India launches its first nasal vaccine on the occasion of its 74th Republic Day. This comes as the pandemic is on the decline in India, however, Covid is on the rise in other places such as China. The nasal vaccine has been touted as a booster dose.

First made-in-India nasal vaccine unveiled, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launches Incovacc

China is in talks with Pfizer to secure a licence that will permit domestic drugmakers to manufacture and distribute generic version of the U.S. firm's Covid drug as cases surge. Watch this video to know more.

China in talks with Pfizer for generic Covid drug, says reports

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects.&nbsp;The "Injecting Hope" show at the Science Museum "explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed", looking at key moments in their design, trial, manufacture and rollout, said deputy director Julia Knights.

Items on display include artworks, notes taken by UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham during early meetings to decide the country's strategy, and the syringe used to administer its first dose.

Once they had an understanding of the genetic make-up of this new virus, she essentially sat at home, on her laptop, in her pyjamas, drinking lots of&nbsp;cups&nbsp;of&nbsp;tea, designing a vaccine," explained exhibition curator Stewart Emmens.

"We have a laptop, we have a mug and we have a T-shirt on display here. It's nice, in amongst all the science, to really drive it home that there are people behind this, just normal people doing their jobs."

The museum began collecting objects related to Covid in February 2020 as "objects associated with epidemics and pandemics are largely missing from historic collections", said Emmens.

Crucial&nbsp;crabs

The first section features news footage of lockdowns and images of deserted capital cities, empty shelves, at-home schoolchildren and food delivery apps, taking visitors back to the pre-vaccine world.

After exploring the development and testing of the products, visitors then get a glimpse into the unprecedented plans to administer the vaccine to Britain's 67 million citizens.

Machines used to manufacture the vaccine are also on show along with personal artefacts of those at the heart of the battle to&nbsp;beat the virus.

They include the laptop and mug that Teresa Lambe, co-developer of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, relied upon during a weekend of intense work to calculate what its chemical composition should be.

Along with Bingham's scribbled notes are maps integral to the UK's successful rollout.

"When we collected these, they were just plastered on the walls of NHS headquarters," explained Emmens.

"Most people would think... vaccinating countries would be a very much a digital project, very much a big data, number-crunching exercise.&nbsp;But here we have these physical maps, which were used quite early to work out where best to place vaccine centres."

He also hopes that the show will reassure those nervous about taking the vaccine due to its speedy arrival on the market.

"Nothing focuses the mind like a global pandemic," said Emmens.&nbsp;

"The vaccines were following the same processes of approval, and trialing and testing as would normally be the case," he said.

"But very cleverly, things were streamlined, overlapped in a way that gave the same results as you would get normally, without cutting corners."

Sitting incongruously among the gleaming machines are also a collection of&nbsp;crabs.

"We do have some examples of horseshoe&nbsp;crabs&nbsp;within the exhibition, which many visitors will be very surprised by," said Emmens.

The blood from the horseshoe&nbsp;crabs&nbsp;is&nbsp;highly sensitive to bacterial contamination, and is used to make sure the vaccine and the vials that carry it are clean, he explained.

"So they've played a... crucial if unlikely role in the vaccine story."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects.

From a scientist's laptop to the syringe used to inject the UK's first Covid vaccine dose, an exhibition that opened Wednesday in London recounts the quest to produce a coronavirus jab through objects. The "Injecting Hope" show at the Science Museum "explores the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed", looking at key moments in their design, trial, manufacture and rollout, said deputy director Julia Knights. Items on display include artworks, notes taken by UK vaccine chief Kate Bingham during early meetings to decide the country's strategy, and the syringe used to administer its first dose. Once they had an understanding of the genetic make-up of this new virus, she essentially sat at home, on her laptop, in her pyjamas, drinking lots of cups of tea, designing a vaccine," explained exhibition curator Stewart Emmens. "We have a laptop, we have a mug and we have a T-shirt on display here. It's nice, in amongst all the science, to really drive it home that there are people behind this, just normal people doing their jobs." The museum began collecting objects related to Covid in February 2020 as "objects associated with epidemics and pandemics are largely missing from historic collections", said Emmens. Crucial crabs The first section features news footage of lockdowns and images of deserted capital cities, empty shelves, at-home schoolchildren and food delivery apps, taking visitors back to the pre-vaccine world. After exploring the development and testing of the products, visitors then get a glimpse into the unprecedented plans to administer the vaccine to Britain's 67 million citizens. Machines used to manufacture the vaccine are also on show along with personal artefacts of those at the heart of the battle to beat the virus. They include the laptop and mug that Teresa Lambe, co-developer of the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine, relied upon during a weekend of intense work to calculate what its chemical composition should be. Along with Bingham's scribbled notes are maps integral to the UK's successful rollout. "When we collected these, they were just plastered on the walls of NHS headquarters," explained Emmens. "Most people would think... vaccinating countries would be a very much a digital project, very much a big data, number-crunching exercise. But here we have these physical maps, which were used quite early to work out where best to place vaccine centres." He also hopes that the show will reassure those nervous about taking the vaccine due to its speedy arrival on the market. "Nothing focuses the mind like a global pandemic," said Emmens. "The vaccines were following the same processes of approval, and trialing and testing as would normally be the case," he said. "But very cleverly, things were streamlined, overlapped in a way that gave the same results as you would get normally, without cutting corners." Sitting incongruously among the gleaming machines are also a collection of crabs. "We do have some examples of horseshoe crabs within the exhibition, which many visitors will be very surprised by," said Emmens. The blood from the horseshoe crabs is highly sensitive to bacterial contamination, and is used to make sure the vaccine and the vials that carry it are clean, he explained. "So they've played a... crucial if unlikely role in the vaccine story." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Crabs, T-shirt, mugs and tea cups: UK show lifts the lid on Covid vaccine race

Despite its disappointing trial earlier, AstraZeneca, a nasal vaccine to treat Covid is said to have a powerful future, experts say.

