The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use authorisation to Sputnik Light in India, making it the first single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for use in the country.

DCGI grants emergency use permission to single-dose Sputnik Light Covid-19 vaccine

<p>The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Sunday granted emergency use permission to Sputnik Light Covid vaccine. Announcement about the single-dose vaccine was made by Mansukh Mandaviya, India's Health Minister.</p>

<p>"DCGI has granted emergency use permission to single-dose Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine in India. This is the ninth COVID-19 vaccine in the country. This will further strengthen the nation's collective fight against the pandemic," Mandaviya tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DCGI has granted emergency use permission to Single-dose Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine in India.<br />
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This is the 9th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine in the country.<br />
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This will further strengthen the nation's collective fight against the pandemic.</p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1490339254450282497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The go-ahead came after recommendations of an expert panel &nbsp;of India's central drug authority&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sputnik-Light is the same as component-1 of Sputnik V.</p>

<p>An official source said in light of recommendations of Subject Expert Committee (SEC) following a meeting on January 31, Dr Reddy's Laboratories presented its proposal for grant of permission to import Sputnik Light for restricted emergency use and booster dose vaccination along with analysis of safety and efficacy data including its benefit against Omicron.</p>

<p>The firm presented that Sputnik Light vaccine is approved in 29 countries, including Russia and Argentina.</p>

<p>"The SEC on COVID-19 of the CDSCO, which deliberated on the application by Dr Reddy's Laboratories, noted the safety and immunogenicity data presented by the firm from the Indian study is comparable with that of the ongoing Phase-3 clinical trial interim data from Russia," the source said.</p>

<p>The interim data of efficacy trial from Russia has shown 65.4 per cent efficacy, 21 days after immunization.</p>

<p>"After detailed deliberation, the SEC had recommended grant of permission for restricted use in emergency situation subject to various regulatory provisions including," the source said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Sunday granted emergency use permission to Sputnik Light Covid vaccine. Announcement about the single-dose vaccine was made by Mansukh Mandaviya, India's Health Minister.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Sunday granted emergency use permission to Sputnik Light Covid vaccine. Announcement about the single-dose vaccine was made by Mansukh Mandaviya, India's Health Minister. "DCGI has granted emergency use permission to single-dose Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine in India. This is the ninth COVID-19 vaccine in the country. This will further strengthen the nation's collective fight against the pandemic," Mandaviya tweeted. DCGI has granted emergency use permission to Single-dose Sputnik Light COVID-19 vaccine in India. This is the 9th #COVID19 vaccine in the country. This will further strengthen the nation's collective fight against the pandemic. — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) February 6, 2022 × The go-ahead came after recommendations of an expert panel of India's central drug authority Sputnik-Light is the same as component-1 of Sputnik V. An official source said in light of recommendations of Subject Expert Committee (SEC) following a meeting on January 31, Dr Reddy's Laboratories presented its proposal for grant of permission to import Sputnik Light for restricted emergency use and booster dose vaccination along with analysis of safety and efficacy data including its benefit against Omicron. The firm presented that Sputnik Light vaccine is approved in 29 countries, including Russia and Argentina. "The SEC on COVID-19 of the CDSCO, which deliberated on the application by Dr Reddy's Laboratories, noted the safety and immunogenicity data presented by the firm from the Indian study is comparable with that of the ongoing Phase-3 clinical trial interim data from Russia," the source said. The interim data of efficacy trial from Russia has shown 65.4 per cent efficacy, 21 days after immunization. "After detailed deliberation, the SEC had recommended grant of permission for restricted use in emergency situation subject to various regulatory provisions including," the source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian regulator grants emergency use permission to Sputnik Light Covid vaccine

<p>Hours after Evangeline Lilly shared photos from an anti-vaccine mandate protest rally that took place in Washington DC, 'Shang Chi' actor Simu Liu &nbsp;slammed the actress and requested media "to stop spotlighting opinuions that are "not rooted in facts or science.”</p>

