning news brief: PM Modi gets top US honour, Covid vaccination and more

Bharat Biotech, the maker of one of India's leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates said on Tuesday its recruitment of volunteers for a late-stage trial of the shot is half done.

Bharat Biotech has signed up 13,000 volunteers for the Phase 3 trial, backed by India's government medical research body, and is progressing towards its goal of 26,000, the company said. The trial began in mid-November at multiple sites across India.

With this, Covaxin is on track to continue its progress towards achieving the goal for Phase-3 clinical trials across multiple sites in India.

The indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV), it added.

"Covaxin is a highly purified and inactivated 2 dose SARS-CoV2 vaccine, manufactured in a vero cell manufacturing platform with an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses," Bharat Biotech said.

According to the company, the vaccine is developed and manufactured at Bharat Biotech's BSL-3, biocontainment facility.

The company has successfully recruited 13,000 volunteers for the Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine and the target is to have 26,000 participants, as per the statement.

"This is an unprecedented vaccine trial ever to take place in India, and we are overwhelmed with the steady rise in participation, "Bharat Biotech Joint MD Suchitra Ella said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech, the maker of one of India's leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates said on Tuesday its recruitment of volunteers for a late-stage trial of the shot is half done.

Bharat Biotech, the maker of one of India's leading COVID-19 vaccine candidates said on Tuesday its recruitment of volunteers for a late-stage trial of the shot is half done. Bharat Biotech has signed up 13,000 volunteers for the Phase 3 trial, backed by India's government medical research body, and is progressing towards its goal of 26,000, the company said. The trial began in mid-November at multiple sites across India. With this, Covaxin is on track to continue its progress towards achieving the goal for Phase-3 clinical trials across multiple sites in India. The indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine has been developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV), it added. "Covaxin is a highly purified and inactivated 2 dose SARS-CoV2 vaccine, manufactured in a vero cell manufacturing platform with an excellent safety track record of more than 300 million doses," Bharat Biotech said. According to the company, the vaccine is developed and manufactured at Bharat Biotech's BSL-3, biocontainment facility. The company has successfully recruited 13,000 volunteers for the Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine and the target is to have 26,000 participants, as per the statement. "This is an unprecedented vaccine trial ever to take place in India, and we are overwhelmed with the steady rise in participation, "Bharat Biotech Joint MD Suchitra Ella said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Biotech recruits 13,000 volunteers for Phase III trials of Covaxin

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On Sunday the advisory committee recommended states should put adults over 75 and “essential workers” next in line, as bus drivers, grocery store clerks and others are infected most often.

Moderna starts shipping its COVID-19 vaccine in U.S.

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said it is monitoring reports of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination and made recommendations on how people with histories of allergies should proceed.

The agency defined severe as needing the medication epinephrine or treatment in a hospital, adding that anyone who had a severe reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine should not get the second dose.

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine should avoid the vaccine formulation containing the ingredient, CDC said. Two vaccines have been approved in the United States under emergency use authorisations.

Individuals with histories of severe allergic reaction to vaccines should consult their doctors about the COVID-19 shot. The CDC said people with severe allergies to food, pets, latex or environmental conditions as well as people with allergies to oral medication or a family history of severe allergic reactions could still get vaccinated.

Britain's medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should not be given the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

It was earlier reported that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating around five allergic reactions that happened after people were administered Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine in the United States this week.

On Friday, the FDA said that the Moderna Inc vaccine, which received emergency use authorization, should not be given to individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reaction to any components of the shot.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said it is monitoring reports of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination and made recommendations on how people with histories of allergies should proceed.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said it is monitoring reports of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccination and made recommendations on how people with histories of allergies should proceed. The agency defined severe as needing the medication epinephrine or treatment in a hospital, adding that anyone who had a severe reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine should not get the second dose. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine should avoid the vaccine formulation containing the ingredient, CDC said. Two vaccines have been approved in the United States under emergency use authorisations. Individuals with histories of severe allergic reaction to vaccines should consult their doctors about the COVID-19 shot. The CDC said people with severe allergies to food, pets, latex or environmental conditions as well as people with allergies to oral medication or a family history of severe allergic reactions could still get vaccinated. Britain's medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should not be given the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. It was earlier reported that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating around five allergic reactions that happened after people were administered Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine in the United States this week. On Friday, the FDA said that the Moderna Inc vaccine, which received emergency use authorization, should not be given to individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reaction to any components of the shot.

