Singer Olivia Rodrigo who became an overnight success with hit song’ Driver’s License’ now wants people to think positively about the COVID-19 vaccine and get their jabs as soon as possible to curb the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

The 18-year-old pop star and internet sensation was at the White House this week to meet with US President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci as part of the administration’s efforts to encourage younger Americans to get a COVID vaccine shot.

As part of the Joe Biden's administration's initiative, Olivia Rodrigo was set to tape a joint social media message with the president and the nation’s top infectious disease expert. She also made an appearance at the start of the daily White House press briefing “to help spread the message of the importance of youth vaccination.”

As part of her official message, she said, “It’s important to have conversations with friends and family members encouraging all communities to get vaccinated.”

The singer’s visit comes as the Biden administration is focusing its efforts on making people between the ages 12 to 27 get a shot.

Singer Olivia Rodrigo who became an overnight success with hit song’ Driver’s License’ now wants people to think positively about the COVID-19 vaccine and get their jabs as soon as possible to curb the spread of the virus.

Singer Olivia Rodrigo who became an overnight success with hit song’ Driver’s License’ now wants people to think positively about the COVID-19 vaccine and get their jabs as soon as possible to curb the spread of the virus. The 18-year-old pop star and internet sensation was at the White House this week to meet with US President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci as part of the administration’s efforts to encourage younger Americans to get a COVID vaccine shot. As part of the Joe Biden's administration's initiative, Olivia Rodrigo was set to tape a joint social media message with the president and the nation’s top infectious disease expert. She also made an appearance at the start of the daily White House press briefing “to help spread the message of the importance of youth vaccination.” As part of her official message, she said, “It’s important to have conversations with friends and family members encouraging all communities to get vaccinated.” The singer’s visit comes as the Biden administration is focusing its efforts on making people between the ages 12 to 27 get a shot.

Pop star Olivia Rodrigo joins Joe Biden to urge youth to get COVID-19 vaccine

Fiji&nbsp;coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a> message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation.

News website Stuff reported the team was supposed to wear jerseys with the message "Vaccinate&nbsp;Fiji" in the clash, with the idea coming from one of their main sponsors,&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Airways.

"That's a really complex question, and the answer is complex as well," New Zealand's Cotter was quoted as saying by Stuff when asked why the team abandoned the plan.

"We really haven't got the full answer. It was sprung on the players quite late in the piece, and there wasn't a lot of exchange and consultation.

"As you can imagine, it's a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it."

A spokesman for&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Airways said that the decision was disappointing, Stuff reported.

"We had given up our (advertising) space (on the jersey) to push an important, life-saving message to support the efforts of&nbsp;Fijian front-liners battling the current <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID outbreak</a>," the spokesman was quoted as saying.

"We defer to&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;Rugby to address the issue."

COVID-19 infections in&nbsp;Fiji&nbsp;have risen in recent weeks, with an average of 609 new infections reported each day according to a Reuters tally. The South Pacific island nation of less than 900,000 people has recorded over 9,500 cases and 49 novel coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began.

Fiji&nbsp;will take on the All Blacks again in Hamilton next Saturday.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a COVID-19 vaccination message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation.

Fiji coach Vern Cotter has said his team did not wear jerseys with a COVID-19 vaccination message in Saturday's 57-23 defeat by New Zealand in Dunedin because the idea had been sprung on the players late with little consultation. News website Stuff reported the team was supposed to wear jerseys with the message "Vaccinate Fiji" in the clash, with the idea coming from one of their main sponsors, Fiji Airways. "That's a really complex question, and the answer is complex as well," New Zealand's Cotter was quoted as saying by Stuff when asked why the team abandoned the plan. "We really haven't got the full answer. It was sprung on the players quite late in the piece, and there wasn't a lot of exchange and consultation. "As you can imagine, it's a delicate subject for some, so it was probably better to just have a clean jersey at this stage, and spend some time on how we best want to communicate on this matter and how comfortable the players are in communicating it." A spokesman for Fiji Airways said that the decision was disappointing, Stuff reported. "We had given up our (advertising) space (on the jersey) to push an important, life-saving message to support the efforts of Fijian front-liners battling the current COVID outbreak," the spokesman was quoted as saying. "We defer to Fiji Rugby to address the issue." COVID-19 infections in Fiji have risen in recent weeks, with an average of 609 new infections reported each day according to a Reuters tally. The South Pacific island nation of less than 900,000 people has recorded over 9,500 cases and 49 novel coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. Fiji will take on the All Blacks again in Hamilton next Saturday.

Rugby: Fiji dropped 'vaccinate' jerseys over lack of consultation, says coach

The US is sending 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal and another 500,000 to Bhutan, the White House has said, asserting that its donations around the world are without any strings attached.

Today we are sending three million doses to Indonesia, 1.5 million doses to Nepal, 500,000 doses to Moldova, and 500,000 doses to Bhutan, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday at her daily news conference.

There are no strings attached to our vaccines that we're providing. We're providing them around the world to save lives and to be a contributor to the global effort to fight the pandemic, Psaki said in response to a question.

She said that with these shipments, in this week alone, the US has sent nearly 15 million doses to countries including Guatemala, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and Vietnam.

Psaki said that in addition to the vaccines given to Indonesia, the US is also moving forward on plans to increase assistance for Indonesia's broader COVID-19 response efforts.

"We recognise the difficult situation Indonesia currently finds itself in with a surge of COVID cases, and our thoughts are with all those in Indonesia who are affected, she said.

Psaki acknowledged that there are more doses needed beyond the billion.

I would note that the United States is far and away the largest contributor in the world to the fight against the pandemic, including specific doses of vaccines.&nbsp;

The President has made clear that we will continue to build from here, and we're working on manufacturing capacity around the world and in the United States, and we will continue to contribute even beyond the billion doses, she said.

The US is sending 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal and another 500,000 to Bhutan, the White House has said, asserting that its donations around the world are without any strings attached.

The US is sending 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal and another 500,000 to Bhutan, the White House has said, asserting that its donations around the world are without any strings attached. Today we are sending three million doses to Indonesia, 1.5 million doses to Nepal, 500,000 doses to Moldova, and 500,000 doses to Bhutan, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Friday at her daily news conference. There are no strings attached to our vaccines that we're providing. We're providing them around the world to save lives and to be a contributor to the global effort to fight the pandemic, Psaki said in response to a question. She said that with these shipments, in this week alone, the US has sent nearly 15 million doses to countries including Guatemala, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Afghanistan, and Vietnam. Psaki said that in addition to the vaccines given to Indonesia, the US is also moving forward on plans to increase assistance for Indonesia's broader COVID-19 response efforts. "We recognise the difficult situation Indonesia currently finds itself in with a surge of COVID cases, and our thoughts are with all those in Indonesia who are affected, she said. Psaki acknowledged that there are more doses needed beyond the billion. I would note that the United States is far and away the largest contributor in the world to the fight against the pandemic, including specific doses of vaccines. The President has made clear that we will continue to build from here, and we're working on manufacturing capacity around the world and in the United States, and we will continue to contribute even beyond the billion doses, she said.

COVID-19: US sending 1.5 million Covid vaccine doses to Nepal, 500,000 to Bhutan — White House

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine</a>&nbsp;to cover 70 per cent of the adult population,&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member state governments are responsible for administering the&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has kept its word."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-likely-to-vaccinate-70-adult-population-by-end-of-july-379617">EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July</a>

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;joint&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a> shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson.

All but the J&amp;J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is home to an estimated 366 million adults.

