<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisory-panel-endorses-moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-350590">US FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna coronavirus vaccine</a>

A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overwhelmingly endorsed emergency use of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisory-panel-endorses-moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-350590">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-says-covid-19-vaccine-has-good-immune-response-with-2-dose-regime-350588">Oxford says Covid-19 vaccine has good immune response with 2-dose regime</a>

Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-says-covid-19-vaccine-has-good-immune-response-with-2-dose-regime-350588">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-clarifies-wont-allow-its-tech-to-target-identify-ethnic-groups-350598">Alibaba clarifies won't allow its tech to target, identify ethnic groups</a>

Alibaba Group has said it would not allow its technology to be used for targetting and identifying specific ethnic groups, following a report that its facial recognition technology can pick out Uighur minorities | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-clarifies-wont-allow-its-tech-to-target-identify-ethnic-groups-350598">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300-nigerian-schoolboys-released-after-mass-kidnapping-350578">Over 300 Nigerian schoolboys released after mass kidnapping</a>

More than 300 Nigerian schoolboys were released on Thursday after being abducted in an attack claimed by Boko Haram | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300-nigerian-schoolboys-released-after-mass-kidnapping-350578">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-counter-china-us-navy-to-be-more-assertive-350580">To counter China, US Navy to be 'more assertive'</a>

US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-counter-china-us-navy-to-be-more-assertive-350580">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/babies-born-to-covid-19-mothers-have-antibodies-singapore-study-finds-350626">Babies born to COVID-19 mothers have antibodies, Singapore study finds</a>

All five babies born to women with COVID-19 infection during a study in Singapore have had antibodies against the virus, although the researchers said it is not yet clear what level of protection this may offer | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/babies-born-to-covid-19-mothers-have-antibodies-singapore-study-finds-350626">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huawei-to-build-network-equipment-factory-in-france-350622">Huawei to build network equipment factory in France</a>

China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huawei-to-build-network-equipment-factory-in-france-350622">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-says-it-found-malicious-software-in-its-systems-350610">Microsoft says it found malicious software in its systems</a>

Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it found malicious software in its systems related to a massive hacking campaign disclosed by U.S. officials this week | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-says-it-found-malicious-software-in-its-systems-350610">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-authorises-first-over-the-counter-covid-19-antigen-test-350606">US FDA authorises first over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test</a>

The U.S. Food and Drug administration on Tuesday authorized emergency use of the first over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test, which can be used at home | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-authorises-first-over-the-counter-covid-19-antigen-test-350606">READ MORE</a>

US FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna coronavirus vaccine A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overwhelmingly endorsed emergency use of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine | READ MORE Oxford says Covid-19 vaccine has good immune response with 2-dose regime Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster | READ MORE Alibaba clarifies won't allow its tech to target, identify ethnic groups Alibaba Group has said it would not allow its technology to be used for targetting and identifying specific ethnic groups, following a report that its facial recognition technology can pick out Uighur minorities | READ MORE Over 300 Nigerian schoolboys released after mass kidnapping More than 300 Nigerian schoolboys were released on Thursday after being abducted in an attack claimed by Boko Haram | READ MORE To counter China, US Navy to be 'more assertive' US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China | READ MORE Babies born to COVID-19 mothers have antibodies, Singapore study finds All five babies born to women with COVID-19 infection during a study in Singapore have had antibodies against the virus, although the researchers said it is not yet clear what level of protection this may offer | READ MORE Huawei to build network equipment factory in France China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear | READ MORE Microsoft says it found malicious software in its systems Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it found malicious software in its systems related to a massive hacking campaign disclosed by U.

US FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna coronavirus vaccine A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overwhelmingly endorsed emergency use of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine | READ MORE Oxford says Covid-19 vaccine has good immune response with 2-dose regime Researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster | READ MORE Alibaba clarifies won't allow its tech to target, identify ethnic groups Alibaba Group has said it would not allow its technology to be used for targetting and identifying specific ethnic groups, following a report that its facial recognition technology can pick out Uighur minorities | READ MORE Over 300 Nigerian schoolboys released after mass kidnapping More than 300 Nigerian schoolboys were released on Thursday after being abducted in an attack claimed by Boko Haram | READ MORE To counter China, US Navy to be 'more assertive' US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China | READ MORE Babies born to COVID-19 mothers have antibodies, Singapore study finds All five babies born to women with COVID-19 infection during a study in Singapore have had antibodies against the virus, although the researchers said it is not yet clear what level of protection this may offer | READ MORE Huawei to build network equipment factory in France China's Huawei is planning to press ahead with a roll-out despite French curbs on firms using its 5G gear | READ MORE Microsoft says it found malicious software in its systems Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it found malicious software in its systems related to a massive hacking campaign disclosed by U.S. officials this week | READ MORE US FDA authorises first over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test The U.S. Food and Drug administration on Tuesday authorized emergency use of the first over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test, which can be used at home | READ MORE

Morning news brief: More on Covid vaccine, Alibaba's clarification, and more

Legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney has said that he will give Covid-19 vaccine a shot.&nbsp; 
 
The&nbsp;vaccine has been rolled out in Britain. Sir McCartney vowed to be among the the first global superstars to be inoculated. 
 
McCartney, 78, is among the third tier of people eligible to receive the jab alongside other over-75s, and said he believed the vaccine offers Britain a way out from the doom and gloom of the COVID pandemic. 
 
"The vaccine will get us out of this," McCartney told The Sun in an interview. "I think we`ll come through it, I know we`ll come through, and it`s great news about the vaccine. I`ll have it as soon as I`m allowed," he added further.&nbsp; 
 
McCartney said he was eager to be back on stage as soon as possible after Glastonbury Festival was cancelled this year. 
 
A lad from Liverpool who wrote and performed some of the best loved songs the world has ever known, McCartney led a cultural revolution in the 'Swinging Sixties' that shook - and sometimes overturned - the assumptions of societies across the world. 
&nbsp;

Legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney has said that he will give Covid-19 vaccine a shot. The vaccine has been rolled out in Britain.

Legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney has said that he will give Covid-19 vaccine a shot. The vaccine has been rolled out in Britain. Sir McCartney vowed to be among the the first global superstars to be inoculated. McCartney, 78, is among the third tier of people eligible to receive the jab alongside other over-75s, and said he believed the vaccine offers Britain a way out from the doom and gloom of the COVID pandemic. "The vaccine will get us out of this," McCartney told The Sun in an interview. "I think we`ll come through it, I know we`ll come through, and it`s great news about the vaccine. I`ll have it as soon as I`m allowed," he added further. McCartney said he was eager to be back on stage as soon as possible after Glastonbury Festival was cancelled this year. A lad from Liverpool who wrote and performed some of the best loved songs the world has ever known, McCartney led a cultural revolution in the 'Swinging Sixties' that shook - and sometimes overturned - the assumptions of societies across the world.

Beatles legend Paul McCartney says he will give COVID vaccine a shot in the arm

A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overwhelmingly endorsed emergency use of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine.

In the US, where 3,249 new deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours alone, emergency approval of the Moderna jab -- the second vaccine allowed in a Western country -- would pave the way for six million doses to potentially start shipping as soon as this weekend.

The US began rolling out the Pfizer jabs on Monday, hoping to have 20 million people immunised in December.

The committee voted 20-0 with one abstention that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks in people aged 18 and older, one week after the same panel backed a similar vaccine from Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE, leading to an FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) a day later.

The FDA is expected to grant the EUA as early as late Thursday or Friday, providing another ray of hope to a nation that has lost more than 300,000 lives to COVID-19 - including a one-day high of 3,580 deaths on Wednesday - while record numbers of patients threaten to overwhelm US hospitals and healthcare workers.

The one abstention came from Dr Michael Kurilla, who works at the National Institutes of Health and felt blanket authorization for those 18 and older was too broad.

The Moderna vaccine is set to begin distribution as soon as the FDA gives the green light.&nbsp;

Unlike Pfizer's vaccine, which comes with complex distribution challenges due to its need to be shipped and stored at -70 Celsius (-94 F), Moderna's vaccine does not require specialised ultra-cold freezers or vast quantities of dry ice, making it easier to supply rural and remote areas.

The company said on Thursday it has expanded the handling guidance for the vaccine to allow it to be moved locally in a liquid state at standard refrigerated temperatures. In some cases, Moderna said, this could be the only practical way to move it to clinics or remote locations.

The first wave of doses are expected to be earmarked for healthcare workers who treat COVID-19 patients and vulnerable residents and staff of nursing homes.

Documents prepared by FDA scientists and released ahead of the meeting, said a two-dose regimen of the Moderna vaccine was highly effective in preventing COVID-19 and did not raise any specific safety issues.

The vaccine, based on the new technology of synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA), is administered in two shots about 28 days apart. The Pfizer/BioNTech shot is also an mRNA vaccine.

About 20 million doses are expected to be delivered this month, with the rest of the initial purchase coming in the first quarter of next year.

The United States in August entered a $1.5 billion pact with Moderna to acquire 100 million doses of its vaccine.

(with inputs)

A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overwhelmingly endorsed emergency use of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine. In the US, where 3,249 new deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours alone, emergency approval of the Moderna jab -- the second vaccine allowed in a Western country -- would pave the way for six million doses to potentially start shipping as soon as this weekend.