US CDC issues guidelines on Covid vaccination after allergic reactions

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by pilots and air traffic controllers.

The Saturday announcement follows the FAA's December 12 approval for pilots and controllers to use the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.

The US aviation regulator said pilots and controllers must not fly or conduct safety-related duties for 48 hours after receiving doses.&nbsp;

It said it "will monitor the patient response to each vaccine dose and may adjust this policy as necessary to ensure aviation safety."

On Thursday, groups representing aviation unions and American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and other airlines, wrote to all US governors asking them to "prioritise aviation frontline workers for allocation of the vaccine in your upcoming implementation plan."

The groups noted that "aviation workers are frontline workers who either encounter the traveling public frequently or are required to perform our work in close proximity to our colleagues and perform our jobs onsite."

Earlier this month, the FAA sent guidance to airports to prepare for vaccine distribution, including other facilities that may serve as alternate or diversion airports.

The FAA said that some aircraft used for vaccine shipments may be larger than the aircraft used for passenger-carrying flights that typically serve that airport and operators may opt to have extra aircraft rescue and firefighting services.

(with inputs)

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by pilots and air traffic controllers. The Saturday announcement follows the FAA's December 12 approval for pilots and controllers to use the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by pilots and air traffic controllers. The Saturday announcement follows the FAA's December 12 approval for pilots and controllers to use the vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech. The US aviation regulator said pilots and controllers must not fly or conduct safety-related duties for 48 hours after receiving doses. It said it "will monitor the patient response to each vaccine dose and may adjust this policy as necessary to ensure aviation safety." On Thursday, groups representing aviation unions and American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and other airlines, wrote to all US governors asking them to "prioritise aviation frontline workers for allocation of the vaccine in your upcoming implementation plan." The groups noted that "aviation workers are frontline workers who either encounter the traveling public frequently or are required to perform our work in close proximity to our colleagues and perform our jobs onsite." Earlier this month, the FAA sent guidance to airports to prepare for vaccine distribution, including other facilities that may serve as alternate or diversion airports. The FAA said that some aircraft used for vaccine shipments may be larger than the aircraft used for passenger-carrying flights that typically serve that airport and operators may opt to have extra aircraft rescue and firefighting services. (with inputs)

US FAA approves use of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by pilots

India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday -- the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks.

The number of cases increased by just over 25,000 in 24 hours, according to the health ministry, while the total number of deaths from the virus in India now stands at 145,136.

The 10-million mark came as the world's second-most populous nation gears up for the colossal and challenging task of starting to vaccinate the population next year.

The government aims to inoculate 300 million people initially, with health workers and other frontline staff expected first in line.

India has yet to approve any vaccines but several drugmakers have applied for authorisation, including AstraZeneca, which has partnered with India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine maker.

India has lifted restrictions on most activities to boost the struggling economy, although some states and territories have reimposed curbs.

Health ministry officials were expected to meet the Election Commission -- which carries out vast state and national polls -- as they map out how to distribute the shots, the Press Trust of India reported Thursday.

Experts have cautioned that the country could struggle because of its weak cold-chain infrastructure -- needed for keeping vaccines refrigerated -- particularly in poor and densely populated urban areas and remote rural regions.

The United States, with a population a quarter the size of India's, has been reporting upwards of 200,000 new cases daily in recent weeks, 10 times as many as India.

India's fatality rate is also considerably lower -- less than half that of the US.

India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday -- the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks.

India surged past 10 million coronavirus cases on Saturday -- the second highest in the world although new infection rates appear to have fallen sharply in recent weeks. The number of cases increased by just over 25,000 in 24 hours, according to the health ministry, while the total number of deaths from the virus in India now stands at 145,136. The 10-million mark came as the world's second-most populous nation gears up for the colossal and challenging task of starting to vaccinate the population next year. The government aims to inoculate 300 million people initially, with health workers and other frontline staff expected first in line. India has yet to approve any vaccines but several drugmakers have applied for authorisation, including AstraZeneca, which has partnered with India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine maker. India has lifted restrictions on most activities to boost the struggling economy, although some states and territories have reimposed curbs. Health ministry officials were expected to meet the Election Commission -- which carries out vast state and national polls -- as they map out how to distribute the shots, the Press Trust of India reported Thursday. Experts have cautioned that the country could struggle because of its weak cold-chain infrastructure -- needed for keeping vaccines refrigerated -- particularly in poor and densely populated urban areas and remote rural regions. The United States, with a population a quarter the size of India's, has been reporting upwards of 200,000 new cases daily in recent weeks, 10 times as many as India. India's fatality rate is also considerably lower -- less than half that of the US.