China last month became the first country to approve the nasal vaccine.&nbsp;

The nasal shot aims to build mucous membrane immunity and will also prevent people from getting infected. It will also help infected people to avoid spreading it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-oxford-nasal-spray-vaccine-fails-its-first-clinical-test-say-researchers-524416">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Oxford nasal spray vaccine fails its first clinical test, say researchers&nbsp;</a>

Experts believe that once tests are successful, the nasal vaccine will give a boost to vaccine campaigns in comparison to traditional jabs as it has less capability of stopping the transmission of the virus.

Last week, researchers at Oxford tested the nasal vaccine in a phase 1 trial. The trial was deemed a failure as the nasal vaccine promoted antibodies in very few participants and the immune responses were weak in comparison to traditional jabs, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The researchers claimed that the results were different from the data received from China. The latter claimed to have significant results if the vaccine can be delivered directly to the lungs with a bit complex nebuliser.&nbsp;

It is important for the researchers to find out why the vaccine fell short, in order to build a more effective and strong nasal vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-new-drug-can-be-a-game-changer-for-people-with-chronic-cough-523012">Also read |&nbsp;New drug can be a 'game changer' for people with chronic cough, proves trial</a>

Additionally, Connor Bamford, a virologist, said that neither similar nasal vaccines developed for polio and influenza are all live vaccines and have performed well, pointing hope for researchers.

According to an analysis by Airfinity and Nature, nearly 100 nasal vaccines have been developed amongst which only 20 have been tested on humans.&nbsp;

With falling inoculation rates globally prompting countries to destroy thousands of vaccines, the demand for new vaccines remains uncertain.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Despite its disappointing trial earlier, AstraZeneca, a nasal vaccine to treat Covid is said to have a powerful future, experts say. China last month became the first country to approve the nasal vaccine.

Despite its disappointing trial earlier, AstraZeneca, a nasal vaccine to treat Covid is said to have a powerful future, experts say. China last month became the first country to approve the nasal vaccine. The nasal shot aims to build mucous membrane immunity and will also prevent people from getting infected. It will also help infected people to avoid spreading it. Also read | COVID-19: Oxford nasal spray vaccine fails its first clinical test, say researchers Experts believe that once tests are successful, the nasal vaccine will give a boost to vaccine campaigns in comparison to traditional jabs as it has less capability of stopping the transmission of the virus. Last week, researchers at Oxford tested the nasal vaccine in a phase 1 trial. The trial was deemed a failure as the nasal vaccine promoted antibodies in very few participants and the immune responses were weak in comparison to traditional jabs, AFP reported. The researchers claimed that the results were different from the data received from China. The latter claimed to have significant results if the vaccine can be delivered directly to the lungs with a bit complex nebuliser. It is important for the researchers to find out why the vaccine fell short, in order to build a more effective and strong nasal vaccine. Also read | New drug can be a 'game changer' for people with chronic cough, proves trial Additionally, Connor Bamford, a virologist, said that neither similar nasal vaccines developed for polio and influenza are all live vaccines and have performed well, pointing hope for researchers. According to an analysis by Airfinity and Nature, nearly 100 nasal vaccines have been developed amongst which only 20 have been tested on humans. With falling inoculation rates globally prompting countries to destroy thousands of vaccines, the demand for new vaccines remains uncertain. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid: Despite disappointing results, researchers still hope for AstraZeneca nasal vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorised for children under 5 years of age in June, based on data that showed the vaccine generated a similar immune response as in older age groups. An early analysis based on 10 symptomatic COVID-19 cases in the study suggested a vaccine efficacy of 80.3%. But experts warned that the data was preliminary due to a low number of symptomatic cases.

The updated data showed 13 children had Covid, at least seven days after receiving a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 21 cases among those who received a placebo.

New data from the companies showed that the vaccine was 73.2% effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 6 months through 4 years.

Most cases were caused by the Omicron BA.2 variant that was dominant in March and April, when the study was conducted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Pfizer and BioNTech also said they were preparing an application seeking U.S. authorization for a so-called bivalent vaccine that targets the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron for children under 12.&nbsp;</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Pfizer and BioNTech also said they were preparing an application seeking U.S. authorization for a so-called bivalent vaccine that targets the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron for children under 12. " target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">×</a></div>
</div>
</div>

The companies on Monday applied for U.S. authorization of the bivalent vaccine as a booster for those aged 12 and above.

Pfizer said a paediatric trial for the Omicron-adapted vaccine would begin in the fall, and it would work with regulators to determine what data is needed for authorization. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorised for children under 5 years of age in June, based on data that showed the vaccine generated a similar immune response as in older age groups.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was authorised for children under 5 years of age in June, based on data that showed the vaccine generated a similar immune response as in older age groups. An early analysis based on 10 symptomatic COVID-19 cases in the study suggested a vaccine efficacy of 80.3%. But experts warned that the data was preliminary due to a low number of symptomatic cases. The updated data showed 13 children had Covid, at least seven days after receiving a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 21 cases among those who received a placebo. New data from the companies showed that the vaccine was 73.2% effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 6 months through 4 years. Most cases were caused by the Omicron BA.2 variant that was dominant in March and April, when the study was conducted. Pfizer and BioNTech also said they were preparing an application seeking U.S. authorization for a so-called bivalent vaccine that targets the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron for children under 12. × The companies on Monday applied for U.S. authorization of the bivalent vaccine as a booster for those aged 12 and above. Pfizer said a paediatric trial for the Omicron-adapted vaccine would begin in the fall, and it would work with regulators to determine what data is needed for authorization. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pfizer's Covid vaccine 73.2% effective in kids under 5, shows new data

In a summit held with vaccine makers and scientists on Tuesday (July 26), the White House pushed for 'next generation' of Covid vaccines that would offer broder and more durable protection against the virus.

Vaccines that are available right now offer strong protection against Covid. But evolution of the virus is reducing their effectivness.

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the efforts would be based on two pillars: "pan-coronavirus" vaccines that would stand up to variants and "mucosal" vaccines that are delivered nasally to stop the virus where it enters.

"The goal of that is not only to protect against disease, but to protect against acquisition, and by acquisition, transmission," he said of the intranasal vaccine.

It may be possible to make a pan-coronavirus vaccine by taking pieces of different coronavirus variants. This is called a 'mosaic' approach.

Nasal vaccines are being tested in mice, where they have shown promise, while vaccine developers Pfizer and BioNTech have announced they will work towards trials for universal coronavirus vaccines.