A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has overwhelmingly endorsed emergency use of Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine. In the US, where 3,249 new deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours alone, emergency approval of the Moderna jab -- the second vaccine allowed in a Western country -- would pave the way for six million doses to potentially start shipping as soon as this weekend. The US began rolling out the Pfizer jabs on Monday, hoping to have 20 million people immunised in December. The committee voted 20-0 with one abstention that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks in people aged 18 and older, one week after the same panel backed a similar vaccine from Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE, leading to an FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) a day later. The FDA is expected to grant the EUA as early as late Thursday or Friday, providing another ray of hope to a nation that has lost more than 300,000 lives to COVID-19 - including a one-day high of 3,580 deaths on Wednesday - while record numbers of patients threaten to overwhelm US hospitals and healthcare workers. The one abstention came from Dr Michael Kurilla, who works at the National Institutes of Health and felt blanket authorization for those 18 and older was too broad. The Moderna vaccine is set to begin distribution as soon as the FDA gives the green light. Unlike Pfizer's vaccine, which comes with complex distribution challenges due to its need to be shipped and stored at -70 Celsius (-94 F), Moderna's vaccine does not require specialised ultra-cold freezers or vast quantities of dry ice, making it easier to supply rural and remote areas. The company said on Thursday it has expanded the handling guidance for the vaccine to allow it to be moved locally in a liquid state at standard refrigerated temperatures. In some cases, Moderna said, this could be the only practical way to move it to clinics or remote locations. The first wave of doses are expected to be earmarked for healthcare workers who treat COVID-19 patients and vulnerable residents and staff of nursing homes. Documents prepared by FDA scientists and released ahead of the meeting, said a two-dose regimen of the Moderna vaccine was highly effective in preventing COVID-19 and did not raise any specific safety issues. The vaccine, based on the new technology of synthetic messenger RNA (mRNA), is administered in two shots about 28 days apart. The Pfizer/BioNTech shot is also an mRNA vaccine. About 20 million doses are expected to be delivered this month, with the rest of the initial purchase coming in the first quarter of next year. The United States in August entered a $1.5 billion pact with Moderna to acquire 100 million doses of its vaccine. (with inputs)

US FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna coronavirus vaccine

It’s about as near as science gets to a miracle: A coronavirus vaccine has arrived — and the main reason is that mRNA vaccines, a previously untested technology, appears to work better than almost anyone had hoped.

As recently as this summer, many analysts were pushing their predictions for a vaccine into the fall of 2021, in line with the timeline of traditional treatments. If these new vaccines perform as well in the wild as they have in clinical trials, the world will remember it as a victory perhaps greater than Salk and Sabin against polio. If this new type of vaccine also goes on to work against other viruses, it will mark an epochal advance in vaccinology, closer to the discoveries of Pasteur and Jenner.

But a strange thing has happened in our celebration of this scientific triumph. While we remember those historic advances as the work of individual scientists or laboratories, the vaccines against Covid-19 are being written instead as a victory for pharmaceutical companies.

The rule in press coverage seems to be that the biggest brand involved gets top credit. And so, every day now there are stories about the Pfizer vaccine (a collaboration between Pfizer and the German biotech company BioNTech); the Moderna vaccine (a partnership between the National Institutes of Health and Moderna); and the AstraZeneca vaccine (a front-running non-mRNA candidate, in fact created by scientists at the University of Oxford and developed and distributed by AstraZeneca).

It’s an incredible public relations coup for an industry desperate to rescue its image. Just last month, Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty and has agreed to penalties of more than $8 billion after being prosecuted for its role in America’s horrific opioid crisis. Pfizer set an earlier record for a drug industry fraud settlement in 2009 at $2.3 billion, in a case over its fraudulent marketing of a painkiller, an antipsychotic and other drugs for conditions for which it hadn’t received approval.

The turpitude of the pharmaceutical industry is so commonplace that it has become part of the cultural wallpaper. The screenwriters of the 1993 movie “The Fugitive” knew they could find a perfectly plausible villain to menace Harrison Ford in a faceless drug company out to cover up its malfeasance. (The film was a hit.) In John le Carré’s 2001 novel “The Constant Gardner,” a British diplomat uncovering a pharma giant testing dangerous drugs on poor Africans is similarly easily to swallow: Its plotline echoes a real case involving Pfizer in Nigeria. (The company has denied any wrongdoing and settled out of court the suit brought by the families of children who died during the testing.)

And yet, since the pharmaceutical industry stepped in with the vaccines, generations worth of ill will appears to be melting away. Last year, Gallup polling had the pharmaceutical industry ranked the most disliked in America, below both big oil and big government. By this September — even before the vaccines arrived — the industry’s approval rating was already improving.

This isn’t lost on the industry itself. A financial analyst recently told this paper that Pfizer’s involvement in the coronavirus pandemic was about “as much public relations as it is a financial return.” In April, the chief executive of Eli Lilly, the company that put out an antibody therapy for Covid-19, told investors that the pandemic offered “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset the reputation of the industry.”

We’ve all been hoping for a vaccine for so long, the moment the medicine is finally being delivered, it seems almost perverse to question the name on the vial. But the industry isn’t our savior. Each of these vaccine candidates is a complex scientific project with many collaborators — and a substantial level of state support. Giving the industry not just plaudits, but control over the vaccines themselves would be a mistake.

Even amid this public relations coup, pharmaceutical corporations can’t help but revert to type. They will profit handsomely from these vaccines, even when they claim to be acting selflessly. And they largely are monopolizing access, which means that millions in the global south may not get the lifesaving vaccines for months.

The mRNA vaccines in which people are now staking so much hope wouldn’t exist without public support through every step of their development. Moderna is not a pharma giant. In fact, it is, in a way, a homegrown success story. The company, founded in 2010 after a group of American university professors acquired support from a venture capitalist, has been working on this technology for years. But Moderna’s original work rests on earlier discoveries by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania who have received funding for their research from the National Institutes for Health.

Once the race for a vaccine began, governments supercharged their efforts. Moderna has received about $2.5 billion in federal research and supply funding over the past year from the government’s Operation Warp Speed program, as well as shared technology the N.I.H. had developed for previous coronavirus vaccines. The N.I.H. also provided extensive logistical support, overseeing clinical trials for tens of thousands of patients.

Pfizer, meanwhile, likes to say that it eschews federal money to maintain independence. But it is co-producing and distributing a vaccine from BioNTech, a company that received more than $440 million in funding from the German federal government. The vaccine is based on BioNTech’s technology, with Pfizer stepping in to speed up development and manufacturing.

Pfizer had never produced an mRNA vaccine, but it retrofitted several factories to do so. In effect, it traded its immense capital and logistics network for branding rights. Moreover, the U.S. government claims that by placing a nearly $2 billion order before the vaccine’s final clinical trials started, it removed significant financial risks for Pfizer.

The development of these vaccines involves a patchwork of academic research, biotech firms, public institutions, public money and Big Pharma. This has always been the case, but in the past, governments and academic scientists were able to have far more control over their contributions. Both Salk and Sabin made their polio vaccine discoveries patent-free. At the time, Pfizer was among the main manufacturers and distributors of the Sabin vaccine — making a tidy profit for providing this service, but rightly acknowledged as a small part of a larger whole.

What do these kinds of partnerships get us today? The United States government negotiated bulk pricing for both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, $15.25 to $19.50 per dose over several different contracts. This is significantly less than the $25 to $37 Moderna says it will charge governments in the rest of the world, but analysts suggest that even $19.50 could yield Pfizer a 60 percent to 80 percent profit margin. Moderna has announced it won’t enforce its patents, but the company hasn’t forgotten about the profit opportunities.

Whenever it looks as if we’re getting a good deal, it turns out to be an even better one for the drug companies. Even ostensibly selfless actions might very well turn out to work to the industry’s benefit.

True, Oxford’s deal with AstraZeneca included a commitment to at-cost pricing for developing countries for now. But The Financial Times has reported that an agreement the company has signed with at least one manufacturer indicated that this particular deal could end as soon as July. (The company has said that it will seek expert guidance as to when it can declare an end to the pandemic.) And AstraZeneca’s deal with Oxford, according to The Financial Times, still allows for a healthy profit margin of up to 20 percent.

This isn’t surprising. The ship has long sailed on the idea that the giants of American capitalism would help anyone without extracting a fee. Even in this disaster, even after the untold sacrifices that millions of ordinary people have made. The real issue is not the price — we’ll pay, obviously — it is about access.

With control over the production of these vaccines, these companies will largely provide them on their own schedule, using their own factories or licensed producers — while other facilities around the world sit idle. Governments will almost certainly order more of the approved vaccines in the weeks and months to come, but the production capacity for each company is limited. Companies should not only pledge to waive their patents but to also share all their technical knowledge so that other manufacturers can help produce the much-needed vaccines.

As it stands most people outside high-risk categories likely won’t get vaccinated until “later in 2021,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many countries in the global south are expected to be able to vaccinate at most 20 percent of their populations by the end of next year. Project the current daily death toll onto that timeline and despair.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The especially galling thing is that mRNA vaccines were supposed to be a disruptive, liberatory technology. They can be produced faster and more simply, in smaller and cheaper facilities — basic laboratories, even — compared to traditional vaccines. Scientists envisioned a world where vaccines could be produced quickly, anywhere, for a small fraction of the traditional vaccines’ cost.

That was before the industry stepped in. Nations across the global south are demanding a suspension of patent rights for coronavirus vaccines, and last month, American academics and activists — including Chelsea Clinton on behalf of the Clinton Foundation, hardly a revolutionary outfit — called for a similar plan, including sharing patents on vaccines and allowing worldwide manufacturing to begin. This would probably mean not just poorer nations but you — the person reading this — would get vaccinated faster because more vaccine doses would be produced. None of this is likely to happen.

At the start of this pandemic, I recall feeling both horror at the unfolding calamity, and also a small sense of hope that as in other times of hardship, people would find ways to change the world for the better. There was talk of community support, mutual aid and the rediscovery of the positive powers of the state to protect its citizens. Much of that has dimmed now, and it often seems that we simply want relief — to go back to the way the world was before, and as soon as possible.

We have to get back to that place. Yet this may be the best chance in our lifetimes to break the hold of an industry that, until recently, was rightly vilified. The public is following these developments closely, and the state support that underwrites pharmaceutical profits couldn’t be more obvious: Operation Warp Speed alone has dispensed over $10 billion to the industry.

Pay it to make the vaccine, sure. That’s a service. But we shouldn’t be afraid to demand more: Public support should mean a public vaccine, one that reaches people as quickly as possible — profitable or not. The pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t be able to rake in its profits and restore its reputation without funding that comes from our tax dollars. We shouldn’t let Big Pharma forget it.

(Stephen Buranyi is a science journalist in London and a visiting lecturer at the European Business School.)