India's coronavirus cases pass 10 million

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India dismisses Pakistan’s claim of army targetting UN vehicle along LoC The reports emerging from Pakistan regarding attacks on UN vehicles by Indian troops along the Line of Control are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect, official sources have said | READ MORE US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine The United States has authorised Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use | READ MORE France detains four people of Pak origin over attack on former Charlie Hebdo offices French authorities have charged and detained four Pakistanis suspected of links to a meat cleaver attack by a compatriot outside the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo weekly | READ MORE EU says hours left for a post-Brexit trade deal The European Union said on Friday there were just hours left to strike a Brexit trade deal with the UK as the two sides race to prevent a turbulent finale to the crisis at the end of the month | READ MORE China offers to work with Biden, warns of new 'McCarthyism' China's top diplomat has offered cooperation on key priorities of President-elect Joe Biden | READ MORE Massive iceberg pivots, breaks near south Atlantic penguin colony island Strong currents have taken hold of a massive Antarctic iceberg that is on a collision course towards South Georgia Island, causing it to shift direction and lose a major chunk of mass, a scientist tracking its journey said on Friday | READ MORE Twitter is testing 'Spaces' - a voice chat room!

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Morning news brief: Updates on Covid vaccine and Brexit talks, and more

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19.

Bolsonaro finally launched a mass immunization campaign on Wednesday that aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population within 16 months, but the president has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging his own program.

On Thursday he released 20 billion reais ($3.9 billion) to buy vaccine doses in a country that has already lost more than 184,000 people to the coronavirus -- the second highest national total in the world.

Later that day, the government announced that daily deaths had risen above 1,000 for the first time since September.

Analysts say the country took too long to formulate an immunization plan, lacked a precise start date and has no clear vaccine purchase and distribution strategy.

Bolsonaro, who caught the virus in July and once described it as "a little cold," announced he would not be getting an injection himself.

And he mocked the potential side-effects of the vaccine type developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, which has already been rolled out in the US and Britain.

"In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers.

It seems to be having an effect: according to a poll by Datafolha, the number of people prepared to be vaccinated from Covid-19 fell from 89 percent in August to 73 percent in December.

Bolsonaro said the vaccine wouldn't be mandatory, but the Supreme Court contradicted him -- adding though that no-one could be "forced" to take it.

- 'Missed the train' -

The government is negotiating the purchase of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for 2021.

The figure includes 210 million of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is largely made in Brazil by the Fiocruz institute, 70 million of Pfizer's vaccine and another 42 million of the one produced by the international conglomerate Covaz.

However, none of those, nor the CoronaVac produced by Chinese laboratory Sinovac, which is being tested in Sao Paulo, have yet asked the regulatory agency Anvisa for emergency use authorization -- which they will need before they can start vaccinating.

"Bolsonaro has lost a lot of time with his denials, with his political battles with state governors over quarantine measures, with his campaign against the vaccine and it being mandatory," Jose David Urbaez, from the Brazilian Infectiology Society, told AFP.

"To start a program like this you need to have negotiated with the pharmaceutical companies a long time ago" and organized buying syringes, the cold chain and the human resources needed, he added.

For Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "missed the first train" of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines delivered to the US.

"They'll have to wait for the second train when the government will finally be able to acquire vaccines and that won't be until March, April or May 2021. Those who aren't priorities probably won't start receiving them until 2022."

The government says it expects to vaccinate the most at-risk groups in four months -- once it has approval for a vaccine.

- 'Disastrous results' -

Bolsonaro is also embroiled in a public spat over vaccines with Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria, who is expected to challenge him in the 2022 presidential election.

Doria has been pushing to start vaccinating his state from January 25 with CoronaVac, which has begun to be made locally by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute.

Bolsonaro, though, has consistently tried to discredit "Doria's Chinese vaccine" even though his government is due to purchase millions of CoronaVac doses.

"Traditionally in Brazil infectious diseases were always managed and coordinated centrally, with great results," said Urbaez.