<p>Evangeline, who plays the role of Hope van Dyne in the Marvel film 'Ant-Man', posted pictures of protesters with different sign boards against vaccine mandates.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In the photos, the protestors could be seen holding signboards that read, 'Vaxxed Democrat for Medical freedom,' 'Defeat the mandates,' and 'Feds for medical freedom.'<br />
<br />
She also posted a quote of Naval Ravikant which reads, “All tyranny begins with the desire to coerce others for the greater good.”<br />
<br />
Hours after the actress shared her thoughts on Instagram, 'Shang-Chi' actor Simu Liu tweeted about people whose opinions are not rooted in science.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“I lost my grandparents to COVID last year. They were still waiting for their vaccines. I'm fortunate to have been double-vaccinated and boosted when I got COVID 2 weeks ago. Felt like a cold. The media needs to stop spotlighting opinions that are not rooted in facts or science.”<br />
<br />
"As a @UNICEFCanada ambassador I have seen the organization's efforts to deliver vaccines to underprivileged families around the world. It's a reminder of how lucky we are to be living in places where vaccine delivery and storage are not an issue. Please, PLEASE appreciate that," the actor further wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As a <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEFCanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNICEFCanada</a> ambassador I have seen the organization's efforts to deliver vaccines to underprivileged families around the world. It's a reminder of how lucky we are to be living in places where vaccine delivery and storage are not an issue. Please, PLEASE appreciate that.</p>
— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimuLiu/status/1486933066132066312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actor David Dastmalchian, who played the character of Abner Krill/Polka-Dot Man in 'The Suicide Squad' seem to have echoes Simu Liu's thoughts as he too tweeted, "It’s so unfortunate when people with a large platform use that platform to share irresponsible things."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Evangeline Lilly had shared a long post as she had shared photos from the site. Stating that "nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will" the actress wrote, "I was in DC this weekend to support bodily sovereignty while Canadian truckers were rallying for their cross-country, peaceful convoy in support of the same thing. I believe nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will, under threat of: violent attack, arrest or detention without trial, loss of employment, homelessness, starvation, loss of education, alienation from loved ones, excommunication from society and under any threat whatsoever.”<br />
<br />
She added, “This is not the way. This is not safe. This is not healthy. This is not love. I understand the world is in fear, but I don’t believe that answering fear with force will fix our problems. I was pro-choice before COVID and I am still pro-choice today.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Many on the comment section of the post slammed the actress for her stand while others tried reason that she was not anti-vaccine but against the mandate.&nbsp;</p>


Hours after Evangeline Lilly shared photos from an anti-vaccine mandate protest rally that took place in Washington DC, 'Shang Chi' actor Simu Liu slammed the actress and requested media "to stop spotlighting opinuions that are "not rooted in facts or science.