It’s about as near as science gets to a miracle: A coronavirus vaccine has arrived — and the main reason is that mRNA vaccines, a previously untested technology, appears to work better than almost anyone had hoped.

It’s about as near as science gets to a miracle: A coronavirus vaccine has arrived — and the main reason is that mRNA vaccines, a previously untested technology, appears to work better than almost anyone had hoped. As recently as this summer, many analysts were pushing their predictions for a vaccine into the fall of 2021, in line with the timeline of traditional treatments. If these new vaccines perform as well in the wild as they have in clinical trials, the world will remember it as a victory perhaps greater than Salk and Sabin against polio. If this new type of vaccine also goes on to work against other viruses, it will mark an epochal advance in vaccinology, closer to the discoveries of Pasteur and Jenner. But a strange thing has happened in our celebration of this scientific triumph. While we remember those historic advances as the work of individual scientists or laboratories, the vaccines against Covid-19 are being written instead as a victory for pharmaceutical companies. The rule in press coverage seems to be that the biggest brand involved gets top credit. And so, every day now there are stories about the Pfizer vaccine (a collaboration between Pfizer and the German biotech company BioNTech); the Moderna vaccine (a partnership between the National Institutes of Health and Moderna); and the AstraZeneca vaccine (a front-running non-mRNA candidate, in fact created by scientists at the University of Oxford and developed and distributed by AstraZeneca). It’s an incredible public relations coup for an industry desperate to rescue its image. Just last month, Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty and has agreed to penalties of more than $8 billion after being prosecuted for its role in America’s horrific opioid crisis. Pfizer set an earlier record for a drug industry fraud settlement in 2009 at $2.3 billion, in a case over its fraudulent marketing of a painkiller, an antipsychotic and other drugs for conditions for which it hadn’t received approval. The turpitude of the pharmaceutical industry is so commonplace that it has become part of the cultural wallpaper. The screenwriters of the 1993 movie “The Fugitive” knew they could find a perfectly plausible villain to menace Harrison Ford in a faceless drug company out to cover up its malfeasance. (The film was a hit.) In John le Carré’s 2001 novel “The Constant Gardner,” a British diplomat uncovering a pharma giant testing dangerous drugs on poor Africans is similarly easily to swallow: Its plotline echoes a real case involving Pfizer in Nigeria. (The company has denied any wrongdoing and settled out of court the suit brought by the families of children who died during the testing.) And yet, since the pharmaceutical industry stepped in with the vaccines, generations worth of ill will appears to be melting away. Last year, Gallup polling had the pharmaceutical industry ranked the most disliked in America, below both big oil and big government. By this September — even before the vaccines arrived — the industry’s approval rating was already improving. This isn’t lost on the industry itself. A financial analyst recently told this paper that Pfizer’s involvement in the coronavirus pandemic was about “as much public relations as it is a financial return.” In April, the chief executive of Eli Lilly, the company that put out an antibody therapy for Covid-19, told investors that the pandemic offered “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset the reputation of the industry.” We’ve all been hoping for a vaccine for so long, the moment the medicine is finally being delivered, it seems almost perverse to question the name on the vial. But the industry isn’t our savior. Each of these vaccine candidates is a complex scientific project with many collaborators — and a substantial level of state support. Giving the industry not just plaudits, but control over the vaccines themselves would be a mistake. Even amid this public relations coup, pharmaceutical corporations can’t help but revert to type. They will profit handsomely from these vaccines, even when they claim to be acting selflessly. And they largely are monopolizing access, which means that millions in the global south may not get the lifesaving vaccines for months. The mRNA vaccines in which people are now staking so much hope wouldn’t exist without public support through every step of their development. Moderna is not a pharma giant. In fact, it is, in a way, a homegrown success story. The company, founded in 2010 after a group of American university professors acquired support from a venture capitalist, has been working on this technology for years. But Moderna’s original work rests on earlier discoveries by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania who have received funding for their research from the National Institutes for Health. Once the race for a vaccine began, governments supercharged their efforts. Moderna has received about $2.5 billion in federal research and supply funding over the past year from the government’s Operation Warp Speed program, as well as shared technology the N.I.H. had developed for previous coronavirus vaccines. The N.I.H. also provided extensive logistical support, overseeing clinical trials for tens of thousands of patients. Pfizer, meanwhile, likes to say that it eschews federal money to maintain independence. But it is co-producing and distributing a vaccine from BioNTech, a company that received more than $440 million in funding from the German federal government. The vaccine is based on BioNTech’s technology, with Pfizer stepping in to speed up development and manufacturing. Pfizer had never produced an mRNA vaccine, but it retrofitted several factories to do so. In effect, it traded its immense capital and logistics network for branding rights. Moreover, the U.S. government claims that by placing a nearly $2 billion order before the vaccine’s final clinical trials started, it removed significant financial risks for Pfizer. The development of these vaccines involves a patchwork of academic research, biotech firms, public institutions, public money and Big Pharma. This has always been the case, but in the past, governments and academic scientists were able to have far more control over their contributions. Both Salk and Sabin made their polio vaccine discoveries patent-free. At the time, Pfizer was among the main manufacturers and distributors of the Sabin vaccine — making a tidy profit for providing this service, but rightly acknowledged as a small part of a larger whole. What do these kinds of partnerships get us today? The United States government negotiated bulk pricing for both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, $15.25 to $19.50 per dose over several different contracts. This is significantly less than the $25 to $37 Moderna says it will charge governments in the rest of the world, but analysts suggest that even $19.50 could yield Pfizer a 60 percent to 80 percent profit margin. Moderna has announced it won’t enforce its patents, but the company hasn’t forgotten about the profit opportunities. Whenever it looks as if we’re getting a good deal, it turns out to be an even better one for the drug companies. Even ostensibly selfless actions might very well turn out to work to the industry’s benefit. True, Oxford’s deal with AstraZeneca included a commitment to at-cost pricing for developing countries for now. But The Financial Times has reported that an agreement the company has signed with at least one manufacturer indicated that this particular deal could end as soon as July. (The company has said that it will seek expert guidance as to when it can declare an end to the pandemic.) And AstraZeneca’s deal with Oxford, according to The Financial Times, still allows for a healthy profit margin of up to 20 percent. This isn’t surprising. The ship has long sailed on the idea that the giants of American capitalism would help anyone without extracting a fee. Even in this disaster, even after the untold sacrifices that millions of ordinary people have made. The real issue is not the price — we’ll pay, obviously — it is about access. With control over the production of these vaccines, these companies will largely provide them on their own schedule, using their own factories or licensed producers — while other facilities around the world sit idle. Governments will almost certainly order more of the approved vaccines in the weeks and months to come, but the production capacity for each company is limited. Companies should not only pledge to waive their patents but to also share all their technical knowledge so that other manufacturers can help produce the much-needed vaccines. As it stands most people outside high-risk categories likely won’t get vaccinated until “later in 2021,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many countries in the global south are expected to be able to vaccinate at most 20 percent of their populations by the end of next year. Project the current daily death toll onto that timeline and despair. It doesn’t have to be this way. The especially galling thing is that mRNA vaccines were supposed to be a disruptive, liberatory technology. They can be produced faster and more simply, in smaller and cheaper facilities — basic laboratories, even — compared to traditional vaccines. Scientists envisioned a world where vaccines could be produced quickly, anywhere, for a small fraction of the traditional vaccines’ cost. That was before the industry stepped in. Nations across the global south are demanding a suspension of patent rights for coronavirus vaccines, and last month, American academics and activists — including Chelsea Clinton on behalf of the Clinton Foundation, hardly a revolutionary outfit — called for a similar plan, including sharing patents on vaccines and allowing worldwide manufacturing to begin. This would probably mean not just poorer nations but you — the person reading this — would get vaccinated faster because more vaccine doses would be produced. None of this is likely to happen. At the start of this pandemic, I recall feeling both horror at the unfolding calamity, and also a small sense of hope that as in other times of hardship, people would find ways to change the world for the better. There was talk of community support, mutual aid and the rediscovery of the positive powers of the state to protect its citizens. Much of that has dimmed now, and it often seems that we simply want relief — to go back to the way the world was before, and as soon as possible. We have to get back to that place. Yet this may be the best chance in our lifetimes to break the hold of an industry that, until recently, was rightly vilified. The public is following these developments closely, and the state support that underwrites pharmaceutical profits couldn’t be more obvious: Operation Warp Speed alone has dispensed over $10 billion to the industry. Pay it to make the vaccine, sure. That’s a service. But we shouldn’t be afraid to demand more: Public support should mean a public vaccine, one that reaches people as quickly as possible — profitable or not. The pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t be able to rake in its profits and restore its reputation without funding that comes from our tax dollars. We shouldn’t let Big Pharma forget it. (Stephen Buranyi is a science journalist in London and a visiting lecturer at the European Business School.)

Big pharma is fooling us

India will produce about 300 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines next year, a Russian official was quoted as saying.

According to Reuters, this new number is nearly three times the previously known quantity as deals have been signed with more manufacturers.

Russia is already testing the first samples of Sputnik V that were produced in India, its embassy in New Delhi said on Twitter on Friday, sharing a news story in which their vaccine czar Kirill Dmitriev was quoted.

"In India, we have agreements with four large manufacturers. India will produce about 300 million doses or more of the vaccine for us next year, " Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) told Rossiya 24 TV, according to news agency TASS.

India's Hetero Biopharma has already announced a deal with the RDIF to make more than 100 million doses of Sputnik V, whose efficacy has been found to be more than 91% in trials done outside India.

Indian officials have said they may approve some vaccines for emergency use authorisation in the coming weeks. So far only three vaccines from Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Indian company Bharat Biotech have applied for urgent approval.

India is the world's second-worst affected country after the United States, which has recorded 16.9 million cases. It reported 22,890 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, taking its total to just shy of 10 million. The death toll stands at 144,789.

India is the world's biggest vaccine maker and its pharmaceutical industry is freeing up capacity and accelerating investments ahead of the global rush for COVID-19 shots.