"The national plan will only work when everyone, federal and state governments, agree... Every backward step costs us weeks of immunizations."

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19.

Brazil prides itself on its world-leading immunization experts, medical institutions and vaccine research, but President Jair Bolsonaro's government has been accused of having a chaotic plan to inoculate against Covid-19. Bolsonaro finally launched a mass immunization campaign on Wednesday that aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population within 16 months, but the president has been accused of repeatedly sabotaging his own program. On Thursday he released 20 billion reais ($3.9 billion) to buy vaccine doses in a country that has already lost more than 184,000 people to the coronavirus -- the second highest national total in the world. Later that day, the government announced that daily deaths had risen above 1,000 for the first time since September. Analysts say the country took too long to formulate an immunization plan, lacked a precise start date and has no clear vaccine purchase and distribution strategy. Bolsonaro, who caught the virus in July and once described it as "a little cold," announced he would not be getting an injection himself. And he mocked the potential side-effects of the vaccine type developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, which has already been rolled out in the US and Britain. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday. "If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers. It seems to be having an effect: according to a poll by Datafolha, the number of people prepared to be vaccinated from Covid-19 fell from 89 percent in August to 73 percent in December. Bolsonaro said the vaccine wouldn't be mandatory, but the Supreme Court contradicted him -- adding though that no-one could be "forced" to take it. - 'Missed the train' - The government is negotiating the purchase of 350 million doses of coronavirus vaccines for 2021. The figure includes 210 million of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine that is largely made in Brazil by the Fiocruz institute, 70 million of Pfizer's vaccine and another 42 million of the one produced by the international conglomerate Covaz. However, none of those, nor the CoronaVac produced by Chinese laboratory Sinovac, which is being tested in Sao Paulo, have yet asked the regulatory agency Anvisa for emergency use authorization -- which they will need before they can start vaccinating. "Bolsonaro has lost a lot of time with his denials, with his political battles with state governors over quarantine measures, with his campaign against the vaccine and it being mandatory," Jose David Urbaez, from the Brazilian Infectiology Society, told AFP. "To start a program like this you need to have negotiated with the pharmaceutical companies a long time ago" and organized buying syringes, the cold chain and the human resources needed, he added. For Luiz Gustavo de Almeida, a microbiologist at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil "missed the first train" of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines delivered to the US. "They'll have to wait for the second train when the government will finally be able to acquire vaccines and that won't be until March, April or May 2021. Those who aren't priorities probably won't start receiving them until 2022." The government says it expects to vaccinate the most at-risk groups in four months -- once it has approval for a vaccine. - 'Disastrous results' - Bolsonaro is also embroiled in a public spat over vaccines with Sao Paulo state governor Joao Doria, who is expected to challenge him in the 2022 presidential election. Doria has been pushing to start vaccinating his state from January 25 with CoronaVac, which has begun to be made locally by Sao Paulo's Butantan Institute. Bolsonaro, though, has consistently tried to discredit "Doria's Chinese vaccine" even though his government is due to purchase millions of CoronaVac doses. "Traditionally in Brazil infectious diseases were always managed and coordinated centrally, with great results," said Urbaez. "The national plan will only work when everyone, federal and state governments, agree... Every backward step costs us weeks of immunizations."

Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out

The United States has authorised Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use.

With the approval, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday paved the way for six million doses of a second vaccine to soon begin shipping across the hardest-hit country in the world.

The US is the first nation to authorise the two-dose regimen from Moderna, now the second vaccine to be deployed in a Western country after the first, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

FDA chief Stephen Hahn said, "With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of Covid-19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic."

"Congratulations, the Moderna vaccine is now available!" tweeted President Donald Trump.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved by Britain on December 2, followed by several other countries including the US last week. Less-vetted shots have also been rolled out in China and Russia.

The United States alone has seen more than 310,000 people die from coronavirus infections and is in the midst of a brutal winter surge, with nearly 115,000 people hospitalised, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

Millions of doses will now start shipping out as early as this weekend from cold-storage sites outside Memphis and Louisville, overseen by logistics firm McKesson.&nbsp;From there they will be delivered to sites around the country via partnerships with FedEx and UPS.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are based on cutting-edge mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) technology, and both have been shown to be highly effective, protecting about 95 percent of people against Covid-19 compared to a placebo.

They have also been found to have no serious safety issues in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people each.

The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever.