In a commentary for Science magazine, scientists Eric Topol and Akiko Iwasaki argued that a new funding program for next-generation vaccines was needed, along the lines of Operation Warp Speed, which funneled $10 billion into vaccine development early in the pandemic.

"The objective of breaking the chain of transmission at the individual and population level will put us in a far better position to achieve containment of the virus, no less reducing the toll of sickness and long Covid," they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

In a summit held with vaccine makers and scientists on Tuesday (July 26), the White House pushed for 'next generation' of Covid vaccines that would offer broder and more durable protection against the virus.

In a summit held with vaccine makers and scientists on Tuesday (July 26), the White House pushed for 'next generation' of Covid vaccines that would offer broder and more durable protection against the virus. Vaccines that are available right now offer strong protection against Covid. But evolution of the virus is reducing their effectivness. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the efforts would be based on two pillars: "pan-coronavirus" vaccines that would stand up to variants and "mucosal" vaccines that are delivered nasally to stop the virus where it enters. "The goal of that is not only to protect against disease, but to protect against acquisition, and by acquisition, transmission," he said of the intranasal vaccine. It may be possible to make a pan-coronavirus vaccine by taking pieces of different coronavirus variants. This is called a 'mosaic' approach. Nasal vaccines are being tested in mice, where they have shown promise, while vaccine developers Pfizer and BioNTech have announced they will work towards trials for universal coronavirus vaccines. In a commentary for Science magazine, scientists Eric Topol and Akiko Iwasaki argued that a new funding program for next-generation vaccines was needed, along the lines of Operation Warp Speed, which funneled $10 billion into vaccine development early in the pandemic. "The objective of breaking the chain of transmission at the individual and population level will put us in a far better position to achieve containment of the virus, no less reducing the toll of sickness and long Covid," they said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

White House bats for next-gen Covid vaccines

China has been experiencing a steady surge in COVID-19 cases but there are still doubts among the people in the country when it comes to taking the vaccines. The vaccines given in China are made by Sinovac and Sinopharm as the country has not approved any foreign-made vaccine till now. In the recent past, there have been a number of reports on social media about people suffering from complications after taking the vaccine and that has led to more hesitancy. However, the authorities have tried to reassure the public about the safety of the homegrown vaccine as the National Heath Commission said on Saturday that major leaders of the Communist Party have also taken the same vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missiles-destroyed-ukrainian-military-infrastructure-in-odessa-claims-russia-500218">Missiles destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure in Odessa, claims Russia</a>

“China’s state and party leaders have all been vaccinated against Covid-19 with domestically made shots,” Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission, was quoted by Reuters.

The term “state and party leaders” generally implies top officials at the top level of the government which includes both the president – Xi Jinping – and the premier - Li Keqiang.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-capital-delhi-records-first-monkeypox-case-has-no-foreign-travel-history-500179" hreflang="en">Delhi records first monkeypox case; patient has no foreign travel history</a>

This comes as a rare communication from the government which has faced a lot of criticism when it comes to transparency about the vaccine. In the briefing, Zeng did not say anything about the time when the government officials got vaccinated or the number of doses administered.

According to official data, China has 89.7 per cent vaccination rate with 56 per cent receiving a booster dose. However, when it comes to people above 80, the rate falls drastically to 61 per cent.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

China has been experiencing a steady surge in COVID-19 cases but there are still doubts among the people in the country when it comes to taking the vaccines. The vaccines given in China are made by Sinovac and Sinopharm as the country has not approved any foreign-made vaccine till now.

China has been experiencing a steady surge in COVID-19 cases but there are still doubts among the people in the country when it comes to taking the vaccines. The vaccines given in China are made by Sinovac and Sinopharm as the country has not approved any foreign-made vaccine till now. In the recent past, there have been a number of reports on social media about people suffering from complications after taking the vaccine and that has led to more hesitancy. However, the authorities have tried to reassure the public about the safety of the homegrown vaccine as the National Heath Commission said on Saturday that major leaders of the Communist Party have also taken the same vaccines. Also read | Missiles destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure in Odessa, claims Russia “China’s state and party leaders have all been vaccinated against Covid-19 with domestically made shots,” Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission, was quoted by Reuters. The term “state and party leaders” generally implies top officials at the top level of the government which includes both the president – Xi Jinping – and the premier - Li Keqiang. Also read | Delhi records first monkeypox case; patient has no foreign travel history This comes as a rare communication from the government which has faced a lot of criticism when it comes to transparency about the vaccine. In the briefing, Zeng did not say anything about the time when the government officials got vaccinated or the number of doses administered. According to official data, China has 89.7 per cent vaccination rate with 56 per cent receiving a booster dose. However, when it comes to people above 80, the rate falls drastically to 61 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Xi Jinping and other major leaders given local COVID-19 vaccine: Chinese authorities

CureVac, the German pharma company said on Tuesday (July 6) that it was suing BioNTech, its rival in pharma sector for patent infringement. The lawsuit of patent infringement is for them mRNA technology to develop Comirnaty coronvirus vaccine.&nbsp;

CureVac said in a statement that it intends to "assert its intellectual property rights, accumulated over more than two decades of pioneering work in mRNA technology, which contributed to Covid-19 vaccine development"

The lawsuit against Mainz-based BioNTech and two of its subsidiaries will seek "fair compensation" for infringement of intellectual property rights, the company said.

BioNTech developed Comirnaty jab with US pharma company Pfizer. It was the first Covid-19 vaccine to be approved in West. It has since become one of the most widely used vaccine around the world.

Tuebingen-based CureVac was founded 22 years ago by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr.

It has since patented basic technology "related to mRNA design, delivery and manufacturing" that it said had "materially contributed to the development of safe and efficacious Covid-19 vaccines".

CureVac said that as the "earliest pioneer in mRNA technology" it had supported "decades of scientific research and innovation" behind the jabs.

BioNTech said in a statement its work was original and it would "vigorously defend it against all allegations of patent infringement".&nbsp;

"We are aware that it is not unusual that other companies in the pharmaceutical industry, having witnessed the success of Comirnaty, are now suggesting that the vaccine potentially infringes their intellectual property rights," it said.