(with inputs)

India will produce about 300 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines next year, a Russian official was quoted as saying. According to Reuters, this new number is nearly three times the previously known quantity as deals have been signed with more manufacturers.

India will produce about 300 million doses of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines next year, a Russian official was quoted as saying. According to Reuters, this new number is nearly three times the previously known quantity as deals have been signed with more manufacturers. Russia is already testing the first samples of Sputnik V that were produced in India, its embassy in New Delhi said on Twitter on Friday, sharing a news story in which their vaccine czar Kirill Dmitriev was quoted. "In India, we have agreements with four large manufacturers. India will produce about 300 million doses or more of the vaccine for us next year, " Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) told Rossiya 24 TV, according to news agency TASS. India's Hetero Biopharma has already announced a deal with the RDIF to make more than 100 million doses of Sputnik V, whose efficacy has been found to be more than 91% in trials done outside India. Indian officials have said they may approve some vaccines for emergency use authorisation in the coming weeks. So far only three vaccines from Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Indian company Bharat Biotech have applied for urgent approval. India is the world's second-worst affected country after the United States, which has recorded 16.9 million cases. It reported 22,890 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, taking its total to just shy of 10 million. The death toll stands at 144,789. India is the world's biggest vaccine maker and its pharmaceutical industry is freeing up capacity and accelerating investments ahead of the global rush for COVID-19 shots. (with inputs)

India to produce about 300 mn doses of Russian vaccine; new deals signed

The USb FDA has confirmed the safety and efficacy of Moderna’s Covid vaccine, ahead of a meeting on Thursday.

The FDA said the mRNA vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing coronavirus, confirming earlier results released by the company.

The report came two days before the independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meets on Thursday to discuss the safety and efficacy data and vote on recommending emergency use authorisation.

“FDA considers that the totality of available data are sufficient to support an evaluation of this product for EUA,” read a 54-page briefing document from the Food and Drug Administration.

The most common side effects reported in trial participants have been only found to be injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and chills.

The proposed use of the vaccine is for adults age 18 and older.

The US last week granted the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine emergency use authorisation -- just one day after the VRBPAC meeting, under pressure from President Trump. Doses were then administered on Monday.

The USb FDA has confirmed the safety and efficacy of Moderna’s Covid vaccine, ahead of a meeting on Thursday. The FDA said the mRNA vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing coronavirus, confirming earlier results released by the company.

The USb FDA has confirmed the safety and efficacy of Moderna’s Covid vaccine, ahead of a meeting on Thursday. The FDA said the mRNA vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing coronavirus, confirming earlier results released by the company. The report came two days before the independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meets on Thursday to discuss the safety and efficacy data and vote on recommending emergency use authorisation. “FDA considers that the totality of available data are sufficient to support an evaluation of this product for EUA,” read a 54-page briefing document from the Food and Drug Administration. The most common side effects reported in trial participants have been only found to be injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and chills. The proposed use of the vaccine is for adults age 18 and older. The US last week granted the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine emergency use authorisation -- just one day after the VRBPAC meeting, under pressure from President Trump. Doses were then administered on Monday.

US FDA confirms efficacy of Moderna vaccine ahead of Thursday meeting

A health care worker in Alaska developed a severe allergic reaction shortly after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday evening and had to be hospitalized overnight. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-trial-volunteers-who-got-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-developed-bells-palsy-348547">Also read: Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy</a>

During a media briefing Wednesday, health officials said the middle-aged woman had no history of allergies and had never experienced anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-groups-reluctant-to-take-covid-19-vaccine-jab-uk-study-350330">Also read | Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups reluctant to take Covid-19 vaccine jab: UK study</a>

The woman is now stable, public health authorities said.

The reaction was reportedly similar to the anaphylactic shock suffered by multiple healthcare workers in the UK, where the Pfizer-BioNTech jab was approved earlier this month. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593">Also read | Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

Britain’s medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to medicine or food, should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that most Americans with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine. It said only people who have previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or ingredients in this particular vaccine should avoid getting the shot.

The symptoms in the middle-aged patient resolved after being administered with allergy treatment epinephrine.

The patient was still in Juneau’s Bartlett Regional Hospital being monitored.

Pfizer said the vaccine comes with a clear warning that appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of anaphylaxis, but it would update the labeling language for the vaccine if needed.

Administration of the vaccine began Monday in the United States, following emergency-use authorization last week. Early doses have been set aside for healthcare workers and nursing home residents

Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman called the allergic reaction concerning but said that more information must be known in order to better understand the risks.

“What we need to know is what the denominator is -- how many doses have been given? Is this going to be something that’s going to be seen at a higher incidence with this vaccine than with others?” Goodman said. “We’re going to have to find out those things to inform whether that changes recommendations or how this is used.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A health care worker in Alaska developed a severe allergic reaction shortly after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday evening and had to be hospitalized overnight.

A health care worker in Alaska developed a severe allergic reaction shortly after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday evening and had to be hospitalized overnight. Also read: Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy During a media briefing Wednesday, health officials said the middle-aged woman had no history of allergies and had never experienced anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. Also read | Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups reluctant to take Covid-19 vaccine jab: UK study The woman is now stable, public health authorities said. The reaction was reportedly similar to the anaphylactic shock suffered by multiple healthcare workers in the UK, where the Pfizer-BioNTech jab was approved earlier this month. Also read | Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Britain’s medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to medicine or food, should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that most Americans with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine. It said only people who have previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or ingredients in this particular vaccine should avoid getting the shot. The symptoms in the middle-aged patient resolved after being administered with allergy treatment epinephrine. The patient was still in Juneau’s Bartlett Regional Hospital being monitored. Pfizer said the vaccine comes with a clear warning that appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of anaphylaxis, but it would update the labeling language for the vaccine if needed. Administration of the vaccine began Monday in the United States, following emergency-use authorization last week. Early doses have been set aside for healthcare workers and nursing home residents Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman called the allergic reaction concerning but said that more information must be known in order to better understand the risks. “What we need to know is what the denominator is -- how many doses have been given? Is this going to be something that’s going to be seen at a higher incidence with this vaccine than with others?” Goodman said. “We’re going to have to find out those things to inform whether that changes recommendations or how this is used.” (With inputs from agencies)

Alaska healthcare worker suffers an allergic reaction to Covid-19 vaccine, Pfizer to assess the report

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Despite being at much greater risk of the disease people from minority ethnic backgrounds or with lower incomes are significantly less likely to take the coronavirus vaccine, research suggests | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-groups-reluctant-to-take-covid-19-vaccine-jab-uk-study-350330">READ MORE</a>

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said that Britain and Eurpean Union were closer to sealing Brexit trade deal but she added that it was still unclear whether talks would succeed | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/closer-to-brexit-trade-deal-but-success-unclear-says-eu-chief-in-european-parliament-350308">READ MORE</a>

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World powers party to Iran nuclear deal struck by Brack Obama administration on Wednesday went into a huddle to diffuse tension and to decide plan of action under mounting pressure from Iranian breaches and US sanctions | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-world-powers-try-to-diffuse-tension-350318">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-spacecraft-returns-to-earth-with-rocks-from-moon-350301">Chinese spacecraft returns to Earth with rocks from Moon</a>

An unmanned Chinese spacecraft carrying rocks and soil from the Moon returned safely to Earth early Thursday, completing the first mission in four decades to collect lunar samples | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-spacecraft-returns-to-earth-with-rocks-from-moon-350301">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-aims-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccinations-on-december-27-minister-350302">Germany aims to begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27: Minister&nbsp;</a>

Germany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-aims-to-begin-coronavirus-vaccinations-on-december-27-minister-350302">READ MORE</a>

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The United States set a grim double record Wednesday notching more than 3,700 deaths and over 250,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-a-grim-record-with-over-3700-covid-deaths-vaccine-campaign-grows-350309">READ MORE</a>

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US Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pence-to-get-covid-vaccine-friday-350304">READ MORE</a>

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Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups reluctant to take Covid-19 vaccine jab: UK study Despite being at much greater risk of the disease people from minority ethnic backgrounds or with lower incomes are significantly less likely to take the coronavirus vaccine, research suggests | READ MORE Closer to Brexit trade deal but success unclear, says EU chief in European Parliament European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said that Britain and Eurpean Union were closer to sealing Brexit trade deal but she added that it was still unclear whether talks would succeed | READ MORE Iran nuclear deal: World powers try to diffuse tension World powers party to Iran nuclear deal struck by Brack Obama administration on Wednesday went into a huddle to diffuse tension and to decide plan of action under mounting pressure from Iranian breaches and US sanctions | READ MORE Chinese spacecraft returns to Earth with rocks from Moon An unmanned Chinese spacecraft carrying rocks and soil from the Moon returned safely to Earth early Thursday, completing the first mission in four decades to collect lunar samples | READ MORE Germany aims to begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27: Minister Germany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day | READ MORE US sets a grim record with over 3,700 Covid deaths; vaccine campaign grows The United States set a grim double record Wednesday notching more than 3,700 deaths and over 250,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours | READ MORE US Vice-President Mike Pence to get Covid vaccine Friday US Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence | READ MORE US, EU deal on aircraft subsidies should include China clause, USTR says The United States and Europe should agree to cooperate in opposing any future "hurtful" subsidies used by China to build up its commercial aircraft industry, U.

Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups reluctant to take Covid-19 vaccine jab: UK study Despite being at much greater risk of the disease people from minority ethnic backgrounds or with lower incomes are significantly less likely to take the coronavirus vaccine, research suggests | READ MORE Closer to Brexit trade deal but success unclear, says EU chief in European Parliament European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said that Britain and Eurpean Union were closer to sealing Brexit trade deal but she added that it was still unclear whether talks would succeed | READ MORE Iran nuclear deal: World powers try to diffuse tension World powers party to Iran nuclear deal struck by Brack Obama administration on Wednesday went into a huddle to diffuse tension and to decide plan of action under mounting pressure from Iranian breaches and US sanctions | READ MORE Chinese spacecraft returns to Earth with rocks from Moon An unmanned Chinese spacecraft carrying rocks and soil from the Moon returned safely to Earth early Thursday, completing the first mission in four decades to collect lunar samples | READ MORE Germany aims to begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27: Minister Germany will begin coronavirus vaccinations on December 27 with elderly care home residents, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced Wednesday, with the European Union aiming for all 27 member states to begin on the same day | READ MORE US sets a grim record with over 3,700 Covid deaths; vaccine campaign grows The United States set a grim double record Wednesday notching more than 3,700 deaths and over 250,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours | READ MORE US Vice-President Mike Pence to get Covid vaccine Friday US Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence | READ MORE US, EU deal on aircraft subsidies should include China clause, USTR says The United States and Europe should agree to cooperate in opposing any future "hurtful" subsidies used by China to build up its commercial aircraft industry, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told Reuters in an interview | READ MORE

Morning news brief: Covid vaccinations all over the world, and more

The Russian President also called for all the citizens to get vaccinated against coronavirus. He also added that Russia needed time to increase capacity for vaccine production.

'Will get COVID vaccine when possible for my age group': Vladimir Putin

The United States set a grim double record Wednesday notching more than 3,700 deaths and over 250,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours.

The tally marks the third time in the past week that the United States has crossed the 3,000 deaths threshold. The country has seen a spectacular spike in Covid infections for more than a month now.

The previous 24-hour record was set in late April at the height of the country's first wave -- which never totally ended.

Over the last two weeks, the number of new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours has climbed above 200,000 for 11 out of 14 days. Wednesday's exact death toll was 3,784 fatalities over the previous 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0130 GMT Thursday).

Experts now fear the situation will become even more dire following end of year celebrations, including the Christmas holiday.

The latest records were set even as the United States undergoes its first week of a mass vaccination program aimed at stopping the surging pandemic.

On Monday the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine injections were administered in the United States.

Also, the US Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that six or even seven doses could be squeezed out of vials that were supposed to contain only five doses to avoid unused vaccine being discarded.&nbsp;

To this end, lawmakers on Capitol Hill said they were nearing a long-elusive bipartisan deal on $900 billion in economic relief to help bolster a US economy ravaged by the pandemic.

Rollout of the first tranche of 2.9 million doses of a newly authorized vaccine from Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE continued for a third full day, with shipments headed to 66 more distribution hubs nationwide.

A second vaccine from Moderna Inc could win emergency-use approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week.

Express delivery companies FedEx and United Parcel Service, sharing a leading role in vaccine shipments, said they were monitoring the potential impacts of heavy snow and ice that had begun to disrupt transportation systems along the Eastern Seaboard on Wednesday.

President-elect Joe Biden, who has said he would get the vaccine publicly to help instill confidence in its safety, is expected to receive his first injection as soon as next week, according to his transition team.

Biden, 78, is in a high-risk category for the coronavirus due to his age.

Meanwhile, with hospitalisations setting a record for the 18th day in a row -- more than 112,000 patients under treatment on Tuesday -- health experts warn the death toll will rise higher still in the weeks ahead, even as the vaccine campaign steadily expands.

Another 2 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 5.9 million doses of the Moderna vaccine could be allocated next week, US Health Secretary Alex Azar said on a conference call on Wednesday. Two doses of the vaccines, given three or four weeks apart, would be required for each person being inoculated.

The Trump administration was also in talks to secure additional antibody treatment doses from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc and Eli Lilly and Co, Operation Warp Speed chief adviser Moncef Slaoui told the same conference call.

(with inputs from agencies)

The United States set a grim double record Wednesday notching more than 3,700 deaths and over 250,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours. The tally marks the third time in the past week that the United States has crossed the 3,000 deaths threshold.

The United States set a grim double record Wednesday notching more than 3,700 deaths and over 250,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours. The tally marks the third time in the past week that the United States has crossed the 3,000 deaths threshold. The country has seen a spectacular spike in Covid infections for more than a month now. The previous 24-hour record was set in late April at the height of the country's first wave -- which never totally ended. Over the last two weeks, the number of new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours has climbed above 200,000 for 11 out of 14 days. Wednesday's exact death toll was 3,784 fatalities over the previous 24 hours leading up to 8:30 pm (0130 GMT Thursday). Experts now fear the situation will become even more dire following end of year celebrations, including the Christmas holiday. The latest records were set even as the United States undergoes its first week of a mass vaccination program aimed at stopping the surging pandemic. On Monday the first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine injections were administered in the United States. Also, the US Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that six or even seven doses could be squeezed out of vials that were supposed to contain only five doses to avoid unused vaccine being discarded. To this end, lawmakers on Capitol Hill said they were nearing a long-elusive bipartisan deal on $900 billion in economic relief to help bolster a US economy ravaged by the pandemic. Rollout of the first tranche of 2.9 million doses of a newly authorized vaccine from Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE continued for a third full day, with shipments headed to 66 more distribution hubs nationwide. A second vaccine from Moderna Inc could win emergency-use approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week. Express delivery companies FedEx and United Parcel Service, sharing a leading role in vaccine shipments, said they were monitoring the potential impacts of heavy snow and ice that had begun to disrupt transportation systems along the Eastern Seaboard on Wednesday. President-elect Joe Biden, who has said he would get the vaccine publicly to help instill confidence in its safety, is expected to receive his first injection as soon as next week, according to his transition team. Biden, 78, is in a high-risk category for the coronavirus due to his age. Meanwhile, with hospitalisations setting a record for the 18th day in a row -- more than 112,000 patients under treatment on Tuesday -- health experts warn the death toll will rise higher still in the weeks ahead, even as the vaccine campaign steadily expands. Another 2 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 5.9 million doses of the Moderna vaccine could be allocated next week, US Health Secretary Alex Azar said on a conference call on Wednesday. Two doses of the vaccines, given three or four weeks apart, would be required for each person being inoculated. The Trump administration was also in talks to secure additional antibody treatment doses from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc and Eli Lilly and Co, Operation Warp Speed chief adviser Moncef Slaoui told the same conference call. (with inputs from agencies)

US sets a grim record with over 3,700 Covid deaths; vaccine campaign grows

US Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence.

Pence and his wife Karen Pence "will publicly receive a Covid-19 vaccine to promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and build confidence among the American people," the White House said in a statement late Wednesday.

The event, due to be held at the White House, comes in the first week of a mass vaccination program aimed at stopping the surging coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to them, the vaccine will be administered at the same time to Surgeon General Jerome Adams, the lead public health official in the country.

On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that Trump is also "absolutely open to taking the vaccine."

However, since he recently recovered from a bout of Covid-19, he is thought to be currently immune.

"He will receive the vaccine as soon as his medical team determines it’s best. But his priority is frontline workers, those in long-term care facilities," McEnany said.

President-elect Joe Biden, who won election in November after a campaign heavily critical of Trump's leadership during the pandemic, says he intends to take the vaccine in public soon.

At 78, Biden is in a prime risk category for the disease.

The pandemic has so far killed more than 300,000 Americans.

(with inputs)

US Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence. Pence and his wife Karen Pence "will publicly receive a Covid-19 vaccine to promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and build confidence among the American people," the White House said in a statement late Wednesday.

US Vice-President Mike Pence and his wife will get the Covid-19 vaccine Friday in a public display designed to boost national confidence. Pence and his wife Karen Pence "will publicly receive a Covid-19 vaccine to promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and build confidence among the American people," the White House said in a statement late Wednesday. The event, due to be held at the White House, comes in the first week of a mass vaccination program aimed at stopping the surging coronavirus pandemic. In addition to them, the vaccine will be administered at the same time to Surgeon General Jerome Adams, the lead public health official in the country. On Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that Trump is also "absolutely open to taking the vaccine." However, since he recently recovered from a bout of Covid-19, he is thought to be currently immune. "He will receive the vaccine as soon as his medical team determines it’s best. But his priority is frontline workers, those in long-term care facilities," McEnany said. President-elect Joe Biden, who won election in November after a campaign heavily critical of Trump's leadership during the pandemic, says he intends to take the vaccine in public soon. At 78, Biden is in a prime risk category for the disease. The pandemic has so far killed more than 300,000 Americans. (with inputs)

US Vice-President Mike Pence to get Covid vaccine Friday

After getting a shot of Pfizer COVID vaccine a health care worker in Alaska developed a allergic reaction, the person recieved the shot on Tuesday and begin feeling flushed and breathing problem, officials ultimately determine the reaction as "Anaphylaxis"

Alaska health worker suffer "Anaphylaxis" ater a shot of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective. &nbsp;

Putin -- at his annual end-of-year press conference -- said he had not been vaccinated yet, but "will definitely do so as soon as it becomes possible" according to expert advice.

The president held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" session, and answered dozens of questions from journalists and ordinary people from around the country to mark the end of a turbulent year for Kremlin.

This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack.

The Russian president has made few public appearances since the start of the Covid crisis, mostly telecommuting from a windowless room that critics have derided as his “bunker.”

"I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday.

"I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible."

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, said in June that the Russian leader was protected from the coronavirus by special disinfection tunnels that anyone visiting his residence or meeting him in the Kremlin must pass through.

Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said.

Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Data published this week found the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russian regulators approved in August after less than two months of human testing, to be 91.4% effective.

Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources.

He said, “As for the origins of the coronavirus, there are a lot of rumours. I wouldn’t like to comment on this speaking to the whole country and the world, even more so since we don’t see any proof of any accusations against anyone."