"This weekend, we delivered enough&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seals-deal-for-more-18-billion-pfizerbiontech-covid-vaccine-doses-383700">EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses</a>

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;-- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe."

When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy,&nbsp;stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members.

Joint approach&nbsp;

This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-asks-astrazeneca-to-catch-up-on-covid-vaccine-deliveries-373240">EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries</a>

But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed&nbsp;vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication.

"The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well."

In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;contributes to the international <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covax-delivers-over-20-million-doses-to-20-nations-368420">Covax plan</a> to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;for next year as insurance against the rise of variants.&nbsp;

But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;plan. &nbsp;

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday.

The European Union has hit its target of delivering enough coronavirus vaccine to cover 70 per cent of the adult population, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Saturday. The 27 EU member state governments are responsible for administering the vaccines to citizens with some working much faster than others, von der Leyen stressed that: "The EU has kept its word." Also read | EU likely to vaccinate 70% adult population by end of July The EU joint vaccine purchasing scheme, run by von der Leyen's European Commission, has delivered 330 million BioNTech-Pfizer shots, 100 million AstraZeneca, 50 million from Moderna and 20 million Johnson & Johnson. All but the J&J jab require two doses to achieve full efficacy, and the EU is home to an estimated 366 million adults. "This weekend, we delivered enough vaccine to member states to fully vaccinate at least 70 percent of the adult population this month. By tomorrow, some 500 million doses will have been distributed to all regions of Europe," von der Leyen said. Also read | EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses "COVID-19 is not yet defeated. But we are prepared to continue supplying vaccines -- also against new variants. Now the member states must do everything they can to ensure that vaccinations move forward. Only then will we all be safe." When the coronavirus epidemic hit Europe last year, the European Commission, which previously had little role in health policy, stepped in to coordinate a joint buying programme for members. Joint approach This was criticised at first by some for having been slow to get into gear and to negotiate contracts with drug suppliers, and the plan was hampered later when some firms, notably UK-based AstraZeneca, fell short in deliveries. Also read | EU asks AstraZeneca to 'catch up' on COVID vaccine deliveries But, as industry raced to boost production of the newly developed vaccines, purchases started flowing in, and von der Leyen will see meeting the European Commission's self-imposed July deadline for 70 per cent coverage as vindication. "The EU is delivering," she said. "Our vaccination campaign has accelerated tremendously since the beginning of the year. The joint approach is a success. Only together can we come out of this crisis well." In addition to the initial roll-out goal, the EU contributes to the international Covax plan to supply doses to poorer countries and it has pre-ordered many more vaccines for next year as insurance against the rise of variants. But the vaccination campaign will only be a success if member state governments and their over-worked public health systems manage to give out the shots they are now receiving from the EU plan. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the proportion of adults aged 18 years or over fully vaccinated in the EU and European Economic Area is still only 44.1 per cent.

EU hits goal of delivering vaccines for 70% of adults

Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration.

Mumbai-based Cipla has been recently granted permission to import Moderna vaccine for restricted emergency use.

After Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik, Moderna vaccine will be fourth Covid-19 jab available in India.

Moderna's vaccine is being widely used in several regions including in Europe and the USA. The vaccine requires cold storage.&nbsp;

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Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on June 1 decided to waive off batch testing for foreign manufactured vaccines that have been approved by drug regulators such as UK MHRA, US FDA or the WHO.

India`s cumulative active tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 4,82,071 on Monday with 39,796 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry.The country continues to witness a gradual decline in COVID-19 cases as it has registered less than 40,000 cases again since June 29.

On June 29, India registered 37,566 new COVID-19 cases and 907 deaths.As per the health bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, the national recovery rate now stands at 97.11 per cent and this is the ninth consecutive day when the country recorded less than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases.

With 42,352 recoveries in the last 24 hours, daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the 53rd consecutive day, it said.The weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.40 per cent, while the daily positivity rate is at 2.61 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration.

Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration. Mumbai-based Cipla has been recently granted permission to import Moderna vaccine for restricted emergency use. After Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik, Moderna vaccine will be fourth Covid-19 jab available in India. Moderna's vaccine is being widely used in several regions including in Europe and the USA. The vaccine requires cold storage. × Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on June 1 decided to waive off batch testing for foreign manufactured vaccines that have been approved by drug regulators such as UK MHRA, US FDA or the WHO. India`s cumulative active tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 4,82,071 on Monday with 39,796 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry.The country continues to witness a gradual decline in COVID-19 cases as it has registered less than 40,000 cases again since June 29. On June 29, India registered 37,566 new COVID-19 cases and 907 deaths.As per the health bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, the national recovery rate now stands at 97.11 per cent and this is the ninth consecutive day when the country recorded less than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases. With 42,352 recoveries in the last 24 hours, daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the 53rd consecutive day, it said.The weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.40 per cent, while the daily positivity rate is at 2.61 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna vaccine may reach India this week: Report

German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters on Friday that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine with second shot of mRNA vaccine like those from Pfizer or Moderna.

Spahn said that addition of mRNA shot offered more protection against Delta variant of coronavirus. Delta variant is considered to be more infection.

Germany has enough shots available of all vaccines to be able to do this, as well as to provide booster shots to those who wanted them in the autumn, he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters on Friday that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine with second shot of mRNA vaccine like those from Pfizer or Moderna.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters on Friday that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine with second shot of mRNA vaccine like those from Pfizer or Moderna. Spahn said that addition of mRNA shot offered more protection against Delta variant of coronavirus. Delta variant is considered to be more infection. Germany has enough shots available of all vaccines to be able to do this, as well as to provide booster shots to those who wanted them in the autumn, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Possible in future to mix vaccine doses, says German health minister 

The United States will ship 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan on Saturday, a senior administration official told Reuters, more than tripling Washington's previous allocation of shots for the island, which has faced increasing political and military pressure from China.

Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through so-called "vaccine diplomacy", initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses to Taiwan, but is increasing that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million US-made shots around the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-get-750000-covid-19-vaccine-shots-from-us-389683">Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US</a>

China, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, has repeatedly offered to send coronavirus vaccines to the island, which has been battling a spike in domestic infections. Taipei has expressed concern about the safety of Chinese shots.

The 2.5 million donated doses of the Moderna Inc vaccine will leave Memphis, Tennessee, on a flight belonging to Taiwan's China Airlines early on Saturday and arrive in Taipei on Sunday evening, the senior US administration official said, adding that the prompt delivery was due to experts from both sides being able to work out regulatory issues.

"We are not allocating these doses, or delivering these doses, based on political or economic conditions. We are donating these vaccines with the singular objective of saving lives," the official said.

"Our vaccines do not come with strings attached," the official said, adding Taiwan had "faced unfair challenges in its efforts to acquire vaccines on the global marketplace."

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A deal for Taiwan to purchase vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE fell through this year, with Taiwan's government blaming pressure from Beijing.

China has denied the accusation, saying Taiwan is free to obtain the vaccines through Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, which has a contract to sell BioNTech's vaccine in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

"We believe that these attempts by China to block purchases, for political purposes, are reprehensible," the senior Biden administration official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-wants-german-vaccines-china-may-be-standing-in-its-way-392037">Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way.</a>

Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order, although infections remain comparatively low despite a rise in domestic cases. Only around 6 per cent&nbsp;of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one shot of a vaccine regimen.

The US shipment comes when Washington has been working with Taipei to create secure supply chains for strategic items such as computer chips, of which Taiwan is a key producer vital for US automobile manufacturers and other industries.