Hours after Evangeline Lilly shared photos from an anti-vaccine mandate protest rally that took place in Washington DC, 'Shang Chi' actor Simu Liu slammed the actress and requested media "to stop spotlighting opinuions that are "not rooted in facts or science.” Evangeline, who plays the role of Hope van Dyne in the Marvel film 'Ant-Man', posted pictures of protesters with different sign boards against vaccine mandates. In the photos, the protestors could be seen holding signboards that read, 'Vaxxed Democrat for Medical freedom,' 'Defeat the mandates,' and 'Feds for medical freedom.' She also posted a quote of Naval Ravikant which reads, “All tyranny begins with the desire to coerce others for the greater good.” Hours after the actress shared her thoughts on Instagram, 'Shang-Chi' actor Simu Liu tweeted about people whose opinions are not rooted in science. “I lost my grandparents to COVID last year. They were still waiting for their vaccines. I'm fortunate to have been double-vaccinated and boosted when I got COVID 2 weeks ago. Felt like a cold. The media needs to stop spotlighting opinions that are not rooted in facts or science.” "As a @UNICEFCanada ambassador I have seen the organization's efforts to deliver vaccines to underprivileged families around the world. It's a reminder of how lucky we are to be living in places where vaccine delivery and storage are not an issue. Please, PLEASE appreciate that," the actor further wrote. As a @UNICEFCanada ambassador I have seen the organization's efforts to deliver vaccines to underprivileged families around the world. It's a reminder of how lucky we are to be living in places where vaccine delivery and storage are not an issue. Please, PLEASE appreciate that. — Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) January 28, 2022 × Actor David Dastmalchian, who played the character of Abner Krill/Polka-Dot Man in 'The Suicide Squad' seem to have echoes Simu Liu's thoughts as he too tweeted, "It’s so unfortunate when people with a large platform use that platform to share irresponsible things." Evangeline Lilly had shared a long post as she had shared photos from the site. Stating that "nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will" the actress wrote, "I was in DC this weekend to support bodily sovereignty while Canadian truckers were rallying for their cross-country, peaceful convoy in support of the same thing. I believe nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will, under threat of: violent attack, arrest or detention without trial, loss of employment, homelessness, starvation, loss of education, alienation from loved ones, excommunication from society and under any threat whatsoever.” She added, “This is not the way. This is not safe. This is not healthy. This is not love. I understand the world is in fear, but I don’t believe that answering fear with force will fix our problems. I was pro-choice before COVID and I am still pro-choice today.” Many on the comment section of the post slammed the actress for her stand while others tried reason that she was not anti-vaccine but against the mandate.

'Shang Chi' star Simu Liu slams 'Ant Man's' Evangeline Lilly for her anti-vaccine post

<p>Booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccine are safe and induce an immune response when given to individuals who have already received the full regimen of one of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines, according to a preliminary study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health.</p>

<p>Results reported in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that both primary and booster vaccines resulted in higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to those detected before the booster. Antibodies detected after the booster range from 4.2- to 76-fold higher than those found before.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-from-wuhan-chinese-scientists-say-new-covid-variant-neocov-has-high-mortality-rate-report-448335">Warning from Wuhan: Chinese scientists say new Covid variant 'NeoCov' has high mortality rate - Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, all primary-boost combinations resulted in an increase of 4.6- to 56-fold in binding antibody levels.</p>

<p>The newly released report analyses data from 458 adults who had received at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment, full vaccinations with any of three authorised Covid vaccines in the US: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson and did not have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.</p>

<p>Participants received a single booster dose at enrollment: 150 received Janssen/Johnson &amp; Johnson*s vaccine, 154 received Moderna vaccine, and 154 received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/can-weed-cure-covid-cannabis-compound-stops-coronavirus-in-test-tube-447858">Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube</a></strong></p>

<p>Based on the participant's initial vaccination regimen, the booster vaccine was either different (mixed, or heterologous) from or the same (matched, or homologous) as the first vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each participant kept a diary to record any side effects. Over half of the participants complained of headaches, pain at the injection site, muscle aches, and malaise.</p>

<p>However, serious adverse reactions were not reported.</p>

<p>In comparison to homologous or matched boosters, heterologous or mixed boosters elicited similar or higher antibody responses.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;An outlook at the world economy in 2022 amid COVID-19's third wave</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/an-outlook-at-the-world-economy-in-2022-amid-covid-19s-third-wave-448003/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"These data strongly suggest that homologous and heterologous booster vaccine will increase protective efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection," the study showed.</p>

<p>This report summarizes vaccination-related data through the first 29 days following booster vaccination.</p>

<p>Researchers plan to follow participants for one year to determine if booster vaccinations have any effect on longer-term immune responses.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccine are safe and induce an immune response when given to individuals who have already received the full regimen of one of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines, according to a preliminary study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health.