“We should not now be looking for the guilty [parties], but join efforts to fight the issue, this will be the most appropriate direction of our cooperation," he emphasised.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective. Putin -- at his annual end-of-year press conference -- said he had not been vaccinated yet, but "will definitely do so as soon as it becomes possible" according to expert advice. The president held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" session, and answered dozens of questions from journalists and ordinary people from around the country to mark the end of a turbulent year for Kremlin. This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack. The Russian president has made few public appearances since the start of the Covid crisis, mostly telecommuting from a windowless room that critics have derided as his “bunker.” "I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday. "I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible." Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, said in June that the Russian leader was protected from the coronavirus by special disinfection tunnels that anyone visiting his residence or meeting him in the Kremlin must pass through. Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said. Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Data published this week found the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russian regulators approved in August after less than two months of human testing, to be 91.4% effective. Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources. He said, “As for the origins of the coronavirus, there are a lot of rumours. I wouldn’t like to comment on this speaking to the whole country and the world, even more so since we don’t see any proof of any accusations against anyone." “We should not now be looking for the guilty [parties], but join efforts to fight the issue, this will be the most appropriate direction of our cooperation," he emphasised. (with inputs from agencies)

Putin says will get vaccine when possible; won't comment on Covid-19 source

At least a fifth of the world's population may not have access to a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022, according to a study published Wednesday, with wealthier nations reserving more than half of next year's potential doses.

With hopes that vaccines can bring an end to a pandemic that has killed some 1.6 million people, countries including the United States, Britain and the United Arab Emirates have already begun rolling out immunisation programmes.

Eager to increase their chances of having access to at least one of the dozens of vaccines in development, many nations have snapped up allocations of several different drugs.

Wealthy nations -- accounting for just 14 percent of the global population -- have pre-ordered just over half of the vaccine doses expected to be produced by the 13 leading developers next year, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found.

There are fears that poorer nations will be left behind.

Even if the drug makers all produce effective, safe vaccines and meet their maximum global manufacturing targets, the study said "at least a fifth of the world's population would not have access to vaccines until 2022".

The research, published in the BMJ medical journal, looked at publicly available data and found that as of mid-November, reservations totalled 7.48 billion doses -- equivalent to 3.76 billion immunisation courses, because most vaccines require two jabs.

That is out of a total maximum projected manufacturing capacity of 5.96 billion courses by the end of 2021.

- Pooled purchasing scheme -

The study estimated that up to 40 percent of the vaccine courses from the leading manufacturers might be available for low- and middle-income countries, but said this would depend on how rich countries share what they have bought.

The authors, who cautioned that public information was incomplete, called for "greater transparency and accountability" over support for equitable global access.

They suggested the implications could go well beyond health.

"To varying degrees, trade with and travel to countries might face continued disruption until access to effective preventive or treatment measures, such as Covid-19 vaccines, becomes more widely available," the report said.

Many countries have joined a pooled purchasing mechanism COVAX -- coordinated by the World Health Organisation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and vaccines alliance Gavi -- aiming to ensure that people across the world have access to a Covid-19 vaccine, regardless of wealth.

The initiative is hoping to have two billion doses available by the end of 2021.

But neither the United States nor Russia have so far joined the programme.

- 'Devastating crisis' -

Jason Schwartz, at the Yale School of Public Health, said US participation in coordination efforts would be "invaluable" in helping ensure people across the world have access to vaccines "that will ultimately help bring an end to this devastating global health crisis".

In a BMJ editorial, Schwartz said the requirement for two doses and the very low temperatures needed to store some of the vaccines added to the challenges for many countries.

"The operational challenges of the global Covid-19 vaccination programme will be at least as difficult as the scientific challenges associated with rapidly developing safe and effective vaccines," he said.

The Johns Hopkins authors said prices for immunisations ranged from $6 per course to as high as $74.

They found that if all the vaccines work as hoped, many richer nations would have already reserved at least one immunisation per person.

Researchers said that Canada had ordered the equivalent of four doses per person, the United States has reserved just enough for one vaccine course per person, while countries like Indonesia have reserved less than one vaccine course for every two people.

At least a fifth of the world's population may not have access to a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022, according to a study published Wednesday, with wealthier nations reserving more than half of next year's potential doses.

At least a fifth of the world's population may not have access to a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022, according to a study published Wednesday, with wealthier nations reserving more than half of next year's potential doses. With hopes that vaccines can bring an end to a pandemic that has killed some 1.6 million people, countries including the United States, Britain and the United Arab Emirates have already begun rolling out immunisation programmes. Eager to increase their chances of having access to at least one of the dozens of vaccines in development, many nations have snapped up allocations of several different drugs. Wealthy nations -- accounting for just 14 percent of the global population -- have pre-ordered just over half of the vaccine doses expected to be produced by the 13 leading developers next year, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found. There are fears that poorer nations will be left behind. Even if the drug makers all produce effective, safe vaccines and meet their maximum global manufacturing targets, the study said "at least a fifth of the world's population would not have access to vaccines until 2022". The research, published in the BMJ medical journal, looked at publicly available data and found that as of mid-November, reservations totalled 7.48 billion doses -- equivalent to 3.76 billion immunisation courses, because most vaccines require two jabs. That is out of a total maximum projected manufacturing capacity of 5.96 billion courses by the end of 2021. - Pooled purchasing scheme - The study estimated that up to 40 percent of the vaccine courses from the leading manufacturers might be available for low- and middle-income countries, but said this would depend on how rich countries share what they have bought. The authors, who cautioned that public information was incomplete, called for "greater transparency and accountability" over support for equitable global access. They suggested the implications could go well beyond health. "To varying degrees, trade with and travel to countries might face continued disruption until access to effective preventive or treatment measures, such as Covid-19 vaccines, becomes more widely available," the report said. Many countries have joined a pooled purchasing mechanism COVAX -- coordinated by the World Health Organisation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and vaccines alliance Gavi -- aiming to ensure that people across the world have access to a Covid-19 vaccine, regardless of wealth. The initiative is hoping to have two billion doses available by the end of 2021. But neither the United States nor Russia have so far joined the programme. - 'Devastating crisis' - Jason Schwartz, at the Yale School of Public Health, said US participation in coordination efforts would be "invaluable" in helping ensure people across the world have access to vaccines "that will ultimately help bring an end to this devastating global health crisis". In a BMJ editorial, Schwartz said the requirement for two doses and the very low temperatures needed to store some of the vaccines added to the challenges for many countries. "The operational challenges of the global Covid-19 vaccination programme will be at least as difficult as the scientific challenges associated with rapidly developing safe and effective vaccines," he said. The Johns Hopkins authors said prices for immunisations ranged from $6 per course to as high as $74. They found that if all the vaccines work as hoped, many richer nations would have already reserved at least one immunisation per person. Researchers said that Canada had ordered the equivalent of four doses per person, the United States has reserved just enough for one vaccine course per person, while countries like Indonesia have reserved less than one vaccine course for every two people.

Nearly a fifth of the world's population may not get vaccine until 2022, study says

Indonesia will provide free coronavirus vaccines to its citizens when the world’s fourth most populous nation starts its inoculation programme, President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday, adding he would get the first shot to reassure people on safety.

The sprawling, developing country received its first shipment of vaccines, 1.2 million doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech in early December, but is awaiting emergency use authorisation from its food and drug agency.

Another 1.8 million doses are expected to be delivered in January with the government previously saying that healthcare workers in Java and Bali would be prioritised.

"After receiving many people’s suggestions and after recalculating state financial calculations, I can say that COVID-19 vaccines for citizens will be free," the president said in a video statement from the state palace in Jakarta.

The decision comes as the country of 270 million faces an escalating coronavirus outbreak and also after social media campaigns urging authorities to provide vaccines free of charge.

The president said he had instructed the finance minister to reallocate spending to fund the programme.

Amid concens over vaccine safety and whether shots would be halal, an issue for many in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the president said he would be the first recipient.

"This to provide assurance and trust to people that the vaccine is safe," he said.

He did not specify which vaccine he would receive but a phase III trial of Sinovac`s CoronaVac is being conducted on 1,620 volunteers in the Indonesian city of Bandung in West Java but the results are yet to be released.

Ten months after officially recording its first case of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, Indonesia has now recorded more than 629,000 confirmed infections and 19,000 deaths, the highest caseload and death toll in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is looking to secure 246.6 million vaccine doses and has also been in negotiations with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and global vaccine programme COVAX.

Indonesia will provide free coronavirus vaccines to its citizens when the world’s fourth most populous nation starts its inoculation programme, President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday, adding he would get the first shot to reassure people on safety.

Indonesia will provide free coronavirus vaccines to its citizens when the world’s fourth most populous nation starts its inoculation programme, President Joko Widodo said on Wednesday, adding he would get the first shot to reassure people on safety. The sprawling, developing country received its first shipment of vaccines, 1.2 million doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech in early December, but is awaiting emergency use authorisation from its food and drug agency. Another 1.8 million doses are expected to be delivered in January with the government previously saying that healthcare workers in Java and Bali would be prioritised. "After receiving many people’s suggestions and after recalculating state financial calculations, I can say that COVID-19 vaccines for citizens will be free," the president said in a video statement from the state palace in Jakarta. The decision comes as the country of 270 million faces an escalating coronavirus outbreak and also after social media campaigns urging authorities to provide vaccines free of charge. The president said he had instructed the finance minister to reallocate spending to fund the programme. Amid concens over vaccine safety and whether shots would be halal, an issue for many in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the president said he would be the first recipient. "This to provide assurance and trust to people that the vaccine is safe," he said. He did not specify which vaccine he would receive but a phase III trial of Sinovac`s CoronaVac is being conducted on 1,620 volunteers in the Indonesian city of Bandung in West Java but the results are yet to be released. Ten months after officially recording its first case of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, Indonesia has now recorded more than 629,000 confirmed infections and 19,000 deaths, the highest caseload and death toll in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is looking to secure 246.6 million vaccine doses and has also been in negotiations with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and global vaccine programme COVAX.