CureVac said it was not planning any legal steps that could hinder the production, sale or distribution of the Comirnaty vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

CureVac, the German pharma company said on Tuesday (July 6) that it was suing BioNTech, its rival in pharma sector for patent infringement. The lawsuit of patent infringement is for them mRNA technology to develop Comirnaty coronvirus vaccine.

CureVac, the German pharma company said on Tuesday (July 6) that it was suing BioNTech, its rival in pharma sector for patent infringement. The lawsuit of patent infringement is for them mRNA technology to develop Comirnaty coronvirus vaccine. CureVac said in a statement that it intends to "assert its intellectual property rights, accumulated over more than two decades of pioneering work in mRNA technology, which contributed to Covid-19 vaccine development" The lawsuit against Mainz-based BioNTech and two of its subsidiaries will seek "fair compensation" for infringement of intellectual property rights, the company said. BioNTech developed Comirnaty jab with US pharma company Pfizer. It was the first Covid-19 vaccine to be approved in West. It has since become one of the most widely used vaccine around the world. Tuebingen-based CureVac was founded 22 years ago by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr. It has since patented basic technology "related to mRNA design, delivery and manufacturing" that it said had "materially contributed to the development of safe and efficacious Covid-19 vaccines". CureVac said that as the "earliest pioneer in mRNA technology" it had supported "decades of scientific research and innovation" behind the jabs. BioNTech said in a statement its work was original and it would "vigorously defend it against all allegations of patent infringement". "We are aware that it is not unusual that other companies in the pharmaceutical industry, having witnessed the success of Comirnaty, are now suggesting that the vaccine potentially infringes their intellectual property rights," it said. CureVac said it was not planning any legal steps that could hinder the production, sale or distribution of the Comirnaty vaccine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology

Horseshoe crabs are vital for the safety of human vaccines because their blood contains a substance that detects a contaminant called endotoxin which is a type of bacterial toxin.

WION Climate Tracker: Horseshoe crab blood key to making covid-19 vaccine

A panel of experts in the US has given a go ahead for Novavax Covid vaccine. The panel was convened by US drug regulator. Although a late runner in global combat against Covid, Novavax can help efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy.&nbsp;

Right now, three vaccine have approval in the US; Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

Experts in the panel voted 21 in favour of Novavax vaccine. There was one abstention and no vote against the vaccine. There have been concerns that Novavax vaccine is linked to rare cases of heart inflammation.

It is expected that US Food and Drug Administration will issue emergency authorisation soon. Then another agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will weigh in with guidance on how it should best be used.&nbsp;

Maryland-based Novavax was an early frontrunner in the global vaccine race, but fell behind after being hit by manufacturing and regulatory delays.

The US was one of the few major markets where it hasn't yet received authorization, while the EU, UK, Canada, Australia are among many that have already given it the green light.

The vaccine is based on lab-grown viral proteins. Officials are hoping that Novavax will help people overcome vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine does not need cold storage requirements as Pfizer and Moerna vaccines do.

Possible myocarditis link

Novavax's vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent effective against symptomatic cases of the disease. But its trial was conducted long before the currently circulating sub variants of Omicron were dominant, and the company may yet have to add a booster or update its shot.

What's more, six cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, were detected in the group that received the vaccine, against one case in the placebo group, in a trial of around 40,000 people.

Novavax says there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the cases of myocarditis and the vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A panel of experts in the US has given a go ahead for Novavax Covid vaccine. The panel was convened by US drug regulator. Although a late runner in global combat against Covid, Novavax can help efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy.

A panel of experts in the US has given a go ahead for Novavax Covid vaccine. The panel was convened by US drug regulator. Although a late runner in global combat against Covid, Novavax can help efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Right now, three vaccine have approval in the US; Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Experts in the panel voted 21 in favour of Novavax vaccine. There was one abstention and no vote against the vaccine. There have been concerns that Novavax vaccine is linked to rare cases of heart inflammation. It is expected that US Food and Drug Administration will issue emergency authorisation soon. Then another agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will weigh in with guidance on how it should best be used. Maryland-based Novavax was an early frontrunner in the global vaccine race, but fell behind after being hit by manufacturing and regulatory delays. The US was one of the few major markets where it hasn't yet received authorization, while the EU, UK, Canada, Australia are among many that have already given it the green light. The vaccine is based on lab-grown viral proteins. Officials are hoping that Novavax will help people overcome vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine does not need cold storage requirements as Pfizer and Moerna vaccines do. Possible myocarditis link Novavax's vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent effective against symptomatic cases of the disease. But its trial was conducted long before the currently circulating sub variants of Omicron were dominant, and the company may yet have to add a booster or update its shot. What's more, six cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, were detected in the group that received the vaccine, against one case in the placebo group, in a trial of around 40,000 people. Novavax says there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the cases of myocarditis and the vaccine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US expert panel gives go-ahead to Novavax Covid vaccine

At the QUAD Summit, leaders of Australia, Japan and the U.S. praised India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi for New Delhi's vaccine diplomacy. As the leaders met in Tokyo, China and Russia conducted a joint drill over the Sea of Japan. Palki Sharma brings you the summit's highlights.

Gravitas: Quad leaders praise India's vaccine diplomacy

Pfizer has said that the three-dose vaccine created by them has shown 80 per cent effectiveness against the Omicron COVID-19 infection among children aged between six months and five years.

This is good news for parents as cases continue to rise once again around the world and according to the timeline presented by Pfizer, the vaccine is expected to be authorised by July this year. The company said in its statement that the vaccine has produced extremely positive results in the tests till now and if authorised, the vaccine will comprise of three shots of three micrograms each.

“We are pleased that our formulation for the youngest children, which we carefully selected to be one-tenth of the dose strength for adults, was well tolerated and produced a strong immune response,” said Albert Bourla, Pfizer's chairman and chief executive officer in the statement.

The development meant that Pfizer are closer to getting an emergency use authorisation for the vaccine and according to ABC News, the FDA will be reviewing their application on June 21 and 22.

If authorised, the company will be able to release the vaccine in the market by July and according to experts, the high efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 infection can be great news for patients.