Booster doses of any COVID-19 vaccine are safe and induce an immune response when given to individuals who have already received the full regimen of one of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines, according to a preliminary study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health. Results reported in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that both primary and booster vaccines resulted in higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to those detected before the booster. Antibodies detected after the booster range from 4.2- to 76-fold higher than those found before. Also read | Warning from Wuhan: Chinese scientists say new Covid variant 'NeoCov' has high mortality rate - Report Furthermore, all primary-boost combinations resulted in an increase of 4.6- to 56-fold in binding antibody levels. The newly released report analyses data from 458 adults who had received at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment, full vaccinations with any of three authorised Covid vaccines in the US: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson and did not have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants received a single booster dose at enrollment: 150 received Janssen/Johnson & Johnson*s vaccine, 154 received Moderna vaccine, and 154 received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Also read | Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube Based on the participant's initial vaccination regimen, the booster vaccine was either different (mixed, or heterologous) from or the same (matched, or homologous) as the first vaccine. Each participant kept a diary to record any side effects. Over half of the participants complained of headaches, pain at the injection site, muscle aches, and malaise. However, serious adverse reactions were not reported. In comparison to homologous or matched boosters, heterologous or mixed boosters elicited similar or higher antibody responses. WATCH | An outlook at the world economy in 2022 amid COVID-19's third wave "These data strongly suggest that homologous and heterologous booster vaccine will increase protective efficacy against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection," the study showed. This report summarizes vaccination-related data through the first 29 days following booster vaccination. Researchers plan to follow participants for one year to determine if booster vaccinations have any effect on longer-term immune responses. (With inputs from agencies)

Safe to mix and match Covid booster doses: US National Institutes of Health

<p>Evangeline Lilly is drawing flak for her stance on Covid vaccine as she said that she stands in opposition to government-mandated vaccine policies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ‘Lost’ actress who is also known for her role as Hope van Dyne/Wasp in MCU franchise confirmed on social media that she will be attending a protest organised in Washington DC over the weekend in support of “bodily sovereignty”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I believe nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will, under threat of violent attack, arrest or detention without trial, loss of employment, homelessness, starvation, loss of education, alienation from loved ones, excommunication from society…under any threat whatsoever,” Evangeline Lilly wrote in a post she shared on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/heres-why-minnie-mouse-is-ditching-the-iconic-red-polka-dot-dress-448300" hreflang="en">Here's why Minnie Mouse is ditching the iconic red polka dot dress</a></p>

<p>“This is not the way. This is not safe. This is not healthy. This is not love. I understand the world is in fear, but I don’t believe that answering fear with force will fix our problems. I was pro choice before COVID and I am still pro choice today,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZPQ4hlLFCl/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Evangeline Lilly (@evangelinelillyofficial)</a></p>
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<p>The actress had made headlines over the same issue when she refused to practice social distance and quarantine. In March 2020, she said, “Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make choices.” The actress faced backlash and eventually apologised.</p>


Evangeline Lilly is drawing flak for her stance on Covid vaccine as she said that she stands in opposition to government-mandated vaccine policies. The ‘Lost’ actress who is also known for her role as Hope van Dyne/Wasp in MCU franchise confirmed on social media that she will be attending a protest organised in Washington DC over the weekend in support of “bodily sovereignty”.

Evangeline Lilly is drawing flak for her stance on Covid vaccine as she said that she stands in opposition to government-mandated vaccine policies. The ‘Lost’ actress who is also known for her role as Hope van Dyne/Wasp in MCU franchise confirmed on social media that she will be attending a protest organised in Washington DC over the weekend in support of “bodily sovereignty”. “I believe nobody should ever be forced to inject their body with anything, against their will, under threat of violent attack, arrest or detention without trial, loss of employment, homelessness, starvation, loss of education, alienation from loved ones, excommunication from society…under any threat whatsoever,” Evangeline Lilly wrote in a post she shared on Instagram. Also read: Here's why Minnie Mouse is ditching the iconic red polka dot dress “This is not the way. This is not safe. This is not healthy. This is not love. I understand the world is in fear, but I don’t believe that answering fear with force will fix our problems. I was pro choice before COVID and I am still pro choice today,” she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Evangeline Lilly (@evangelinelillyofficial) × From V to Bambam: K-pop stars and how they became famous Paparazzi and its obsession with star kids: The most in-news Bollywood kids The actress had made headlines over the same issue when she refused to practice social distance and quarantine. In March 2020, she said, “Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make choices.” The actress faced backlash and eventually apologised.