It also comes after Taiwan announced on Friday that it will allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn and semiconductor giant TSMC, to negotiate on its behalf for COVID-19 vaccines.

On Thursday, Jonathan Fritz, a senior State Department official, said that China had been "very aggressively using vaccine donations as a lever to induce more of Taiwan's diplomatic partners to switch recognition."

Beijing has steadily whittled down the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, which now stands at just 15 countries.

The United States, which like most countries has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has watched with alarm the stepped-up tensions with Beijing and Biden's administration has vowed to boost ties with the island, which it is required under US law to supply with the means of defence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-massed-plane-incursion-near-taiwan-china-says-must-respond-to-collusion-391791">After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion'</a>

This week, Taiwan reported the largest incursion yet by China's air force, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, into its air defence identification zone.

The United States will ship 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan on Saturday, a senior administration official told Reuters, more than tripling Washington's previous allocation of shots for the island, which has faced increasing political and military pressure from China.

The United States will ship 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan on Saturday, a senior administration official told Reuters, more than tripling Washington's previous allocation of shots for the island, which has faced increasing political and military pressure from China. Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through so-called "vaccine diplomacy", initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses to Taiwan, but is increasing that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million US-made shots around the world. Also read | Taiwan to get 750,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from US China, which considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory, has repeatedly offered to send coronavirus vaccines to the island, which has been battling a spike in domestic infections. Taipei has expressed concern about the safety of Chinese shots. The 2.5 million donated doses of the Moderna Inc vaccine will leave Memphis, Tennessee, on a flight belonging to Taiwan's China Airlines early on Saturday and arrive in Taipei on Sunday evening, the senior US administration official said, adding that the prompt delivery was due to experts from both sides being able to work out regulatory issues. "We are not allocating these doses, or delivering these doses, based on political or economic conditions. We are donating these vaccines with the singular objective of saving lives," the official said. "Our vaccines do not come with strings attached," the official said, adding Taiwan had "faced unfair challenges in its efforts to acquire vaccines on the global marketplace." A deal for Taiwan to purchase vaccines from Germany's BioNTech SE fell through this year, with Taiwan's government blaming pressure from Beijing. China has denied the accusation, saying Taiwan is free to obtain the vaccines through Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd, which has a contract to sell BioNTech's vaccine in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. "We believe that these attempts by China to block purchases, for political purposes, are reprehensible," the senior Biden administration official said. Also read | Taiwan wants German vaccines. China may be standing in its way. Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order, although infections remain comparatively low despite a rise in domestic cases. Only around 6 per cent of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one shot of a vaccine regimen. The US shipment comes when Washington has been working with Taipei to create secure supply chains for strategic items such as computer chips, of which Taiwan is a key producer vital for US automobile manufacturers and other industries. It also comes after Taiwan announced on Friday that it will allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Taiwan's Foxconn and semiconductor giant TSMC, to negotiate on its behalf for COVID-19 vaccines. On Thursday, Jonathan Fritz, a senior State Department official, said that China had been "very aggressively using vaccine donations as a lever to induce more of Taiwan's diplomatic partners to switch recognition." Beijing has steadily whittled down the number of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, which now stands at just 15 countries. The United States, which like most countries has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has watched with alarm the stepped-up tensions with Beijing and Biden's administration has vowed to boost ties with the island, which it is required under US law to supply with the means of defence. Also read | After massed plane incursion near Taiwan, China says must respond to 'collusion' This week, Taiwan reported the largest incursion yet by China's air force, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, into its air defence identification zone.

Exclusive: US triples vaccines for Taiwan with 2.5 million-dose shipment

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded.

Both, the EU and AstraZeneca have claimed victory. The European Commission has stressed that AstraZeneca would pay financial penalty for each missed dose while the company has promised it would easily meet the target.

The UK-based pharmaceutical fell well short of fulfilling its contract to supply the EU in the first quarter, delivering only 30 million of the 120 million promised.

However, while the court found in favour of the EU it oredered only 50 million more doses by the end of September.

If the firm fails to do so it would pay a fine of 10 euros per dose not delivered.

"This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said.&nbsp;

"It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this," she said.

"This shows that our European vaccination campaign not only delivers for our citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, that it was founded on a sound legal basis."

AstraZeneca in a company statement, welcomed the ruling.

"The European Commission had requested 120 million vaccine doses cumulatively by the end of June 2021, and a total of 300 million doses by the end of September 2021," the firm said.&nbsp;

"The judge ordered delivery of 80.2 million doses by 27 September 2021," it said -- including the 30 million it already delivered in the first quarter in its calculation.&nbsp;

"To date, the Company has supplied more than 70 million doses to the European Union and will substantially exceed 80.2 million doses by the end of June 2021."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded.

A court in Belgium on Friday ordered pharma giant AstraZeneca to deliver 50 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to European Union (EU) members by September 27. This is fewer than what the EU had demanded. Both, the EU and AstraZeneca have claimed victory. The European Commission has stressed that AstraZeneca would pay financial penalty for each missed dose while the company has promised it would easily meet the target. The UK-based pharmaceutical fell well short of fulfilling its contract to supply the EU in the first quarter, delivering only 30 million of the 120 million promised. However, while the court found in favour of the EU it oredered only 50 million more doses by the end of September. If the firm fails to do so it would pay a fine of 10 euros per dose not delivered. "This decision confirms the position of the Commission: AstraZeneca did not live up to the commitments it made in the contract," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. "It is good to see that an independent judge confirms this," she said. "This shows that our European vaccination campaign not only delivers for our citizens day by day. It also demonstrates, that it was founded on a sound legal basis." AstraZeneca in a company statement, welcomed the ruling. "The European Commission had requested 120 million vaccine doses cumulatively by the end of June 2021, and a total of 300 million doses by the end of September 2021," the firm said. "The judge ordered delivery of 80.2 million doses by 27 September 2021," it said -- including the 30 million it already delivered in the first quarter in its calculation. "To date, the Company has supplied more than 70 million doses to the European Union and will substantially exceed 80.2 million doses by the end of June 2021."

Court orders AstraZeneca to deliver less vaccines than EU demand

Biological E, based in Hyderabad, made news a few weeks ago when the government placed an order for 300 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax, which is currently pending approval from the pharma regulator.&nbsp;

Because Corbevax isn't its only bet, Biological E, a dark horse in the industry, might be a game-changer due to its massive volume.&nbsp;

This order is part of a bigger vaccine strategy by this 73-year-old company, which is currently the world's largest tetanus vaccine manufacturer.&nbsp;

Dr N K Arora, Chairman of India's COVID-19 Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, said in a TV interview that “according to the company, Biological E's vaccine, which will be dubbed Corbevax, is identical to the Novavax vaccination, which is more than 90% effective against Covid variations.”

Bio E, in particular, may have a lot of potentials, according to TV sources, because the vaccine may be offered for as little as $3.4 (Rs 250) for two doses.

The vaccine's third phase clinical trials have been approved by Corbevax, and the government expects the trials to be completed by July.&nbsp;

India is rebounding at a fast pace from a catastrophic second wave of the pandemic that resulted in a massive increase in the number of deaths and hospitalisation, as well as a severe lack of resources, including vaccines.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a single-day rise of 67,208 new coronavirus infections was recorded, taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,97,00,313, while the active cases declined to 8,26,740, the lowest after 71 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

(With inputs from agencies)

Biological E, based in Hyderabad, made news a few weeks ago when the government placed an order for 300 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax, which is currently pending approval from the pharma regulator.