But there have now been a handful of people around the world who developed significant allergic reactions after receiving the Pfizer vaccine, and the FDA has said it will remain vigilant in its monitoring.

Both vaccines come with warnings for people who have histories of allergic reactions to their ingredients to avoid having them.

The FDA will also be on the lookout to see whether both vaccines may in extremely rare cases be linked to Bell's Palsy, a relatively mild and temporary facial paralysis condition.&nbsp;

Both of the vaccines work by giving human cells the instructions to make a surface protein of the coronavirus, which simulates an infection and trains the immune system for when it encounters the real virus.

They each differ in the formulation of the fatty particles used to deliver the mRNA, which allows Moderna's vaccine to be kept in long term storage at -20 degrees Celsius, unlike Pfizer's, which must be stored at -90 degrees Celsius.

Moderna carried out a clinical trial of more than 30,000 people, roughly half of whom were given the product and the other half a placebo, with neither recipients nor their health care providers knowing who was in each group.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

The United States has authorised Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use. With the approval, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday paved the way for six million doses of a second vaccine to soon begin shipping across the hardest-hit country in the world.

The United States has authorised Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use. With the approval, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday paved the way for six million doses of a second vaccine to soon begin shipping across the hardest-hit country in the world. The US is the first nation to authorise the two-dose regimen from Moderna, now the second vaccine to be deployed in a Western country after the first, developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. FDA chief Stephen Hahn said, "With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of Covid-19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic." "Congratulations, the Moderna vaccine is now available!" tweeted President Donald Trump. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved by Britain on December 2, followed by several other countries including the US last week. Less-vetted shots have also been rolled out in China and Russia. The United States alone has seen more than 310,000 people die from coronavirus infections and is in the midst of a brutal winter surge, with nearly 115,000 people hospitalised, according to the Covid Tracking Project. Millions of doses will now start shipping out as early as this weekend from cold-storage sites outside Memphis and Louisville, overseen by logistics firm McKesson. From there they will be delivered to sites around the country via partnerships with FedEx and UPS. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are based on cutting-edge mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) technology, and both have been shown to be highly effective, protecting about 95 percent of people against Covid-19 compared to a placebo. They have also been found to have no serious safety issues in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people each. The most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. But there have now been a handful of people around the world who developed significant allergic reactions after receiving the Pfizer vaccine, and the FDA has said it will remain vigilant in its monitoring. Both vaccines come with warnings for people who have histories of allergic reactions to their ingredients to avoid having them. The FDA will also be on the lookout to see whether both vaccines may in extremely rare cases be linked to Bell's Palsy, a relatively mild and temporary facial paralysis condition. Both of the vaccines work by giving human cells the instructions to make a surface protein of the coronavirus, which simulates an infection and trains the immune system for when it encounters the real virus. They each differ in the formulation of the fatty particles used to deliver the mRNA, which allows Moderna's vaccine to be kept in long term storage at -20 degrees Celsius, unlike Pfizer's, which must be stored at -90 degrees Celsius. Moderna carried out a clinical trial of more than 30,000 people, roughly half of whom were given the product and the other half a placebo, with neither recipients nor their health care providers knowing who was in each group. (with inputs from AFP)

US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine

It was the kind of live television event that the reality show star president has often staged himself. Vice President Mike Pence stepped in front of a bank of cameras on the White House campus on Friday to receive the new coronavirus vaccine, hailing it as “safe and effective” no fewer than eight times. He urged people to wear masks, wash their hands and do whatever they can to help defeat a disease that has killed more than 300,000 Americans.

Intended as a public service announcement as the country reaches a milestone in fighting the pandemic, these 10 minutes of morning television also distilled the various ways that President Donald Trump and his political allies have repeatedly undermined confidence in the science about the virus and fed suspicion and misinformation.

No sooner had the vice president congratulated a health care worker who stuck him in the arm — “Great job, great job. I didn’t feel a thing,” Pence said, his voice muffled by the mask covering his face — than Trump logged into Twitter and undercut him. Trump posted a message from a right-wing radio host who questioned the effectiveness of masks, writing: “‘Masks work’ is the mantra. Not allowed to say anything else.”

On Fox News, which carried the vice president’s vaccination live and aired his plea urging “every American to continue to do your part,” a spat erupted among the hosts of “Fox &amp;amp; Friends” over whether the public health orders that have shuttered businesses in some states were doing more harm than good.