However, Pfizer has made it clear that the results are preliminary and they will be conducting more tests in the future. They also warned that there can be some side effects from the vaccines in all age groups and they are looking to test it on a larger sample to verify all of their results.

Pfizer has said that the three-dose vaccine created by them has shown 80 per cent effectiveness against the Omicron COVID-19 infection among children aged between six months and five years.

Pfizer has said that the three-dose vaccine created by them has shown 80 per cent effectiveness against the Omicron COVID-19 infection among children aged between six months and five years. This is good news for parents as cases continue to rise once again around the world and according to the timeline presented by Pfizer, the vaccine is expected to be authorised by July this year. The company said in its statement that the vaccine has produced extremely positive results in the tests till now and if authorised, the vaccine will comprise of three shots of three micrograms each. “We are pleased that our formulation for the youngest children, which we carefully selected to be one-tenth of the dose strength for adults, was well tolerated and produced a strong immune response,” said Albert Bourla, Pfizer's chairman and chief executive officer in the statement. The development meant that Pfizer are closer to getting an emergency use authorisation for the vaccine and according to ABC News, the FDA will be reviewing their application on June 21 and 22. If authorised, the company will be able to release the vaccine in the market by July and according to experts, the high efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 infection can be great news for patients. However, Pfizer has made it clear that the results are preliminary and they will be conducting more tests in the future. They also warned that there can be some side effects from the vaccines in all age groups and they are looking to test it on a larger sample to verify all of their results.

Pfizer 3-dose COVID-19 vaccine 80 per cent effective in kids aged under five

Covid vaccines for children under the age of five in the United States is still not available even as the country lifted some if its masking restrictions. Many parents are upset as even after a year Biden government has failed to get vaccines for children.

No vaccine for Children: Covid cases in kids are surging in US, parents rally for FDA review

Parents gathered in front of the US FDA headquarters with posters and signs urging to prioritize young children and review data without delay.

US: Parents rally for vaccine for young children

Moderna has formally submitted a request to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of two doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in children fewer than six years old, beginning a long-awaited government review process that might soon see the first vaccines for these youngest Americans approved.

Moderna's request is based on data released in March that showed two 25-microgram doses of their vaccine were effective in this age range. These are lower amounts than the two 100-microgram doses given to adults.

In a statement, Stéphane Bancel, Moderna's CEO, said the vaccine will be able to safely protect these children against SARS-CoV-2, which is so important in our continued fight against COVID-19, and will be especially welcomed by parents and caregivers.&nbsp;

According to the business, they found a "strong neutralising antibody response" and a "favourable safety profile" in two groups of children: 6 months to 23 months old and 2 years old to under 6 years old. 
 
Watch | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-you-are-unvaccinated-for-covid-you-are-a-threat-to-those-whore-jabbed-473834/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Moderna claims that its vaccination efficacy against infection was 51 percent in infants under the age of two and 37 percent in children aged two to five years old, according to a preliminary study of lab tests collected during the Omicron wave.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several independent infectious disease specialists, more parents should vaccinate and boost their children's immune systems.&nbsp;

Even while the omicron surge has subsided and children are less likely to become really ill, the virus can still be dangerous.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Moderna has formally submitted a request to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of two doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in children fewer than six years old, beginning a long-awaited government review process that might soon see the first vaccines for these youngest Americans approved.

Moderna has formally submitted a request to the Food and Drug Administration for approval of two doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in children fewer than six years old, beginning a long-awaited government review process that might soon see the first vaccines for these youngest Americans approved. Moderna's request is based on data released in March that showed two 25-microgram doses of their vaccine were effective in this age range. These are lower amounts than the two 100-microgram doses given to adults. In a statement, Stéphane Bancel, Moderna's CEO, said the vaccine will be able to safely protect these children against SARS-CoV-2, which is so important in our continued fight against COVID-19, and will be especially welcomed by parents and caregivers. According to the business, they found a "strong neutralising antibody response" and a "favourable safety profile" in two groups of children: 6 months to 23 months old and 2 years old to under 6 years old. Watch | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed Moderna claims that its vaccination efficacy against infection was 51 percent in infants under the age of two and 37 percent in children aged two to five years old, according to a preliminary study of lab tests collected during the Omicron wave. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several independent infectious disease specialists, more parents should vaccinate and boost their children's immune systems. Even while the omicron surge has subsided and children are less likely to become really ill, the virus can still be dangerous. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Moderna asks FDA to authorise its COVID vaccine for children younger than 6

According to a new study, unvaccinated people are a threat to the safety of those who are vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19). Researchers explored the effect of mixing between unvaccinated and vaccinated people to understand the dynamics of an infectious disease. When vaccinated and unvaccinated people were mixed, a substantial number of new infections would occur in the vaccinated people. Read details here: https://www.wionews.com/science/unvaccinated-people-pose-a-threat-to-those-inoculated-against-covid-19-study-473685

If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that prophylactic doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all adults starting on Sunday, April 10, at private vaccination centres.&nbsp;

All those who are over 18 years of age and have completed 9 months after the administration of the second dose, will be eligible for a precaution dose. The government said in a release that this facility would be available in all private vaccination centres.&nbsp;

The ministry also stated that the ongoing "free vaccination programme" at government vaccination centres, which includes vaccinating eligible people with the first and second doses of vaccines, as well as providing precaution doses to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens (those over 60 years old), would be continued and accelerated.&nbsp;

The third dose will be the same as the second dose, so those who had Covaxin will receive Covaxin, and those who had Covishield will receive a Covishield third dose.&nbsp;

According to the Union Health Ministry, around 96 percent of people over the age of 15 have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, with approximately 83 percent receiving both doses.

Watch | India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-approves-2-more-covid-19-vaccines-and-an-anti-covid-pill-molnupiravir-440613/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

According to the report, more than 24 million prophylactic doses have been given to healthcare staff, frontline workers, and people over the age of 60, according to the report.

In addition, 45 percent of the population aged 12 to 14 received the first dose. 
 
Watch | India to vaccinate 12-14 year old against COVID-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-vaccinate-12-14-year-old-against-covid-19-462158/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that prophylactic doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all adults starting on Sunday, April 10, at private vaccination centres.