Biological E, based in Hyderabad, made news a few weeks ago when the government placed an order for 300 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax, which is currently pending approval from the pharma regulator. Because Corbevax isn't its only bet, Biological E, a dark horse in the industry, might be a game-changer due to its massive volume. This order is part of a bigger vaccine strategy by this 73-year-old company, which is currently the world's largest tetanus vaccine manufacturer. Dr N K Arora, Chairman of India's COVID-19 Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, said in a TV interview that “according to the company, Biological E's vaccine, which will be dubbed Corbevax, is identical to the Novavax vaccination, which is more than 90% effective against Covid variations.” Bio E, in particular, may have a lot of potentials, according to TV sources, because the vaccine may be offered for as little as $3.4 (Rs 250) for two doses. The vaccine's third phase clinical trials have been approved by Corbevax, and the government expects the trials to be completed by July. India is rebounding at a fast pace from a catastrophic second wave of the pandemic that resulted in a massive increase in the number of deaths and hospitalisation, as well as a severe lack of resources, including vaccines. On Thursday, a single-day rise of 67,208 new coronavirus infections was recorded, taking India's total tally of COVID-19 cases to 2,97,00,313, while the active cases declined to 8,26,740, the lowest after 71 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Just $3.4 for two doses -  Made-in-India Biological E vaccine could be 90% effective

Activist group Avaaz welcomed G7 leaders to Cornwall by sketching their likenesses into sand, putting their support behind calls to waive intellectual property rights over COVID-19 vaccines.

Activists sketch G7 leaders' likeness in sand

Ministers from the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC on Saturday agreed to review trade barriers and expedite the cross-border transit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> and related goods but stopped short of a broad commitment to remove tariffs.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-do-vaccine-doses-go-and-who-gets-them-the-algorithms-decide-362143">Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide</a>

A meeting of trade ministers from the 21-economy group, which includes the United States, China and Japan, also produced pledges to support World Trade Organization negotiations for an intellectual property waiver on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccines.<o:p></o:p>

In three statements issued after the meeting, the ministers said they would "expedite the flow and transit of all COVID-19 vaccines and related goods through their air, sea and land ports."

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-urges-covid-19-vaccine-makers-to-advance-doses-for-covax-385692">WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX</a></o:p>

"We will consider voluntary actions to reduce the cost of these products for our people, particularly by encouraging each economy to review its own charges levied at the border on COVID-19 vaccines and related goods," one statement said.<o:p></o:p>

The ministers also said they were committed to working to facilitate the movement of essential goods and minimize disruptions to networks critical to keeping supply chains operating smoothly.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colleges-say-students-must-get-a-covid-vaccine-but-no-not-that-one-389614">Colleges say students must get a Covid vaccine. But no, not that one.</a>

"APEC economies should prioritise identifying unnecessary barriers to trade in any relevant services that may hinder expediting and facilitating the movement of essential goods, and should ensure consistency of any such barriers with their World Trade Organization" obligations, the statement said.<o:p></o:p>

Best Practices<o:p></o:p>

Vaccine-related trade barriers, including export restrictions, tariffs and other import barriers, have been viewed as contributing to a relative lack of vaccine access in developing countries.

<o:p></o:p>

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-and-uk-raise-doubts-about-covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-388679">European Union and UK raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver</a>&nbsp;

Average APEC tariffs on vaccines are low at around 0.8 per cent, but other goods important in the vaccine supply chain face higher tariffs. Alcohol solutions, freezing equipment, packaging and storage materials, vials and rubber stoppers face average tariffs above 5 per cent, and tariffs can be as high as 30 per cent in some APEC economies.<o:p></o:p>

Prior to the start of the virtual meeting, host New Zealand had wanted APEC members to agree on "best practices guidelines" on the movement of vaccines and related medical products across borders, a person familiar with the talks told Reuters

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/resisting-patent-waiver-eu-submits-vaccine-plan-to-wto-389616">Resisting patent waiver, EU submits vaccine plan to WTO</a><o:p></o:p>

APEC gatherings in recent years have struggled to reach agreements due to former US President Donald&nbsp;Trump's trade war with China. The new Biden administration has promised a more multilateral approach.<o:p></o:p>

New Zealand viewed an agreement as important to show that APEC is responsive and relevant to the crisis facing the world.<o:p></o:p>

Vaccine IP Waiver<o:p></o:p>

The ministers said they will work proactively and urgently in WTO negotiations aimed at agreeing on a temporary waiver of intellectual property rights on vaccines "as soon as possible" and no later than the WTO's ministerial conference scheduled for the end of November.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wto-head-urges-g20-leaders-to-negotiate-ip-waiver-386567">WTO head urges G20 leaders to negotiate IP waiver</a>

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who last month announced her support for a waiver, told a news conference before the meeting that she was encouraged by the progress of those talks.<o:p></o:p>

"What I've heard from these few days of interaction with my fellow ministers from the APEC region is broadly an agreement that we need to increase access to vaccines, increase supply of vaccines," Tai said.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">EU calls on US, others to export vaccines,&nbsp;rather than talk about IP waiver</a></o:p>

New Zealand's trade minister, Damien O'Connor, said there is a range of challenges around the production and distribution of vaccines that can be addressed to improve supply around the world, but gaining patent waivers could still be an obstacle.<o:p></o:p>

"Having looked at all those challenges, if it is IP that is holding us back, I think that there will be consensus reached at the WTO. And I think as APEC economies, we certainly are going to ask for that to be considered seriously," he said.

<o:p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-makers-oppose-ip-waiver-say-manufacturing-hurdles-slowing-rollout-379755">Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout</a></o:p>

The APEC trade ministers also said the WTO needed to strengthen its credibility by concluding decades-long negotiations to curb harmful fisheries subsidies, with a "comprehensive and meaningful agreement" by July 31.<o:p></o:p>

The group called on its member officials to explore options to undertake a "potential voluntary standstill on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies," with a progress report expected in November.&nbsp;

Ministers from the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC on Saturday agreed to review trade barriers and expedite the cross-border transit of COVID-19 vaccines and related goods but stopped short of a broad commitment to remove tariffs.