Marvel actress Evangeline Lilly against Covid vaccine mandate: This is not safe

<p>A hospital in Boston, USA has refused to perform a heart transplant on a patient who doesn't want to take Covid vaccine. The patient, 31-year-old DJ Ferguson was on priority list for heart transplant. But he has now been excluded, as per a report by CBS Boston.</p>

<p>His father has been quoted as saying that Covid vaccination is against his son's basic principles. He said that his son does not believe in Covid vaccination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His heart transplant surgery was to take place in Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston. But now, the hospital is refusing to carry out the procedure.</p>

<p>“Like many other transplant programs in the United States – the Covid-19 vaccine is one of several vaccines and lifestyle behaviors required for transplant candidates in the Mass General Brigham system in order to create both the best chance for a successful operation and also the patient’s survival after transplantation,” explained the hospital as quoted by The Guardian.</p>

<p>Medical experts in the area are supporting the stance taken by hospital. They are saying that organ transplant is followed by weakening of immune system in the immediate aftermath and if a patient is vaccinated against Covid, he or she stands better chance to be protected from Covid infection which can create major trouble for the patient in their weakened state.</p>

<p>Ferguson's family is not sure about future course of action. They said they thinking about several options but are running out of time.</p>


A hospital in Boston, USA has refused to perform a heart transplant on a patient who doesn't want to take Covid vaccine. The patient, 31-year-old DJ Ferguson was on priority list for heart transplant.

A hospital in Boston, USA has refused to perform a heart transplant on a patient who doesn't want to take Covid vaccine. The patient, 31-year-old DJ Ferguson was on priority list for heart transplant. But he has now been excluded, as per a report by CBS Boston. His father has been quoted as saying that Covid vaccination is against his son's basic principles. He said that his son does not believe in Covid vaccination. His heart transplant surgery was to take place in Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston. But now, the hospital is refusing to carry out the procedure. “Like many other transplant programs in the United States – the Covid-19 vaccine is one of several vaccines and lifestyle behaviors required for transplant candidates in the Mass General Brigham system in order to create both the best chance for a successful operation and also the patient’s survival after transplantation,” explained the hospital as quoted by The Guardian. Medical experts in the area are supporting the stance taken by hospital. They are saying that organ transplant is followed by weakening of immune system in the immediate aftermath and if a patient is vaccinated against Covid, he or she stands better chance to be protected from Covid infection which can create major trouble for the patient in their weakened state. Ferguson's family is not sure about future course of action. They said they thinking about several options but are running out of time.

Hospital denies heart transplant to patient who refused to receive Covid vaccine

While nearly 9.5 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered across the planet, less than 10 percent of low-income countries have received a dose. But, that’s about to change. VOA’s Jessica Stone reports that India will be at the center of the solution.

WION-VOA CO-Production: Only 10% of low-income countries received Covid jabs

The Sars-CoV-2 virus, within 20 minutes of becoming airborne, loses its ability to infect others, as per a recent study. The UK-based study suggests that the most loss occurs in the first five minutes. The findings of the study reaffirm the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. In an environment where humidity is lower than 50 percent, the virus becomes half as infectious within five seconds. In a more humid environment, the decline is significantly slower.

What happens to Covid within 20 minutes of being airborne? Study reveals

The resumption of school after the holidays in the US is leading to concerns about a further spread of the Coronavirus. Starting yesterday, students resumed in-person learning in many school districts.