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that prophylactic doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all adults starting on Sunday, April 10, at private vaccination centres. All those who are over 18 years of age and have completed 9 months after the administration of the second dose, will be eligible for a precaution dose. The government said in a release that this facility would be available in all private vaccination centres. The ministry also stated that the ongoing "free vaccination programme" at government vaccination centres, which includes vaccinating eligible people with the first and second doses of vaccines, as well as providing precaution doses to healthcare workers, frontline workers, and senior citizens (those over 60 years old), would be continued and accelerated. The third dose will be the same as the second dose, so those who had Covaxin will receive Covaxin, and those who had Covishield will receive a Covishield third dose. According to the Union Health Ministry, around 96 percent of people over the age of 15 have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, with approximately 83 percent receiving both doses. Watch | India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir According to the report, more than 24 million prophylactic doses have been given to healthcare staff, frontline workers, and people over the age of 60, according to the report. In addition, 45 percent of the population aged 12 to 14 received the first dose. Watch | India to vaccinate 12-14 year old against COVID-19 (With inputs from agencies)

India: From April 10, all above 18 years eligible for booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Hackers linked to North Korea were suspected of carrying out a cyberattack on South Koreans through emails disguised as official messages sent from a medical journal calling on recipients to book appointments for a new coronavirus vaccine, a South Korean cybersecurity company said in a statement Friday.

The cyberattack, which came less than a week after North Korea conducted its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile test to date, was sent from an email address belonging to the Korean Society for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, the company said. This was possible because the hackers had infiltrated the medical journal’s server and email account in what the company, ESTsecurity, called a phishing attack.

“We have confirmed that the camouflage methods and tactical commands used to steal the account exactly matched the other cases of cyberattacks linked to North Korea,” the company said, adding that the email’s header contained a code found in previous attacks that analysts have linked to North Korea.

Previously, North Korean hackers have used cyberattacks on governments, companies and financial institutions to steal information and millions of dollars to fund their own government. ESTsecurity has also attributed to North Korea similar phishing attacks sent from email addresses belonging to agencies such as the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Unification.

The latest email attack targeted mostly South Koreans working in fields dealing with North Korea, the company said, and appeared to be designed to trick the recipients into providing personal information to the hackers by making them believe they were registering for the new vaccine.

A screenshot of the email included in ESTsecurity’s statement showed language advertising “the newest COVID-19 vaccine,” information on when it would be available to “purchase” and a link that the company said was disguised as a vaccine registration site.

“On March 25, 2022, the vaccine was researched and developed by the N.I.H., a national medical research institute under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” the email said, adding that the new vaccine was effective for people ages 65 and older against new variants, including delta and omicron. The emails were sent Tuesday.

Hackers linked to North Korea were suspected of carrying out a cyberattack on South Koreans through emails disguised as official messages sent from a medical journal calling on recipients to book appointments for a new coronavirus vaccine, a South Korean cybersecurity company said in a statement Friday.

Hackers linked to North Korea were suspected of carrying out a cyberattack on South Koreans through emails disguised as official messages sent from a medical journal calling on recipients to book appointments for a new coronavirus vaccine, a South Korean cybersecurity company said in a statement Friday. The cyberattack, which came less than a week after North Korea conducted its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile test to date, was sent from an email address belonging to the Korean Society for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, the company said. This was possible because the hackers had infiltrated the medical journal’s server and email account in what the company, ESTsecurity, called a phishing attack. “We have confirmed that the camouflage methods and tactical commands used to steal the account exactly matched the other cases of cyberattacks linked to North Korea,” the company said, adding that the email’s header contained a code found in previous attacks that analysts have linked to North Korea. Previously, North Korean hackers have used cyberattacks on governments, companies and financial institutions to steal information and millions of dollars to fund their own government. ESTsecurity has also attributed to North Korea similar phishing attacks sent from email addresses belonging to agencies such as the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Unification. The latest email attack targeted mostly South Koreans working in fields dealing with North Korea, the company said, and appeared to be designed to trick the recipients into providing personal information to the hackers by making them believe they were registering for the new vaccine. A screenshot of the email included in ESTsecurity’s statement showed language advertising “the newest COVID-19 vaccine,” information on when it would be available to “purchase” and a link that the company said was disguised as a vaccine registration site. “On March 25, 2022, the vaccine was researched and developed by the N.I.H., a national medical research institute under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” the email said, adding that the new vaccine was effective for people ages 65 and older against new variants, including delta and omicron. The emails were sent Tuesday.

North Korea is linked to a cyberattack disguised as a Covid vaccine

Do you know someone who has never been infected with coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic? How did some health professionals avoid falling ill despite daily contact with Covid-19 patients? A study by Sweden's University of Gothenburg may provide some clues.

Hidden immunity: Study gives clues on how some escape Covid-19 infection

Covid vaccination for the 12-14 age group and precautionary doses for those above 60 kicked off across India on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging people to turn up in large numbers and get themselves vaccinated.

While India initially started the Covid immunisation programme for adults aged 60 and above, the drive was gradually expanded to cover those aged 15 to 17 years from January 3.

Covaxin is being administered for those aged 15 to 17, while indigenous Cobervax vaccine is being given to the 12-14 age group, where 6 to 6.5 million youngers are expected to be covered.

Two doses of Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax would be administered to the beneficiaries in the 12 to 14 years age group in an interval of 28 days, the guidelines said

In a tweet, PM Modi called the vaccination for the adolescent groups an ''important step'' in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-administer-covid-19-dna-vaccine-450750">India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine</a>

“Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines &amp; all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated,” PM Modi said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines and all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1503949505699336197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Recalling the initial days of the programme where India fought vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;and shortage, Modi said the country is now in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic, while urging people to follow all precautions.

&nbsp;“Today, India has many ‘Made in India’ vaccines. We have also granted approval to other vaccines after a due process of evaluation. We are in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic. At the same time, we have to keep following all Covid-19 precautions,” he tweeted on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-were-pfizer-and-moderna-vaccines-not-available-in-india-health-minister-responds-454466">Why were Pfizer and Moderna vaccines not available in India? Health minister responds</a>

The Union government has asked states to organise dedicated COVID-19 vaccination sessions through earmarked centres and train vaccinators to avoid mixing of vaccines during the inoculation of adolescents.&nbsp;The states were also advised to ensure judicious utilisation of available COVID-19 vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccination for the 12-14 age group and precautionary doses for those above 60 kicked off across India on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging people to turn up in large numbers and get themselves vaccinated.