Ministers from the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC on Saturday agreed to review trade barriers and expedite the cross-border transit of COVID-19 vaccines and related goods but stopped short of a broad commitment to remove tariffs. Also Read | Where do vaccine doses go, and who gets them? The algorithms decide A meeting of trade ministers from the 21-economy group, which includes the United States, China and Japan, also produced pledges to support World Trade Organization negotiations for an intellectual property waiver on COVID-19 vaccines. In three statements issued after the meeting, the ministers said they would "expedite the flow and transit of all COVID-19 vaccines and related goods through their air, sea and land ports." Also Read | WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX "We will consider voluntary actions to reduce the cost of these products for our people, particularly by encouraging each economy to review its own charges levied at the border on COVID-19 vaccines and related goods," one statement said. The ministers also said they were committed to working to facilitate the movement of essential goods and minimize disruptions to networks critical to keeping supply chains operating smoothly. Also Read | Colleges say students must get a Covid vaccine. But no, not that one. "APEC economies should prioritise identifying unnecessary barriers to trade in any relevant services that may hinder expediting and facilitating the movement of essential goods, and should ensure consistency of any such barriers with their World Trade Organization" obligations, the statement said. Best Practices Vaccine-related trade barriers, including export restrictions, tariffs and other import barriers, have been viewed as contributing to a relative lack of vaccine access in developing countries. Also Read | European Union and UK raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver Average APEC tariffs on vaccines are low at around 0.8 per cent, but other goods important in the vaccine supply chain face higher tariffs. Alcohol solutions, freezing equipment, packaging and storage materials, vials and rubber stoppers face average tariffs above 5 per cent, and tariffs can be as high as 30 per cent in some APEC economies. Prior to the start of the virtual meeting, host New Zealand had wanted APEC members to agree on "best practices guidelines" on the movement of vaccines and related medical products across borders, a person familiar with the talks told Reuters Also Read | Resisting patent waiver, EU submits vaccine plan to WTO APEC gatherings in recent years have struggled to reach agreements due to former US President Donald Trump's trade war with China. The new Biden administration has promised a more multilateral approach. New Zealand viewed an agreement as important to show that APEC is responsive and relevant to the crisis facing the world. Vaccine IP Waiver The ministers said they will work proactively and urgently in WTO negotiations aimed at agreeing on a temporary waiver of intellectual property rights on vaccines "as soon as possible" and no later than the WTO's ministerial conference scheduled for the end of November. Also Read | WTO head urges G20 leaders to negotiate IP waiver US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who last month announced her support for a waiver, told a news conference before the meeting that she was encouraged by the progress of those talks. "What I've heard from these few days of interaction with my fellow ministers from the APEC region is broadly an agreement that we need to increase access to vaccines, increase supply of vaccines," Tai said. Also Read | EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver New Zealand's trade minister, Damien O'Connor, said there is a range of challenges around the production and distribution of vaccines that can be addressed to improve supply around the world, but gaining patent waivers could still be an obstacle. "Having looked at all those challenges, if it is IP that is holding us back, I think that there will be consensus reached at the WTO. And I think as APEC economies, we certainly are going to ask for that to be considered seriously," he said. Also Read | Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout The APEC trade ministers also said the WTO needed to strengthen its credibility by concluding decades-long negotiations to curb harmful fisheries subsidies, with a "comprehensive and meaningful agreement" by July 31. The group called on its member officials to explore options to undertake a "potential voluntary standstill on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies," with a progress report expected in November.

APEC ministers pledge to expedite transit of COVID-19 vaccines, related goods

As India's vaccination drive kicks into high gear, catch the ground report from our correspondent Johan Castell as he visits one of India's largest vaccination centres and receives his first dose of the Covishield Coronavirus vaccine in New Delhi. Get to know what to expect and what the process looks like for those getting the jab.

Getting vaccinated for Coronavirus in India

A key meeting between Bharat Biotech's Executive Director Dr V Krishna Mohan and other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology took place on Monday as India pushed for early approval of Covaxin&nbsp;by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major were present for the meet as well.

Bharat Biotech has sent an application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Covaxin on 19th April and a pre-submission meeting will take place in June.

Officials aware of the development said that the company has "submitted 90% of the documentation required for EUL to WHO", with the remaining to be submitted next month.

They further explained that the company is "confident about obtaining WHO EUL subsequently, given its experience of getting its other vaccines prequalified by WHO."

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin will be the second made-in-India vaccine after Covishield to apply to WHO for approval.

Covishield has already got approval in February. So far, seven vaccines globally have been given approval by WHO for EUL, these are Covid vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna and Sinopharm.

Covaxin is the first Indian Covid vaccine and is based on inactivated virus vaccines produced in cell culture or Vero cell platform. So far it has received regulatory approval from 11 countries and 11 companies in seven countries have shown interest in the technology transfer and production of Covaxin.

The company is in the final stages of submission of documents required for regulatory approvals for its vaccines in Brazil and Hungary.

In the US, Bharat Biotech is in the "final stages of negotiations" with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for conducting small-scale Phase-III clinical trials locally.

Officials said, "The company is confident about the robustness of their dossier, as they have data for a much longer duration – for antibody persistence after six&nbsp;months as well as eight months."

The regulatory approvals have both retrospective and prospective effect, and it stands out being few companies that have published papers on all four Covid virus variants. &nbsp;

The company plans to produce 1 billion vaccines via its three facilities in three Indian states.

Hyderabad facility in Telangana will produce 200-250 million vaccines, Bengaluru facility in Karnataka will produce around 500 mn doses and facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat will produce about 200 mn vaccines.

A key meeting between Bharat Biotech's Executive Director Dr V Krishna Mohan and other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology took place on Monday as India pushed for early approval of Covaxin by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A key meeting between Bharat Biotech's Executive Director Dr V Krishna Mohan and other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology took place on Monday as India pushed for early approval of Covaxin by the World Health Organization (WHO). Other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major were present for the meet as well. Bharat Biotech has sent an application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Covaxin on 19th April and a pre-submission meeting will take place in June. Officials aware of the development said that the company has "submitted 90% of the documentation required for EUL to WHO", with the remaining to be submitted next month. They further explained that the company is "confident about obtaining WHO EUL subsequently, given its experience of getting its other vaccines prequalified by WHO." Bharat Biotech's Covaxin will be the second made-in-India vaccine after Covishield to apply to WHO for approval. Covishield has already got approval in February. So far, seven vaccines globally have been given approval by WHO for EUL, these are Covid vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna and Sinopharm. Covaxin is the first Indian Covid vaccine and is based on inactivated virus vaccines produced in cell culture or Vero cell platform. So far it has received regulatory approval from 11 countries and 11 companies in seven countries have shown interest in the technology transfer and production of Covaxin. The company is in the final stages of submission of documents required for regulatory approvals for its vaccines in Brazil and Hungary. In the US, Bharat Biotech is in the "final stages of negotiations" with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for conducting small-scale Phase-III clinical trials locally. Officials said, "The company is confident about the robustness of their dossier, as they have data for a much longer duration – for antibody persistence after six months as well as eight months." The regulatory approvals have both retrospective and prospective effect, and it stands out being few companies that have published papers on all four Covid virus variants. The company plans to produce 1 billion vaccines via its three facilities in three Indian states. Hyderabad facility in Telangana will produce 200-250 million vaccines, Bengaluru facility in Karnataka will produce around 500 mn doses and facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat will produce about 200 mn vaccines.

Ahead of WHO-Bharat Biotech meet on Covaxin, key stakeholders come together

When the Indian government allowed states to pursue their own vaccine procurement, the idea was welcomed.

States governments were quick to seize the moment. Some chief ministers announced global tenders to buy shots from the international market. Weeks later, they are complaining again.

Because companies like Pfizer and Moderna don't want to deal with them. They want to negotiate directly with the centre and set the terms.&nbsp;

So what do these vaccine majors need from India?

It's not just about the money. They want the kind of guarantees that India hasn't given any vaccine maker.

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Pfizer and Moderna are among the best shots on the international market. Both vaccines work on the same technology. They are more than 90 per cent effective. Together, they have been approved by more than 40 countries. India wants them too. But on its own terms.

The government has authorised states to negotiate for themselves. Global tenders were announced. But it proved to be a damp squib as vaccine makers refused to deal with state governments.

Punjab made request to Moderna, it was denied. Moderna says it will only deal with the central government.

The Delhi state government wrote to Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. It got the same reply. They will only deal with the Government of India.&nbsp;

Beyond the obvious need of approvals and clearances, these vaccine companies have their own demands.

For instance, Pfizer CEO claims that they have been trying to get Pfizer vaccines to India for months. But Pfizer wants indemnity, a legal exemption from future lawsuits over their vaccines. Countries like the US and Britain have signed such clauses.

It basically means that if the vaccine maker is sued in India, it will be the government's problem, not the company's. India has not given such indemnity to any vaccine producer. Why should Pfizer be the exception?