United States: New York schools reopen amid Covid surge

The government in France has revamped quarantine rules for the infected, and it is planning to bring in stricter restrictions for the unvaccinated starting today.

French government revamps quarantine rules for the infected

For the first time since the pandemic began almost two years ago, the number of daily new COVID-19 cases crossed one million worldwide.

In a first, global daily new COVID-19 cases cross one million mark since the pandemic began

<p class="MsoNormal">Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that India has approved two new COVID-19 vaccines namely Covovax and Corbevax. In addition to this, an anti-viral drug, Molnupiravir, has also been approved for restricted use in an emergency situation.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Further strengthening the fight against Covid-19, CDSCO, health ministry has given 3 approvals in a single day for CORBEVAX vaccine, COVOVAX vaccine, anti-viral drug Molnupiravir for restricted use in an emergency situation," Mansukh Mandaviya reported through Twitter.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-covid-omicron-vaccine-travel-updates-440325" hreflang="en">LIVE Omicron Variant Updates: India reports 6,358 cases; Omicron cases now 653</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations India 🇮🇳<br />
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Further strengthening the fight against COVID-19, CDSCO, <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> has given 3 approvals in a single day for:<br />
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- CORBEVAX vaccine<br />
- COVOVAX vaccine<br />
- Anti-viral drug Molnupiravir<br />
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For restricted use in emergency situation. (1/5)</p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1475699946544570372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>CORBEVAX is India’s first indigenously developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. This is being made by Hyderabad-based firm Biological-E.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">COVOVAX, manufactured by Pune-based firm Serum Institute of India (SII), is a nanoparticle vaccine against COVID-19.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug that is being developed by nearly 13 companies in India. This can be used to treat adult patients of Covid who, the doctors believe, have a heightened risk of "progression of the disease". The antiviral drug will not be used for Covid patients under the age of 18, for now, as per local media reports.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-approves-2-more-covid-19-vaccines-and-an-anti-covid-pill-molnupiravir-440613"><b>WATCH |</b></a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-approves-2-more-covid-19-vaccines-and-an-anti-covid-pill-molnupiravir-440613/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to this, it is also believed that this antiviral drug will not be used for more than five consecutive days, as of now.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">With these new approvals, the number of approved Covid vaccines has increased to eight. Till now, Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and ZyCoV-D had approvals India.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This news comes a little after Indian Prime Minister made a surprise announcement on Christmas Day through a national TV telecast about Covid vaccination for children and 'precaution dose' for frontline workers and those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities.<o:p></o:p></p>


Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that India has approved two new COVID-19 vaccines namely Covovax and Corbevax. In addition to this, an anti-viral drug, Molnupiravir, has also been approved for restricted use in an emergency situation.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that India has approved two new COVID-19 vaccines namely Covovax and Corbevax. In addition to this, an anti-viral drug, Molnupiravir, has also been approved for restricted use in an emergency situation. "Further strengthening the fight against Covid-19, CDSCO, health ministry has given 3 approvals in a single day for CORBEVAX vaccine, COVOVAX vaccine, anti-viral drug Molnupiravir for restricted use in an emergency situation," Mansukh Mandaviya reported through Twitter. Also read | LIVE Omicron Variant Updates: India reports 6,358 cases; Omicron cases now 653 Congratulations India 🇮🇳 Further strengthening the fight against COVID-19, CDSCO, @MoHFW_INDIA has given 3 approvals in a single day for: - CORBEVAX vaccine - COVOVAX vaccine - Anti-viral drug Molnupiravir For restricted use in emergency situation. (1/5) — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 28, 2021 × CORBEVAX is India’s first indigenously developed RBD protein sub-unit vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. This is being made by Hyderabad-based firm Biological-E. COVOVAX, manufactured by Pune-based firm Serum Institute of India (SII), is a nanoparticle vaccine against COVID-19. Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug that is being developed by nearly 13 companies in India. This can be used to treat adult patients of Covid who, the doctors believe, have a heightened risk of "progression of the disease". The antiviral drug will not be used for Covid patients under the age of 18, for now, as per local media reports. WATCH | In addition to this, it is also believed that this antiviral drug will not be used for more than five consecutive days, as of now. With these new approvals, the number of approved Covid vaccines has increased to eight. Till now, Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson and ZyCoV-D had approvals India. This news comes a little after Indian Prime Minister made a surprise announcement on Christmas Day through a national TV telecast about Covid vaccination for children and 'precaution dose' for frontline workers and those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities.