Geraldo Rivera, a Fox News correspondent, gently questioned whether his own network had spent too much time focusing on the plight of business owners suffering from the economic pain rather than highlighting the loss of life when Brian Kilmeade, a co-host, tersely dismissed the suggestion. “You can have a balance,” Kilmeade said, describing long lines of people waiting at food banks.

This seemed to go too far for one of the other hosts, Steve Doocy, who interjected, “But 3,700 people died yesterday.”

Inconsistent and contradictory messages like these have stymied the nation’s response to the coronavirus for the nine months that it has been spreading. Often the confusion is compounded by the most visible allies of the president — including Pence, the leader of the task force overseeing the government’s coronavirus effort, and the president’s defenders in the media.

Reluctant to get on the wrong side of the president or Americans who believe concern about the virus is overblown, they have toggled back and forth from denial to cautiousness to defiance.

For months, Pence was seen in public flouting the guidance from public health officials to wear a mask when in proximity to others. He refused to put one on when he visited the Mayo Clinic at the height of the first wave of infections in April, even as other members of the administration traveling with him did.

A few weeks later he wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal titled “There Isn’t a Coronavirus ‘Second Wave.’” Even after members of his own staff caught the virus, including his chief of staff, Pence continued to attend and host official social gatherings, including a holiday party at the vice president’s residence this week where guests mingled in an outdoor tent and posed for pictures without masks, according to attendees.

Like most other Republicans, Pence has never second-guessed Trump’s leadership during the pandemic. He insisted in August in an interview with “Good Morning America” that he “couldn’t be more proud of the leadership Trump has provided from the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.”

In the conservative media, there has rarely been daylight between the president and his most supportive hosts, who echoed his insistence at first that the virus was not what the media were making of it, then later shifted course and defended his response while denying that he — and they — had ever minimized the risks.

Throughout February, Fox personalities like Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity helped amplify the president’s claims that his critics were exaggerating the possible dangers of the virus to harm him politically.

Ingraham called it “a new pathway for hitting President Trump.” Hannity mocked the “media mob” for running stories that said Trump wasn’t taking it seriously enough. “The apocalypse is imminent and you’re going to all die, all of you in the next 48 hours. And it’s all President Trump’s fault,” he seethed on Feb. 27.

Later, as Trump started to acknowledge the severity and congratulate himself for leading a historic and effective response, his media allies also pivoted to praising the president for putting the “greatest” and “best” health officials the government has to offer on the case, as Hannity put it. He also compared Trump’s stewardship of the country during the pandemic to FDR and Churchill.

Trump, who caught the coronavirus in October and required hospitalization after falling seriously ill, has not committed to taking the vaccine — a step that could put at ease those who are skeptical and reassure them of its safety. Other high-profile public figures and political leaders either have taken it or said they soon would. Surgeon General Jerome Adams was vaccinated Friday, as were congressional leaders Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader. President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, are to be vaccinated Monday.

And there were signs that some in the media were providing Trump cover. Tucker Carlson of Fox News spent his opening monologue on Thursday night questioning whether the vaccine could be trusted and suggested that a “slick” government marketing campaign to promote its safety was a reason to be suspicious. “It all seems a bit much, it feels false because it is, it’s too slick,” he said.

Twelve hours later, Fox viewers saw Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, inoculated by a team from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the facility where Trump was treated for complications from the virus. In a short speech afterward, the vice president mentioned the president by name several times and credited his leadership with helping produce a vaccine in just a few months.

Pence did not dwell too long on the virus’s death toll or on his admonition that Americans should do more to protect themselves and others before returning to the kind of optimistic message that Trump prefers. “As President Trump often says, we are rounding the corner. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Pence said.

It was the kind of live television event that the reality show star president has often staged himself. Vice President Mike Pence stepped in front of a bank of cameras on the White House campus on Friday to receive the new coronavirus vaccine, hailing it as “safe and effective” no fewer than eight times.