The discussion is still on between the company and the government. In the past, Pfizer has been accused of bullying Latin American countries. They demanded embassy buildings and military bases as guarantee against the cost of any future legal cases.

The other problem is supply. Rich countries have already taken most of the shots off the shelves. Reports say, Moderna has its hands full with the existing orders. It might not have more doses for India. According to a report in April, Moderna already had orders to supply more than 1,000 million doses. These are for countries like the US, the EU, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and others.

Moderna is planning a major expansion in manufacturing. But even with a global tender, India may have to wait in line for its deliveries.

States like, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have issued global tenders. But all of them are waiting for a bid.

When the Indian government allowed states to pursue their own vaccine procurement, the idea was welcomed. States governments were quick to seize the moment. Some chief ministers announced global tenders to buy shots from the international market.

When the Indian government allowed states to pursue their own vaccine procurement, the idea was welcomed. States governments were quick to seize the moment. Some chief ministers announced global tenders to buy shots from the international market. Weeks later, they are complaining again. Because companies like Pfizer and Moderna don't want to deal with them. They want to negotiate directly with the centre and set the terms. So what do these vaccine majors need from India? It's not just about the money. They want the kind of guarantees that India hasn't given any vaccine maker. × Pfizer and Moderna are among the best shots on the international market. Both vaccines work on the same technology. They are more than 90 per cent effective. Together, they have been approved by more than 40 countries. India wants them too. But on its own terms. The government has authorised states to negotiate for themselves. Global tenders were announced. But it proved to be a damp squib as vaccine makers refused to deal with state governments. Punjab made request to Moderna, it was denied. Moderna says it will only deal with the central government. The Delhi state government wrote to Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. It got the same reply. They will only deal with the Government of India. Beyond the obvious need of approvals and clearances, these vaccine companies have their own demands. For instance, Pfizer CEO claims that they have been trying to get Pfizer vaccines to India for months. But Pfizer wants indemnity, a legal exemption from future lawsuits over their vaccines. Countries like the US and Britain have signed such clauses. It basically means that if the vaccine maker is sued in India, it will be the government's problem, not the company's. India has not given such indemnity to any vaccine producer. Why should Pfizer be the exception? The discussion is still on between the company and the government. In the past, Pfizer has been accused of bullying Latin American countries. They demanded embassy buildings and military bases as guarantee against the cost of any future legal cases. The other problem is supply. Rich countries have already taken most of the shots off the shelves. Reports say, Moderna has its hands full with the existing orders. It might not have more doses for India. According to a report in April, Moderna already had orders to supply more than 1,000 million doses. These are for countries like the US, the EU, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and others. Moderna is planning a major expansion in manufacturing. But even with a global tender, India may have to wait in line for its deliveries. States like, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have issued global tenders. But all of them are waiting for a bid.

Pfizer and Moderna don't want to deal with Indian states for vaccines

Italy passed the milestone of 30 million Covid vaccine doses on Saturday. This brings the number of fully vaccinated people to nearly 10 million.

More than 9.85 million people in Italy have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to government figures, representing 16.6 percent of the 60 million-strong population.&nbsp;

Two-thirds of the doses administered so far have been given to those aged over 60.

Italy was hit hard by coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. It has suffered 125,153 Covid-19 deaths. This is the highest official toll in Europe after Britain (128,000 deaths)

Since April 26 Italy has been cautiously relaxing months-long coronavirus restrictions, with bars and restaurants now serving customers outdoors.&nbsp;

The latest data has been promising, with health authorities on Saturday reporting 125 Covid deaths over the past 24 hours -- three times less than a month ago.&nbsp;

The positivity rate of some 300,000 Covid tests carried out over the same period has meanwhile dropped to 1.6 percent, the lowest in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy passed the milestone of 30 million Covid vaccine doses on Saturday. This brings the number of fully vaccinated people to nearly 10 million. More than 9.85 million people in Italy have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to government figures, representing 16.

Italy passed the milestone of 30 million Covid vaccine doses on Saturday. This brings the number of fully vaccinated people to nearly 10 million. More than 9.85 million people in Italy have received two doses of a coronavirus vaccine, according to government figures, representing 16.6 percent of the 60 million-strong population. Two-thirds of the doses administered so far have been given to those aged over 60. Italy was hit hard by coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. It has suffered 125,153 Covid-19 deaths. This is the highest official toll in Europe after Britain (128,000 deaths) Since April 26 Italy has been cautiously relaxing months-long coronavirus restrictions, with bars and restaurants now serving customers outdoors. The latest data has been promising, with health authorities on Saturday reporting 125 Covid deaths over the past 24 hours -- three times less than a month ago. The positivity rate of some 300,000 Covid tests carried out over the same period has meanwhile dropped to 1.6 percent, the lowest in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy crosses 30 million vaccine doses mark

Bangladesh,&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;are close to running&nbsp;out&nbsp;of coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines, authorities said Friday, and are hoping China and Russia will bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle a devastating pandemic wave.

COVID-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;campaigns to head off the next surge.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-259591-new-covid-19-cases-4209-deaths-386414">India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths</a>

But India's move last month to ban&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;exports because of growing domestic shortages has badly hit other countries, and the three South Asian nations have slowed their vaccination campaigns as they scour international markets for new stocks.

Bangladesh&nbsp;has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M.&nbsp;Khorshed Alam said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-purchase-of-covid-vaccines-from-china-386133">Bangladesh approves purchase of Covid vaccines from China</a>

The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher.

Bangladesh&nbsp;had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-delivers-half-a-million-vaccines-to-bangladesh-384611">China delivers half a million vaccines to Bangladesh</a>

It has since contacted China and Russia to get their&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;and Western countries who may have surplus AstraZeneca shots.&nbsp;

One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday,&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said.

But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long".

'Vaccines&nbsp;must be available'

Nepal&nbsp;has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/help-pours-in-for-nepal-to-fight-the-covid-pandemic-386328">Help pours in for Nepal to fight the Covid pandemic</a>

Sri&nbsp;Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries,&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said.

The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday.&nbsp;

India's export ban froze&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers.

"Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC.

Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;producers, is looking for foreign supplies.

India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages.

About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;makers.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are close to running out of coronavirus vaccines, authorities said Friday, and are hoping China and Russia will bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle a devastating pandemic wave.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are close to running out of coronavirus vaccines, authorities said Friday, and are hoping China and Russia will bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle a devastating pandemic wave. COVID-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on vaccine campaigns to head off the next surge. Also Read | India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths But India's move last month to ban vaccine exports because of growing domestic shortages has badly hit other countries, and the three South Asian nations have slowed their vaccination campaigns as they scour international markets for new stocks. Bangladesh has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M. Khorshed Alam said. Also Read | Bangladesh approves purchase of Covid vaccines from China The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher. Bangladesh had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month. Also Read | China delivers half a million vaccines to Bangladesh It has since contacted China and Russia to get their vaccines and Western countries who may have surplus AstraZeneca shots. One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday, officials said. But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long". 'Vaccines must be available' Nepal has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China. Also Read | Help pours in for Nepal to fight the Covid pandemic Sri Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000 vaccine doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries, officials said. The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday. India's export ban froze Sri Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said. Sri Lanka is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers. "Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and vaccines must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC. Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and vaccine producers, is looking for foreign supplies. India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages. About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US vaccine makers.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka nearly out of COVID-19 vaccines: Officials

India has built a roadmap for vaccine procurement. By December, India plans to procure more than two billion doses - supplies that can vaccinate the entire adult population. Where will India get these vaccines from? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas | COVID surge: 2 billion vaccine doses for India by December?