Indonesia pledges free COVID-19 vaccines, with president first in line

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India govt releases detailed guidelines for mass vaccination drive against COVID-19

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Developers say Sputnik V likely to give 2 years Covid-19 immunity, Pfizer 4-5 months Canada joins US, UK to inoculate people with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 v

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Morning news brief: Immunity from vaccine, Uighur forced labour and more

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Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has warned that the next four to six months could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Historic US vaccine campaign begins, US to distribute 40 mn doses by end of 2020

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&nbsp;

Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has warned that the next four to six months could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder and the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has warned that the next four to six months could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. A gunman wielding guns, screaming 'kill me' shot dead by police in New York City A gunman in New York City who opened fire from the stairs of Cathedral Church of St John the Divine was shot dead by police on Sunday. Reuters reported that the gunman was shouting “Kill me!” Before being accosted by the police, where he showed up right after an outdoor choir performance. 20 Boko Haram terrorists killed as Nigerian troops repel attack: Army The Nigerian army on Sunday said troops had killed at least 20 Boko Haram terrorists while repelling an attack launched by the terror group in the northeast region. Historic US vaccine campaign begins, US to distribute 40 mn doses by end of 2020

Morning news brief: NYC shootings, Boko Haram and preps for Covid vaccine

Tractor trailers loaded with suitcase-sized containers of COVID-19 vaccine will leave Pfizer Inc`s manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Sunday morning - launching the largest and most complex vaccine distribution project in the United States, where the virus is raging.

U.S. regulators late on Friday authorized the vaccine from Pfizer and partner BioNTech for use, and U.S. marshals will accompany the tightly secured shipments from factory to final destination.

"We have spent months strategizing with Operation Warp Speed officials and our healthcare customers on efficient vaccine logistics, and the time has arrived to put the plan into action," Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare, said on Saturday.

Pfizer`s dry-ice cooled packages can hold as many as 4,875 doses, and the first leg of their journey will be from Kalamazoo to planes positioned nearby. Workers will load the vaccine - which must be kept at sub-Arctic temperatures - onto the aircraft that will shuttle them to United Parcel Service or FedEx air cargo hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee, respectively.

From there, they will be trucked or flown to facilities close to the 145 U.S. sites earmarked to receive the first doses.

Familiar UPS and FedEx package delivery drivers, who may also be carrying holiday gifts and other parcels, will deliver many of the "suitcases" into the hands of healthcare providers on Monday. The shipments are the first of three expected this week.

Healthcare workers and elderly residents of long-term care homes are first in line to receive the inoculations.

Pfizer`s inoculations have the most restrictive requirements for shipping and storage temperature, minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94°F).

UPS and FedEx are giving the vaccine top priority, reserving space on planes and trucks at a time when pandemic- and holiday- related e-commerce are creating more demand for deliveries than carriers can handle.

Both companies have expertise handling fragile medical products and are leaving little room for error. They are providing temperature and location tracking to backup devices embedded in the Pfizer boxes, and tracking each shipment throughout its journey.

Tractor trailers loaded with suitcase-sized containers of COVID-19 vaccine will leave Pfizer Inc`s manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Sunday morning - launching the largest and most complex vaccine distribution project in the United States, where the virus is raging.

Tractor trailers loaded with suitcase-sized containers of COVID-19 vaccine will leave Pfizer Inc`s manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Sunday morning - launching the largest and most complex vaccine distribution project in the United States, where the virus is raging. U.S. regulators late on Friday authorized the vaccine from Pfizer and partner BioNTech for use, and U.S. marshals will accompany the tightly secured shipments from factory to final destination. "We have spent months strategizing with Operation Warp Speed officials and our healthcare customers on efficient vaccine logistics, and the time has arrived to put the plan into action," Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare, said on Saturday. Pfizer`s dry-ice cooled packages can hold as many as 4,875 doses, and the first leg of their journey will be from Kalamazoo to planes positioned nearby. Workers will load the vaccine - which must be kept at sub-Arctic temperatures - onto the aircraft that will shuttle them to United Parcel Service or FedEx air cargo hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee, respectively. From there, they will be trucked or flown to facilities close to the 145 U.S. sites earmarked to receive the first doses. Familiar UPS and FedEx package delivery drivers, who may also be carrying holiday gifts and other parcels, will deliver many of the "suitcases" into the hands of healthcare providers on Monday. The shipments are the first of three expected this week. Healthcare workers and elderly residents of long-term care homes are first in line to receive the inoculations. Pfizer`s inoculations have the most restrictive requirements for shipping and storage temperature, minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94°F). UPS and FedEx are giving the vaccine top priority, reserving space on planes and trucks at a time when pandemic- and holiday- related e-commerce are creating more demand for deliveries than carriers can handle. Both companies have expertise handling fragile medical products and are leaving little room for error. They are providing temperature and location tracking to backup devices embedded in the Pfizer boxes, and tracking each shipment throughout its journey.

Historic US COVID vaccine campaign launches with convoy of trucks

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The pilot rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States will begin as early as Monday, an Army general behind the rollout said on Sunday | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-covid-19-shots-in-us-to-be-administered-as-early-as-monday-349380">READ MORE</a>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-pays-homage-to-victims-of-parliament-attack-349414">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to victims of parliament attack</a>

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the country will always remember the valour of the security personnel who laid down their lives during the terror attack on Parliament on this day in 2001 | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-pays-homage-to-victims-of-parliament-attack-349414">READ MORE</a>

UK PM Johnson and EU chief von der Leyen to decide fate of Brexit deal Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will hold another -- and probably, the last -- crisis call on Sunday to decide whether or not to abandon post-Brexit trade talks | READ MORE First COVID-19 shots in US to be administered as early as Monday The pilot rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States will begin as early as Monday, an Army general behind the rollout said on Sunday | READ MORE Hundreds of students feared abducted after attack on Nigeria school Hundreds of students have been missing ever since bandits, armed with assault rifles, attacked a secondary school in Nigeria's northwestern Katsina state late on Friday | READ MORE Brazil rolls out COVID-19 vaccination plan The Brazilian government unveiled its long-awaited national vaccination plan against COVID-19 on Saturday with an initial goal of vaccinating 51 million people, or about one-fourth of the population, in the first half of 2021 | READ MORE Tensions rise in Washington as pro-Trump protesters continue to decry his loss Conservative groups continued to protest across the United States on Saturday, as tensions rose in downtown Washington after dark as scores of pro-Trump "Proud Boys" protesters and "Antifa" counterprotesters faced off | READ MORE Khalistan supporters vandalise Mahatma Gandhi's statue in US Members of Khalistani separatists desecrated the statue of Mahatma Gandhi during a protest organised by a few Sikh-American youth | READ MORE UFO sightings in New York City jumped by over 283% this year compared to 2018 New York City is considered the cultural hub of the world - a global city.

UK PM Johnson and EU chief von der Leyen to decide fate of Brexit deal Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will hold another -- and probably, the last -- crisis call on Sunday to decide whether or not to abandon post-Brexit trade talks | READ MORE First COVID-19 shots in US to be administered as early as Monday The pilot rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States will begin as early as Monday, an Army general behind the rollout said on Sunday | READ MORE Hundreds of students feared abducted after attack on Nigeria school Hundreds of students have been missing ever since bandits, armed with assault rifles, attacked a secondary school in Nigeria's northwestern Katsina state late on Friday | READ MORE Brazil rolls out COVID-19 vaccination plan The Brazilian government unveiled its long-awaited national vaccination plan against COVID-19 on Saturday with an initial goal of vaccinating 51 million people, or about one-fourth of the population, in the first half of 2021 | READ MORE Tensions rise in Washington as pro-Trump protesters continue to decry his loss Conservative groups continued to protest across the United States on Saturday, as tensions rose in downtown Washington after dark as scores of pro-Trump "Proud Boys" protesters and "Antifa" counterprotesters faced off | READ MORE Khalistan supporters vandalise Mahatma Gandhi's statue in US Members of Khalistani separatists desecrated the statue of Mahatma Gandhi during a protest organised by a few Sikh-American youth | READ MORE UFO sightings in New York City jumped by over 283% this year compared to 2018 New York City is considered the cultural hub of the world - a global city. But now, it seems like the aliens have their eyes on the city home to Broadway | READ MORE Banksy confirms new sneezing woman mural as his latest work Bansky has confirmed a new artwork depicting an old woman violently sneezing as her dentures fly into the air is his. The elusive street artist has dubbed the mural "Aachoo!!" | READ MORE Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to victims of parliament attack Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the country will always remember the valour of the security personnel who laid down their lives during the terror attack on Parliament on this day in 2001 | READ MORE

Morning news brief: Brexit talks, pro-Trump rally and preps for Covid vaccine

Peru has temporarily suspended clinical trials of a COVID vaccine made by Chinese drug giant Sinopharm after detecting neurological problems in one of its test volunteers.

Peru temporarily suspends Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine

The Brazilian government unveiled its long-awaited national vaccination plan against COVID-19 on Saturday with an initial goal of vaccinating 51 million people, or about one-fourth of the population, in the first half of 2021.

In a document sent to the Supreme Court, which had given the government a deadline to draw up the plan, the Health Ministry said 108 million doses will be available for priority vaccination of vulnerable groups that include health workers, elderly people and indigenous communities.

The plan says 70% of the population - or about 148 million of Brazil`s 212 million people - need to be immunized to stop the virus spreading. The current plan covers just about one third of that goal.

Researchers said the plan was hastily drawn up and had mistaken details about the potential vaccines.

The plan, which says each person will need two doses, does not mention a starting date for vaccination of the population nor does it detail the supplies of vaccines that it will need.

Brazil is in the midst of the world`s second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak after the United States, with more than 180,000 deaths.

On Thursday, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello pledged to vaccinate Brazil`s entire population against COVID-19 next year.

The government of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro has been under pressure from state governors and city mayors for failing to prepare in time for mass immunization or secure a diverse enough supply of vaccines.

Brazil reported 43,900 additional confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours and 686 fatalities from COVID-19, bringing total cases to 6,880,127 and the death toll to 181,123, the ministry said on Saturday.

Although Brazil has an enviable record for national vaccination campaigns and a strong public health system, Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied the gravity of the virus and is a vaccine skeptic who has said he will not take a COVID-19 shot.

He has also said his government will not buy the vaccine made by China`s Sinovac Biotech Ltd that will likely be the first to complete late stage trials in Brazil. AstraZeneca, Pfizer Inc, and Johnson &amp; Johnson`s pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen also have vaccines in Phase 3 trials in Brazil.

Microbiologist Natalia Pasternak, a critic of the government`s handling of the pandemic, tweeted that there was no provision for extreme cold-storage required by Pfizer`s vaccine and China`s CoronVac was ignored in the plan.