'It's a hat-trick!': India approves 2 new Covid vaccines and 1 antiviral drug in a day

In a significant move, India has given emergency use authorisation approval to two more COVID-19 vaccines Covovax and Corbevax and an anti-viral drug Molnupiravir.

India approves 2 more COVID-19 vaccines and an anti-covid pill Molnupiravir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Covid-19 vaccine for children and booster doses, which PM Modi termed as precaution doses, for frontline workers and senior citizens, amid the Omicron scare. Children between the age group of 15 to 18 years will be getting the Covid vaccine from January 3, 2022. Senior citizens with comorbidities will receive booster doses from January 10, 2022, he announced.

Indian PM Modi addresses nation, announces key developments in India's COVID vaccination drive

China is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 infections. According to reports, at least 155 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours.

China records highest daily spike of COVID-19 infections in 21 months amid Omicron scare

Indian Prime Minister Modi announces Covid-19 vaccine for children, booster doses

Ecuador has become the first country to make COVID vaccine obligatory for children. This comes as a highly contagious Omicron wave is spreading in the country.

Ecuador becomes first country to make COVID vaccine obligatory

COVID vaccine obligatory for children in Ecuador as cases spike

<p>In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.</p>

<p>Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Accomplishing more new feats!<br />
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Congratulations India 🇮🇳<br />
<br />
Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine</a> <a href="https://t.co/cts7lR8SzA">pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA</a></p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1473880563215790080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted.</p>

<p>In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today.</p>

<p>The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926.</p>

<p>Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a></p>

<p>“Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said.</p>

<p>India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020</p>

<p>The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-alert-uk-records-over-100000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-439145">Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said.</p>

<p>Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15).</p>

<p>The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target. Accomplishing more new feats! Congratulations India 🇮🇳 Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 23, 2021 × “Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted. In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today. The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Also read | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies “Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020 The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent. Also read | Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said. Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15). The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976. (With inputs from agencies)

60% of eligible population in India fully vaccinated against Covid

China has now imposed a partial lockdown in its northern city of Xi'an, ordering all 13 million residents to stay at home. According to reports, city officials have ordered all residents to remain at home unless they have a pressing reason to go out.

China imposes partial lockdown of up to 13 million people in Xi'an amid rising COVID-19 cases

In the latest study, researchers found out that antibodies developed by COVID-19 vaccines reduce more than 50 percent after six months of the second jab. The study further says that the number of antibodies developed in response to the vaccine will be determined by a person’s age or sex.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Antibodies reduce 57% after 6 months of second jab, says study

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla hailed the WHO for giving approval for emergency use.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O. approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration, <a href="https://twitter.com/Novavax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Novavax</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GaviSeth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GaviSeth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gavi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gatesfoundation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gatesfoundation</a> <a href="https://t.co/7C8RVZa3Y4">https://t.co/7C8RVZa3Y4</a></p>
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1471846236181262340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration,” he tweeted.</p>

<p>Covavax—a two-dose vaccine— will also likely be used for children aged above 3 years and it would be launched in mid-2022, Poonawalla had said earlier.</p>

<p>Covovax was assessed under the WHO EUL procedure based on the review of data on quality, safety and efficacy, a risk management plan, programmatic suitability, and manufacturing site inspections carried out by the Drugs Controller General of India.</p>

<p>The Technical Advisory Group for Emergency Use Listing (TAG-EUL) determined that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs any risks, and that the vaccine can be used globally, the global health body said.</p>