How do India's vaccination numbers stack up against global data? Are western nations really pulling ahead in vaccinations? Palki Sharma tells you why a sluggish rollout is a global reality, masked by differences in population.

Gravitas: How long before we reach herd immunity?

India has tweaked its vaccination rules. Those who recently recovered shouldn't take a shot before 6 months. The gap between the 1st & 2nd dose of Covishield has been increased to up to 16 weeks. This comes amid an acute shortage of vaccines. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: New rules for vaccination in India

As India grapple with a shortage of Coronavirus vaccines, the Centre government on Thursday said that over two billion doses will be made available in the country in five months between August and December, enough to vaccinate the entire population.

India plans to procure 2 billion vaccine shots by December

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases. The drug is to be administered orally.

Clinical trials of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) showed that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.

The approval to the drug has come at a time when India has been grappling with a record-breaking wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare infrastructure to its limit.

The announcement of the approval was made by India's health ministry

"In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalisation.

"The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of operation of the drug in infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients," the ministry said.

It said the anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of 2-DG drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad.

"On May 01, DCGI granted permission for emergency use of this drug as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in plenty in the country," the ministry said in a statement.

Adjunctive therapy is a treatment used together with the primary treatment to assist it.

The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water.

"It accumulates in the virus-infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique," the ministry said.

In terms of efficacy trends, the ministry said, patients treated with 2-DG showed faster symptomatic cure than the standard of care (SoC) on various endpoints.

"A significantly favourable trend (2.5 days difference) was seen in terms of the median time to achieving normalisation of specific vital signs parameters when compared to SoC," it said.

"Clinical trial results of the drug have shown that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases.

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases. The drug is to be administered orally. Clinical trials of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) showed that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. The approval to the drug has come at a time when India has been grappling with a record-breaking wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare infrastructure to its limit. The announcement of the approval was made by India's health ministry "In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalisation. "The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of operation of the drug in infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients," the ministry said. It said the anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of 2-DG drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad. "On May 01, DCGI granted permission for emergency use of this drug as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in plenty in the country," the ministry said in a statement. Adjunctive therapy is a treatment used together with the primary treatment to assist it. The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water. "It accumulates in the virus-infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique," the ministry said. In terms of efficacy trends, the ministry said, patients treated with 2-DG showed faster symptomatic cure than the standard of care (SoC) on various endpoints. "A significantly favourable trend (2.5 days difference) was seen in terms of the median time to achieving normalisation of specific vital signs parameters when compared to SoC," it said. "Clinical trial results of the drug have shown that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

"Happy to announce that the EU Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with BioNTech/Pfizer for 2021-2023," she tweeted from an EU summit in Portugal.

"Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow," she promised.

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Happy to announce that <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> for 2021-2023. 
 
Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1390967173460463619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The EU said that the contract on top of the 600 million BioNTech/Pfizer doses the commission has already secured, aims to supply the bloc -- population 450 million -- with enough jabs for booster shots.

They could also expand vaccination to minors and for exports to lower-income countries outside the EU, it added.

Ursula von der Leyen said that the mRNA technology used by BioNTech/Pfizer and other vaccine-makers has proven safe and effective.

BioNTech of Germany and Pfizer of the United States have stepped up supply Europe with their jointly produced doses, and their vaccine is currently the main one being used in the EU.

EU rollout accelerating

Others in the EU vaccine portfolio include those from AstraZeneca -- which delivered far below the quantities it had promised, and whose jab has been tarnished by a link to very rare blood clots -- as well as from Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

After a slow start, the EU's vaccination rollout has greatly picked up speed, with more than a quarter of its population having received at least one jab.&nbsp;

The 27-nation bloc is on track to have 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by late July, and is already cautiously reopening ahead of its vital summer vacation period.

Von der Leyen has stood by the EU strategy of her Commission being responsible for negotiating vaccine contracts for all member countries, despite early criticism that rollout was too slow.

Europe is now <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">debating with the United States</a> over whether lifting patents on Covid vaccines could boost supplies to poorer countries.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver</a>

The EU has so far sent more than 200 million doses to non-EU countries, while the United States has dispatched just 2.7 million to Mexico in what it describes as a "loan".

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that "Europe’s role in the world is more critical today than ever as we fight Covid-19," adding that it "shows when we collaborate on common causes we are stronger together".

The European Union is major contributor to Covax, a WHO-backed facility designed to get doses to mainly lower-income countries.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal. "Happy to announce that the EU Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with BioNTech/Pfizer for 2021-2023," she tweeted from an EU summit in Portugal. "Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow," she promised. Happy to announce that @EU_Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with @BioNTech_Group @Pfizer for 2021-2023. Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 8, 2021 × The EU said that the contract on top of the 600 million BioNTech/Pfizer doses the commission has already secured, aims to supply the bloc -- population 450 million -- with enough jabs for booster shots. They could also expand vaccination to minors and for exports to lower-income countries outside the EU, it added. Ursula von der Leyen said that the mRNA technology used by BioNTech/Pfizer and other vaccine-makers has proven safe and effective. BioNTech of Germany and Pfizer of the United States have stepped up supply Europe with their jointly produced doses, and their vaccine is currently the main one being used in the EU. EU rollout accelerating Others in the EU vaccine portfolio include those from AstraZeneca -- which delivered far below the quantities it had promised, and whose jab has been tarnished by a link to very rare blood clots -- as well as from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. After a slow start, the EU's vaccination rollout has greatly picked up speed, with more than a quarter of its population having received at least one jab. The 27-nation bloc is on track to have 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by late July, and is already cautiously reopening ahead of its vital summer vacation period. Von der Leyen has stood by the EU strategy of her Commission being responsible for negotiating vaccine contracts for all member countries, despite early criticism that rollout was too slow. Europe is now debating with the United States over whether lifting patents on Covid vaccines could boost supplies to poorer countries. Also Read | EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver The EU has so far sent more than 200 million doses to non-EU countries, while the United States has dispatched just 2.7 million to Mexico in what it describes as a "loan". The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that "Europe’s role in the world is more critical today than ever as we fight Covid-19," adding that it "shows when we collaborate on common causes we are stronger together". The European Union is major contributor to Covax, a WHO-backed facility designed to get doses to mainly lower-income countries. (With inputs from agencies)

EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses

'What others call aid, we call friendship' is EAM Dr S Jaishankar's message to those doing a politically motivated post-mortem in the middle of a crisis.

Gravitas: S. Jaishankar takes on every criticism

Pfizer sharply increased its projections for 2021 revenues and profits on Tuesday, citing much higher COVID-19 vaccine sales as it targets the inoculations as a "durable" revenue stream.

The drugmaker, which has a number of projects to expand vaccinations to additional populations and to provide booster doses, now estimates 2021 revenues of $26 billion from the vaccine, up from $15 billion previously.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Pfizer now sees profits of between $3.55 and $3.65 a share for the year, an increase of 45 cents from the previous estimate.

Chief Executive Albert Bourla expects "durable demand" for COVID-19 vaccines, similar to that of the flu vaccine.

The company is ramping up capacity for the shots, which were developed with German company BioNTech.

"It is our hope that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will continue to have a global impact by helping to get the devastating pandemic under control and helping economies around the world not only open -- but stay open," Bourla said in prepared remarks ahead of a conference call later Tuesday.&nbsp;

He said that would create "a scenario in which Pfizer can continue to be both a leader and a beneficiary."

Pfizer reported net income of $4.9 billion, up 45 per cent from the same period of the prior year.