Covid vaccination for the 12-14 age group and precautionary doses for those above 60 kicked off across India on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging people to turn up in large numbers and get themselves vaccinated. While India initially started the Covid immunisation programme for adults aged 60 and above, the drive was gradually expanded to cover those aged 15 to 17 years from January 3. Covaxin is being administered for those aged 15 to 17, while indigenous Cobervax vaccine is being given to the 12-14 age group, where 6 to 6.5 million youngers are expected to be covered. Two doses of Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax would be administered to the beneficiaries in the 12 to 14 years age group in an interval of 28 days, the guidelines said In a tweet, PM Modi called the vaccination for the adolescent groups an ''important step'' in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read | India becomes first country in world to administer COVID-19 DNA vaccine “Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines & all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated,” PM Modi said. Today is an important day in India’s efforts to vaccinate our citizens. Now onwards, youngsters in the 12-14 age group are eligible for vaccines and all those above 60 are eligible for precaution doses. I urge people in these age groups to get vaccinated. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2022 × Recalling the initial days of the programme where India fought vaccine hesitancy and shortage, Modi said the country is now in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic, while urging people to follow all precautions. “Today, India has many ‘Made in India’ vaccines. We have also granted approval to other vaccines after a due process of evaluation. We are in a much better position to fight this deadly pandemic. At the same time, we have to keep following all Covid-19 precautions,” he tweeted on Wednesday. Also read | Why were Pfizer and Moderna vaccines not available in India? Health minister responds The Union government has asked states to organise dedicated COVID-19 vaccination sessions through earmarked centres and train vaccinators to avoid mixing of vaccines during the inoculation of adolescents. The states were also advised to ensure judicious utilisation of available COVID-19 vaccines. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi urges children to get vaccinated as India starts inoculation drive for 12-14 age group

New York City has lifted the major COVID-19 protocols including the school mask mandate and vaccination requirements for businesses. Restaurants and indoor venues, including restaurants, theaters and gyms, no longer have to require proof of vaccination.

New York City lifts COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates

In January, COVAX, the global vaccine programme run by Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), had 436 million vaccines to allocate to countries, according to a document published in mid-February.

The global project to share Covid-19 vaccines is struggling to place more than 300 million doses in the latest sign the problem with vaccinating the world is now more about demand than supply.

Last year, wealthy nations snapped most of the available shots to inoculate their own citizens first, meaning less than a third of people in low-income countries have been vaccinated so far compared with more than 70% in richer nations.

As supply and donations have ramped up, however, poorer nations are facing hurdles such as gaps in cold-chain shortage, vaccine hesitancy and a lack of money to support distribution networks, public health officials told Reuters.

In January, COVAX, the global vaccine programme run by Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), had 436 million vaccines to allocate to countries, according to a document published in mid-February.

But low-income nations only asked for 100 million doses for distribution by the end of May - the first time in 14 allocation rounds that supply has outstripped demand, the document from the COVAX Independent Allocation of Vaccines Group said.

Asked to comment, a Gavi spokesperson said COVAX was now in a situation where there was enough current supply to meet demand, but acknowledged that the roll-out of vaccines was an issue in several less developed nations.

“We will only close the vaccine equity gap once and for all if we are able to help countries roll out vaccines rapidly and at scale,” the spokesperson said.

Vaccines that are not assigned by COVAX in this round can be allocated again later.

While wealthy countries are opening up their economies, the WHO and other public health experts warn that the slow roll-out of vaccines in poorer regions will give the coronavirus a chance to mutate again and potentially create new variants.

Fridges and freezers

The low demand for vaccines in the January allocation is partly explained by recent increases in supplies. COVAX has already assigned tens of millions of doses to be delivered in the first quarter and delivered its billionth dose in January.

Officials involved in vaccine distribution said that meant countries were reluctant to take on more doses that they would not be able to use.

A summit to address distribution challenges is taking place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria, convened by the African Union's Africa Vaccine Delivery Alliance with WHO, Gavi and others rolling out shots across Africa attending.

There had been hopes that African countries would be able to administer billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines given their experience in dealing with deadly diseases from Ebola to malaria.

But two years into the crisis, a survey seen by Reuters by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in January on the equipment needed to ramp up vaccine distribution highlighted some of the challenges.

It found "critical gaps" across 44 of the African Union’s 55 member states: 24 countries said they needed fridges, 18 were in need of deep freezers, 22 required walk-in freezers and 16 did not have sufficient walk-in cold rooms.

A UNICEF spokesperson said more than 800 ultra-cold chain freezers had already been delivered to nearly 70 countries, as well as 52,000 fridges.

"We are continuing to help countries identify and close cold chain capacity gaps as supply increases and governments adjust national-level vaccination targets in response," she said.

Disinformation and funding

The problem is particularly acute for COVAX because the Pfizer-BioNTech shot that needs to be kept super-cold has replaced AstraZeneca's vaccine as the main one being offered by the global program.

Some African countries, such as Burundi and Guinea, have gaps at every point in the cold chain, from national level to local distribution centers, the UNICEF survey showed.

The findings are likely to underscore growing concerns that COVAX did not invest quickly enough in infrastructure and equipment for countries it was delivering vaccines to.

The issue is exacerbated by a lack of funding and because countries have not had enough notice of deliveries - particularly donations - making it harder for them to plan vaccination campaigns, public health officials have said.

Officials involved in the distribution of vaccines in Africa also said more focus needed to be placed on communicating the importance of getting vaccinated - and addressing disinformation.

"Communication is one of the biggest issues ... if we don’t get the messaging right, everything else we are doing is futile," one of the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Money has also started to dry up for global initiatives as richer nations seek to move on from COVID.

Gavi says it has only raised $195 million out of the $5.2 billion it has asked for this quarter. The money is used to procure and ship vaccines, as well as provide syringes and delivery support in countries.

In January, COVAX, the global vaccine programme run by Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), had 436 million vaccines to allocate to countries, according to a document published in mid-February.