<p>The agency said that Novovax’s own vaccine is currently under assessment by the European Medicines Agency, and it will complete its own assessment of this vaccine once the EMA has issued its recommendation.</p>

<p>Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine had shown 90 per cent efficacy at preventing Covid illness, according to results from a Phase 3 clinical trial.</p>

<p>In addition to being highly effective in preventing Covid illness of any severity, the vaccine was 100 per cent effective in preventing moderate and severe disease that required hospitalisation, revealed the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla hailed the WHO for giving approval for emergency use.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla hailed the WHO for giving approval for emergency use. This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O. approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration, @Novavax @WHO @GaviSeth @Gavi @gatesfoundation https://t.co/7C8RVZa3Y4 — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) December 17, 2021 × “This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration,” he tweeted. Covavax—a two-dose vaccine— will also likely be used for children aged above 3 years and it would be launched in mid-2022, Poonawalla had said earlier. Covovax was assessed under the WHO EUL procedure based on the review of data on quality, safety and efficacy, a risk management plan, programmatic suitability, and manufacturing site inspections carried out by the Drugs Controller General of India. The Technical Advisory Group for Emergency Use Listing (TAG-EUL) determined that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs any risks, and that the vaccine can be used globally, the global health body said. The agency said that Novovax’s own vaccine is currently under assessment by the European Medicines Agency, and it will complete its own assessment of this vaccine once the EMA has issued its recommendation. Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine had shown 90 per cent efficacy at preventing Covid illness, according to results from a Phase 3 clinical trial. In addition to being highly effective in preventing Covid illness of any severity, the vaccine was 100 per cent effective in preventing moderate and severe disease that required hospitalisation, revealed the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO gives approval to Novavax-Serum Institute's Covavax Covid vaccine for emergency use

<p>According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. Pfizer has denied the claims being made in the investigative report to be aired on Friday.</p>

<p>As per the allegations, a panel of experts was paid to state things against AstraZeneca.</p>

<p>Both vaccines, one developed by Pfizer and another by AstraZeneca/ Oxford University were&nbsp;among the first ones to get Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the World Health Organization.</p>

<p>As per accusations against Pfizer, the company paid experts to say that AstraZeneca's jab would cause cancer and won't be suitable for use in the case of immunosuppressed patients. The assertions were reportedly made in an educational seminar in Canada.</p>

<p>Pfizer has also been targeted for allegedly selling its vaccine at an inflated price. The vaccine cost just 1 dollar per dose to manufacture but the company charged UK government 29 dollars per dose.</p>

<p>Pfizer has reportedly 'vehemently denied' all the accusations. The pharma major has said that they were 'wrongly attributed' to it. Pfizer said that the presentations mentioned in the allegations were carried out by a third party.</p>


According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University.

According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. Pfizer has denied the claims being made in the investigative report to be aired on Friday. As per the allegations, a panel of experts was paid to state things against AstraZeneca. Both vaccines, one developed by Pfizer and another by AstraZeneca/ Oxford University were among the first ones to get Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the World Health Organization. As per accusations against Pfizer, the company paid experts to say that AstraZeneca's jab would cause cancer and won't be suitable for use in the case of immunosuppressed patients. The assertions were reportedly made in an educational seminar in Canada. Pfizer has also been targeted for allegedly selling its vaccine at an inflated price. The vaccine cost just 1 dollar per dose to manufacture but the company charged UK government 29 dollars per dose. Pfizer has reportedly 'vehemently denied' all the accusations. The pharma major has said that they were 'wrongly attributed' to it. Pfizer said that the presentations mentioned in the allegations were carried out by a third party.

Investigative report claims Pfizer paid money to spread lies about AstraZeneca Covid jab

Employers in New York City must require COVID-19 vaccinations for their workers under new rules announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio. This is the first-of-its-kind mandate for private-sector employees.

New York City introduces COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private sector employers

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