It was the kind of live television event that the reality show star president has often staged himself. Vice President Mike Pence stepped in front of a bank of cameras on the White House campus on Friday to receive the new coronavirus vaccine, hailing it as “safe and effective” no fewer than eight times. He urged people to wear masks, wash their hands and do whatever they can to help defeat a disease that has killed more than 300,000 Americans. Intended as a public service announcement as the country reaches a milestone in fighting the pandemic, these 10 minutes of morning television also distilled the various ways that President Donald Trump and his political allies have repeatedly undermined confidence in the science about the virus and fed suspicion and misinformation. No sooner had the vice president congratulated a health care worker who stuck him in the arm — “Great job, great job. I didn’t feel a thing,” Pence said, his voice muffled by the mask covering his face — than Trump logged into Twitter and undercut him. Trump posted a message from a right-wing radio host who questioned the effectiveness of masks, writing: “‘Masks work’ is the mantra. Not allowed to say anything else.” On Fox News, which carried the vice president’s vaccination live and aired his plea urging “every American to continue to do your part,” a spat erupted among the hosts of “Fox &amp; Friends” over whether the public health orders that have shuttered businesses in some states were doing more harm than good. Geraldo Rivera, a Fox News correspondent, gently questioned whether his own network had spent too much time focusing on the plight of business owners suffering from the economic pain rather than highlighting the loss of life when Brian Kilmeade, a co-host, tersely dismissed the suggestion. “You can have a balance,” Kilmeade said, describing long lines of people waiting at food banks. This seemed to go too far for one of the other hosts, Steve Doocy, who interjected, “But 3,700 people died yesterday.” Inconsistent and contradictory messages like these have stymied the nation’s response to the coronavirus for the nine months that it has been spreading. Often the confusion is compounded by the most visible allies of the president — including Pence, the leader of the task force overseeing the government’s coronavirus effort, and the president’s defenders in the media. Reluctant to get on the wrong side of the president or Americans who believe concern about the virus is overblown, they have toggled back and forth from denial to cautiousness to defiance. For months, Pence was seen in public flouting the guidance from public health officials to wear a mask when in proximity to others. He refused to put one on when he visited the Mayo Clinic at the height of the first wave of infections in April, even as other members of the administration traveling with him did. A few weeks later he wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal titled “There Isn’t a Coronavirus ‘Second Wave.’” Even after members of his own staff caught the virus, including his chief of staff, Pence continued to attend and host official social gatherings, including a holiday party at the vice president’s residence this week where guests mingled in an outdoor tent and posed for pictures without masks, according to attendees. Like most other Republicans, Pence has never second-guessed Trump’s leadership during the pandemic. He insisted in August in an interview with “Good Morning America” that he “couldn’t be more proud of the leadership Trump has provided from the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.” In the conservative media, there has rarely been daylight between the president and his most supportive hosts, who echoed his insistence at first that the virus was not what the media were making of it, then later shifted course and defended his response while denying that he — and they — had ever minimized the risks. Throughout February, Fox personalities like Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity helped amplify the president’s claims that his critics were exaggerating the possible dangers of the virus to harm him politically. Ingraham called it “a new pathway for hitting President Trump.” Hannity mocked the “media mob” for running stories that said Trump wasn’t taking it seriously enough. “The apocalypse is imminent and you’re going to all die, all of you in the next 48 hours. And it’s all President Trump’s fault,” he seethed on Feb. 27. Later, as Trump started to acknowledge the severity and congratulate himself for leading a historic and effective response, his media allies also pivoted to praising the president for putting the “greatest” and “best” health officials the government has to offer on the case, as Hannity put it. He also compared Trump’s stewardship of the country during the pandemic to FDR and Churchill. Trump, who caught the coronavirus in October and required hospitalization after falling seriously ill, has not committed to taking the vaccine — a step that could put at ease those who are skeptical and reassure them of its safety. Other high-profile public figures and political leaders either have taken it or said they soon would. Surgeon General Jerome Adams was vaccinated Friday, as were congressional leaders Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader. President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, are to be vaccinated Monday. And there were signs that some in the media were providing Trump cover. Tucker Carlson of Fox News spent his opening monologue on Thursday night questioning whether the vaccine could be trusted and suggested that a “slick” government marketing campaign to promote its safety was a reason to be suspicious. “It all seems a bit much, it feels false because it is, it’s too slick,” he said. Twelve hours later, Fox viewers saw Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, inoculated by a team from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the facility where Trump was treated for complications from the virus. In a short speech afterward, the vice president mentioned the president by name several times and credited his leadership with helping produce a vaccine in just a few months. Pence did not dwell too long on the virus’s death toll or on his admonition that Americans should do more to protect themselves and others before returning to the kind of optimistic message that Trump prefers. “As President Trump often says, we are rounding the corner. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Pence said.

Can a televised vaccination undo months of skepticism?

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