In January, COVAX, the global vaccine programme run by Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), had 436 million vaccines to allocate to countries, according to a document published in mid-February. The global project to share Covid-19 vaccines is struggling to place more than 300 million doses in the latest sign the problem with vaccinating the world is now more about demand than supply. Last year, wealthy nations snapped most of the available shots to inoculate their own citizens first, meaning less than a third of people in low-income countries have been vaccinated so far compared with more than 70% in richer nations. As supply and donations have ramped up, however, poorer nations are facing hurdles such as gaps in cold-chain shortage, vaccine hesitancy and a lack of money to support distribution networks, public health officials told Reuters. In January, COVAX, the global vaccine programme run by Gavi and the World Health Organization (WHO), had 436 million vaccines to allocate to countries, according to a document published in mid-February. But low-income nations only asked for 100 million doses for distribution by the end of May - the first time in 14 allocation rounds that supply has outstripped demand, the document from the COVAX Independent Allocation of Vaccines Group said. Asked to comment, a Gavi spokesperson said COVAX was now in a situation where there was enough current supply to meet demand, but acknowledged that the roll-out of vaccines was an issue in several less developed nations. “We will only close the vaccine equity gap once and for all if we are able to help countries roll out vaccines rapidly and at scale,” the spokesperson said. Vaccines that are not assigned by COVAX in this round can be allocated again later. While wealthy countries are opening up their economies, the WHO and other public health experts warn that the slow roll-out of vaccines in poorer regions will give the coronavirus a chance to mutate again and potentially create new variants. Fridges and freezers The low demand for vaccines in the January allocation is partly explained by recent increases in supplies. COVAX has already assigned tens of millions of doses to be delivered in the first quarter and delivered its billionth dose in January. Officials involved in vaccine distribution said that meant countries were reluctant to take on more doses that they would not be able to use. A summit to address distribution challenges is taking place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria, convened by the African Union's Africa Vaccine Delivery Alliance with WHO, Gavi and others rolling out shots across Africa attending. There had been hopes that African countries would be able to administer billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines given their experience in dealing with deadly diseases from Ebola to malaria. But two years into the crisis, a survey seen by Reuters by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in January on the equipment needed to ramp up vaccine distribution highlighted some of the challenges. It found "critical gaps" across 44 of the African Union’s 55 member states: 24 countries said they needed fridges, 18 were in need of deep freezers, 22 required walk-in freezers and 16 did not have sufficient walk-in cold rooms. A UNICEF spokesperson said more than 800 ultra-cold chain freezers had already been delivered to nearly 70 countries, as well as 52,000 fridges. "We are continuing to help countries identify and close cold chain capacity gaps as supply increases and governments adjust national-level vaccination targets in response," she said. Disinformation and funding The problem is particularly acute for COVAX because the Pfizer-BioNTech shot that needs to be kept super-cold has replaced AstraZeneca's vaccine as the main one being offered by the global program. Some African countries, such as Burundi and Guinea, have gaps at every point in the cold chain, from national level to local distribution centers, the UNICEF survey showed. The findings are likely to underscore growing concerns that COVAX did not invest quickly enough in infrastructure and equipment for countries it was delivering vaccines to. The issue is exacerbated by a lack of funding and because countries have not had enough notice of deliveries - particularly donations - making it harder for them to plan vaccination campaigns, public health officials have said. Officials involved in the distribution of vaccines in Africa also said more focus needed to be placed on communicating the importance of getting vaccinated - and addressing disinformation. "Communication is one of the biggest issues ... if we don’t get the messaging right, everything else we are doing is futile," one of the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Money has also started to dry up for global initiatives as richer nations seek to move on from COVID. Gavi says it has only raised $195 million out of the $5.2 billion it has asked for this quarter. The money is used to procure and ship vaccines, as well as provide syringes and delivery support in countries.

Covid vaccine supply outstrips demand for the first time

US health regulators delayed the review of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 years of age because its two-dose regimen did not work well against the Omicron variant, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it needed more data on the vaccine, delaying its decision for using the vaccine in children 6 months through 4 years of age for at least two months.

An early look at data showed the vaccine to be effective against the Delta variant during testing while that was the dominant strain, but some vaccinated children developed COVID-19 after Omicron emerged, the report said, citing people familiar with the FDA's decision.

However, since the overall COVID-19 cases were low, the small number of Omicron cases made the vaccine appear less effective in an early statistical analysis, the report added.

The FDA did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Pfizer and BioNTech had submitted data on the first two doses of a planned three-dose regimen earlier this month at the request of the FDA. Pfizer did not disclose efficacy data.

The submission was surprising because in December, the companies said early trial results of the two low doses of the vaccine fell short of expectations, and the clinical trial was amended to test a three-dose version.

US health regulators delayed the review of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 years of age because its two-dose regimen did not work well against the Omicron variant, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

US health regulators delayed the review of Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 years of age because its two-dose regimen did not work well against the Omicron variant, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it needed more data on the vaccine, delaying its decision for using the vaccine in children 6 months through 4 years of age for at least two months. An early look at data showed the vaccine to be effective against the Delta variant during testing while that was the dominant strain, but some vaccinated children developed COVID-19 after Omicron emerged, the report said, citing people familiar with the FDA's decision. However, since the overall COVID-19 cases were low, the small number of Omicron cases made the vaccine appear less effective in an early statistical analysis, the report added. The FDA did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Pfizer and BioNTech had submitted data on the first two doses of a planned three-dose regimen earlier this month at the request of the FDA. Pfizer did not disclose efficacy data. The submission was surprising because in December, the companies said early trial results of the two low doses of the vaccine fell short of expectations, and the clinical trial was amended to test a three-dose version.

Low Omicron efficacy behind delay of Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids under 5: WSJ

As anti-vaccination protests continue in Canada similar storm is now growing in New York. Thousands of New York city municipal employees face termination without proof as Covid-19 vaccination deadline ends.

NYC's municipal workers face termination over covid-19 vaccine status

covid-vaccine

Covid Vaccine, News on Covid Vaccine, stories on Covid Vaccine, articles on Covid Vaccine, Covid Vaccine stories at Wion, Covid Vaccine news, Covid Vaccine latest news

covid vaccine