Epidemiologist Ethel Maciel said that she and other scientist who were advising the government said they had not seen the plan before it was published and learned about it in the media.

Bolsonaro`s government is planning to set aside 20 billion reais ($4 billion) from its budget to buy COVID-19 vaccines.

A poll by DataFolha published on Saturday showed that a growing number of Brazilians - 22% - say they are unwilling to take any COVID-19 vaccine, and most said they would not accept one made by China, as Bolsonaro`s comments stoke skepticism.

The Brazilian government unveiled its long-awaited national vaccination plan against COVID-19 on Saturday with an initial goal of vaccinating 51 million people, or about one-fourth of the population, in the first half of 2021.

The Brazilian government unveiled its long-awaited national vaccination plan against COVID-19 on Saturday with an initial goal of vaccinating 51 million people, or about one-fourth of the population, in the first half of 2021. In a document sent to the Supreme Court, which had given the government a deadline to draw up the plan, the Health Ministry said 108 million doses will be available for priority vaccination of vulnerable groups that include health workers, elderly people and indigenous communities. The plan says 70% of the population - or about 148 million of Brazil`s 212 million people - need to be immunized to stop the virus spreading. The current plan covers just about one third of that goal. Researchers said the plan was hastily drawn up and had mistaken details about the potential vaccines. The plan, which says each person will need two doses, does not mention a starting date for vaccination of the population nor does it detail the supplies of vaccines that it will need. Brazil is in the midst of the world`s second-deadliest coronavirus outbreak after the United States, with more than 180,000 deaths. On Thursday, Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello pledged to vaccinate Brazil`s entire population against COVID-19 next year. The government of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro has been under pressure from state governors and city mayors for failing to prepare in time for mass immunization or secure a diverse enough supply of vaccines. Brazil reported 43,900 additional confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours and 686 fatalities from COVID-19, bringing total cases to 6,880,127 and the death toll to 181,123, the ministry said on Saturday. Although Brazil has an enviable record for national vaccination campaigns and a strong public health system, Bolsonaro has repeatedly denied the gravity of the virus and is a vaccine skeptic who has said he will not take a COVID-19 shot. He has also said his government will not buy the vaccine made by China`s Sinovac Biotech Ltd that will likely be the first to complete late stage trials in Brazil. AstraZeneca, Pfizer Inc, and Johnson & Johnson`s pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen also have vaccines in Phase 3 trials in Brazil. Microbiologist Natalia Pasternak, a critic of the government`s handling of the pandemic, tweeted that there was no provision for extreme cold-storage required by Pfizer`s vaccine and China`s CoronVac was ignored in the plan. Epidemiologist Ethel Maciel said that she and other scientist who were advising the government said they had not seen the plan before it was published and learned about it in the media. Bolsonaro`s government is planning to set aside 20 billion reais ($4 billion) from its budget to buy COVID-19 vaccines. A poll by DataFolha published on Saturday showed that a growing number of Brazilians - 22% - say they are unwilling to take any COVID-19 vaccine, and most said they would not accept one made by China, as Bolsonaro`s comments stoke skepticism.

Brazil rolls out COVID-19 vaccination plan

Vaccines may not put an end to the pandemic. As for the virus- it may be here to stay. Past pandemics, present numbers, and experts- all corroborate this. Listen in to WION's Palki Sharma.

Gravitas Plus: Will the entry of vaccines spell the exit of the pandemic?

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating the code of conduct amid local body elections and promising voters of free Covid-19 vaccine, said party`s Kerala president K Surendran on Sunday.

This comes a day after Vijayan announced that coronavirus vaccine will be provided free of cost in the state. The announcement comes at a time when local body elections are going on in the state.

"By announcing that free vaccine will be provided, Vijayan has violated the election code of conduct. The Central Government had already announced that the Covid-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost to the entire country. Kerala Chief Minister is trying to take credit of the Centre`s project," Surendran said while addressing a press conference.

BJP`s Kerala unit chief also alleged that the stand taken by Chief Minister in the gold smuggling case is to derail the probe by central investigation agencies.

"Chief Minister had earlier written to the Prime Minister asking him to let the central agencies investigate gold smuggling case. Now, when investigation agencies are making progress and probe is being carried out against those involved in Chief Minister`s office, he is turning against investigation agencies," he said.

BJP state president said that Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to challenge the legal system.

"The stand of the Chief Minister is ridiculous. When the CM is about to be caught in the gold smuggling case, he is trying to intimidate the central agencies. This cannot be allowed," he added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating the code of conduct amid local body elections and promising voters of free Covid-19 vaccine, said party`s Kerala president K Surendran on Sunday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a complaint with the State Election Commission against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for violating the code of conduct amid local body elections and promising voters of free Covid-19 vaccine, said party`s Kerala president K Surendran on Sunday. This comes a day after Vijayan announced that coronavirus vaccine will be provided free of cost in the state. The announcement comes at a time when local body elections are going on in the state. "By announcing that free vaccine will be provided, Vijayan has violated the election code of conduct. The Central Government had already announced that the Covid-19 vaccine will be provided free of cost to the entire country. Kerala Chief Minister is trying to take credit of the Centre`s project," Surendran said while addressing a press conference. BJP`s Kerala unit chief also alleged that the stand taken by Chief Minister in the gold smuggling case is to derail the probe by central investigation agencies. "Chief Minister had earlier written to the Prime Minister asking him to let the central agencies investigate gold smuggling case. Now, when investigation agencies are making progress and probe is being carried out against those involved in Chief Minister`s office, he is turning against investigation agencies," he said. BJP state president said that Pinarayi Vijayan is trying to challenge the legal system. "The stand of the Chief Minister is ridiculous. When the CM is about to be caught in the gold smuggling case, he is trying to intimidate the central agencies. This cannot be allowed," he added.

BJP lodges complaint against Kerala CM for announcing free Covid-19 vaccine amid local polls

Pakistan has increased the funds allocated for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine to USD 250 million from the earlier approved amount of USD 150 million.

It has also signed non-disclosure agreements with various multinational companies under which the recipient country will not make details of the vaccine public, the Dawn News reported.

Parliamentary Secretary on National Health Services (NHS) Nausheen Hamid told the daily that the allocation for vaccine purchase had been enhanced to USD 250 million.

"We will sign a purchase agreement with more than one company to ensure that we get a vaccine. Russia had also offered us its vaccine recently. However, we are looking into its safety and efficacy as public health is our top priority," she was quoted as saying.

When asked when the vaccine will be available, Hamid said it was hoped that the delivery of the vaccine would start by the end of the first quarter of next year.

She said that in the initial phase of vaccinations, frontline health workers attending to COVID-19 patients and people over 65 years will be vaccinated.

In the second phase, the remaining healthcare workers and people over 60 years of age will get preference, she said, adding that the vaccine alliance GAVI has also pledged to provide vaccines for the 20 per cent population.

By the end of 2021, it would be available to the masses, Hamid added.

Replying to another question, the parliamentary secretary said Pfizer had offered special containers to maintain the cold chain, adding that the vaccine could be kept in normal freezers for five days.

A senior official of the ministry of National Health Services (NHS) told the paper that there were six potential companies and the ministry was not only engaged with them but had signed non-disclosure agreements with some of them due to which they were sharing data and progress of vaccine trials.

"The Chinese vaccine is also under trial in Pakistan so we will get the vaccine on a priority basis. As per assurances given by the companies we may get between 100,000 and 500,000 doses by the end of February or in March. The vaccine will be administered to the most vulnerable people such as healthcare professionals working with Covid-19 patients," he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases jumped to 438,425 on Sunday after 3,369 new cases were reported.

Another 72 patients died in the last one day, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 8,796, while at least 2,471 patients were in critical condition, according to the NHS ministry, which added that 3,83,000 people have recovered so far.

Pakistan has increased the funds allocated for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine to USD 250 million from the earlier approved amount of USD 150 million. It has also signed non-disclosure agreements with various multinational companies under which the recipient country will not make details of the vaccine public, the Dawn News reported.

Pakistan has increased the funds allocated for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine to USD 250 million from the earlier approved amount of USD 150 million. It has also signed non-disclosure agreements with various multinational companies under which the recipient country will not make details of the vaccine public, the Dawn News reported. Parliamentary Secretary on National Health Services (NHS) Nausheen Hamid told the daily that the allocation for vaccine purchase had been enhanced to USD 250 million. "We will sign a purchase agreement with more than one company to ensure that we get a vaccine. Russia had also offered us its vaccine recently. However, we are looking into its safety and efficacy as public health is our top priority," she was quoted as saying. When asked when the vaccine will be available, Hamid said it was hoped that the delivery of the vaccine would start by the end of the first quarter of next year. She said that in the initial phase of vaccinations, frontline health workers attending to COVID-19 patients and people over 65 years will be vaccinated. In the second phase, the remaining healthcare workers and people over 60 years of age will get preference, she said, adding that the vaccine alliance GAVI has also pledged to provide vaccines for the 20 per cent population. By the end of 2021, it would be available to the masses, Hamid added. Replying to another question, the parliamentary secretary said Pfizer had offered special containers to maintain the cold chain, adding that the vaccine could be kept in normal freezers for five days. A senior official of the ministry of National Health Services (NHS) told the paper that there were six potential companies and the ministry was not only engaged with them but had signed non-disclosure agreements with some of them due to which they were sharing data and progress of vaccine trials. "The Chinese vaccine is also under trial in Pakistan so we will get the vaccine on a priority basis. As per assurances given by the companies we may get between 100,000 and 500,000 doses by the end of February or in March. The vaccine will be administered to the most vulnerable people such as healthcare professionals working with Covid-19 patients," he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases jumped to 438,425 on Sunday after 3,369 new cases were reported. Another 72 patients died in the last one day, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 8,796, while at least 2,471 patients were in critical condition, according to the NHS ministry, which added that 3,83,000 people have recovered so far.

Pakistan increases funds for COVID-19 vaccine to USD 250 mn

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