Revenues also jumped 45 per cent to $14.6 billion, including $3.5 billion in COVID-19 vaccine sales.

Pfizer expects to deliver 1.6 billion doses this year under contracts signed through mid-April.

The company's results also included a "solid" performance in non-vaccine products. Products with higher sales included Eliquis, which is used to prevent blood clots, and Xeljanz, which treats rheumatoid arthritis, among other ailments.&nbsp;

As with other COVID-19 vaccine producers, Pfizer developed its version at an exceptionally fast pace. The company is expected to soon win approval in the United States to provide shots to children 12 to 15 years old, and is researching providing the doses to healthy children six months to 11 years old.

Pfizer also is evaluating a third dose of the treatment "to understand the effect of a booster" against COVID-19 variants now in circulation.

The drugmaker said it reached agreements with Israel to supply millions of doses in 2022, and with Canada to supply 125 million doses in 2022 and 2023, with options into 2024.

The company and partner BioNTech have significant supply agreements with the United States and the European Union.&nbsp;

After logistical problems in Europe, Pfizer and BioNTech are on track to significantly boost vaccine production in Puurs, Belgium.

As of May 3, Pfizer and BioNTech have shipped about 430 million doses of the vaccine to 91 countries around the world.

The company is building more capacity and expects to manufacture at least three billion doses in 2022, up from 2.5 billion now expected in 2021. In February, Pfizer said it expected to produce up to two billion doses in 2021.

Pfizer shares rose 0.8 percent to $40.13 in pre-market trading.

Pfizer sharply increased its projections for 2021 revenues and profits on Tuesday, citing much higher COVID-19 vaccine sales as it targets the inoculations as a "durable" revenue stream.

Pfizer sharply increased its projections for 2021 revenues and profits on Tuesday, citing much higher COVID-19 vaccine sales as it targets the inoculations as a "durable" revenue stream. The drugmaker, which has a number of projects to expand vaccinations to additional populations and to provide booster doses, now estimates 2021 revenues of $26 billion from the vaccine, up from $15 billion previously. Watch | Pfizer now sees profits of between $3.55 and $3.65 a share for the year, an increase of 45 cents from the previous estimate. Chief Executive Albert Bourla expects "durable demand" for COVID-19 vaccines, similar to that of the flu vaccine. The company is ramping up capacity for the shots, which were developed with German company BioNTech. "It is our hope that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will continue to have a global impact by helping to get the devastating pandemic under control and helping economies around the world not only open -- but stay open," Bourla said in prepared remarks ahead of a conference call later Tuesday. He said that would create "a scenario in which Pfizer can continue to be both a leader and a beneficiary." Pfizer reported net income of $4.9 billion, up 45 per cent from the same period of the prior year. Revenues also jumped 45 per cent to $14.6 billion, including $3.5 billion in COVID-19 vaccine sales. Pfizer expects to deliver 1.6 billion doses this year under contracts signed through mid-April. The company's results also included a "solid" performance in non-vaccine products. Products with higher sales included Eliquis, which is used to prevent blood clots, and Xeljanz, which treats rheumatoid arthritis, among other ailments. As with other COVID-19 vaccine producers, Pfizer developed its version at an exceptionally fast pace. The company is expected to soon win approval in the United States to provide shots to children 12 to 15 years old, and is researching providing the doses to healthy children six months to 11 years old. Pfizer also is evaluating a third dose of the treatment "to understand the effect of a booster" against COVID-19 variants now in circulation. The drugmaker said it reached agreements with Israel to supply millions of doses in 2022, and with Canada to supply 125 million doses in 2022 and 2023, with options into 2024. The company and partner BioNTech have significant supply agreements with the United States and the European Union. After logistical problems in Europe, Pfizer and BioNTech are on track to significantly boost vaccine production in Puurs, Belgium. As of May 3, Pfizer and BioNTech have shipped about 430 million doses of the vaccine to 91 countries around the world. The company is building more capacity and expects to manufacture at least three billion doses in 2022, up from 2.5 billion now expected in 2021. In February, Pfizer said it expected to produce up to two billion doses in 2021. Pfizer shares rose 0.8 percent to $40.13 in pre-market trading.

Pfizer raises 2021 sales forecast for Covid vaccines to $26 billion

Pfizer said on Monday it told the Indian government that there was no concern over the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine, as India insists on small local trials for foreign shots despite a record surge in infections and shortage of doses.

The government in mid-April made it easier for foreign vaccines approved in the West and Japan to sell in India, though companies would still have to initiate a local clinical trial within 30 days of receiving emergency use authorization. Previously, companies were required to do the trial before approval.

Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson and Moderna have been invited to sell their vaccines to India but none have applied to do so yet.

Pfizer, however, said it is holding fresh talks with the government after having withdrawn its initial application in February over the earlier local trial rule.

"Pfizer's application for emergency use authorization was supported with data that shows an overall efficacy rate of 95% with no safety concerns," a company spokeswoman told Reuters when asked if it had sought an exception even to the current trial rule in its discussions with the government.

She added that the safety and efficacy data had been backed by regulatory authorities in the United States, Britain, Japan and the World Health Organization - agencies that India endorses.

Pfizer, which produces the vaccine with German partner BioNTech SE, reiterated that it would supply doses only through government contracts.

Asked about the vaccine's ultra-low temperature storage requirements, minus 70 degrees Celsius, Pfizer said the company could deliver the shot to vaccination centres using its specially designed, temperature-controlled thermal shippers.

It said doses could be stored in ultra-low-temperature freezers for up to six months, in the shippers for up to 30 days by refilling them with dry ice every five days, or in common refrigeration and freezer units for five days.

Pfizer said on Monday it told the Indian government that there was no concern over the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine, as India insists on small local trials for foreign shots despite a record surge in infections and shortage of doses.

Pfizer said on Monday it told the Indian government that there was no concern over the safety of its COVID-19 vaccine, as India insists on small local trials for foreign shots despite a record surge in infections and shortage of doses. The government in mid-April made it easier for foreign vaccines approved in the West and Japan to sell in India, though companies would still have to initiate a local clinical trial within 30 days of receiving emergency use authorization. Previously, companies were required to do the trial before approval. Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna have been invited to sell their vaccines to India but none have applied to do so yet. Pfizer, however, said it is holding fresh talks with the government after having withdrawn its initial application in February over the earlier local trial rule. "Pfizer's application for emergency use authorization was supported with data that shows an overall efficacy rate of 95% with no safety concerns," a company spokeswoman told Reuters when asked if it had sought an exception even to the current trial rule in its discussions with the government. She added that the safety and efficacy data had been backed by regulatory authorities in the United States, Britain, Japan and the World Health Organization - agencies that India endorses. Pfizer, which produces the vaccine with German partner BioNTech SE, reiterated that it would supply doses only through government contracts. Asked about the vaccine's ultra-low temperature storage requirements, minus 70 degrees Celsius, Pfizer said the company could deliver the shot to vaccination centres using its specially designed, temperature-controlled thermal shippers. It said doses could be stored in ultra-low-temperature freezers for up to six months, in the shippers for up to 30 days by refilling them with dry ice every five days, or in common refrigeration and freezer units for five days.

Told India no safety concerns with Covid vaccine, says Pfizer

Europe can achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus within the next four months, the head of German pharmaceutical company BioNTech SE said on April 28.

Europe could reach Herd Immunity against COVID by August

As the world reels under waves of pandemic caused to to variants of COVID-19 virus, a vaccine being developed by a French firm may well offer a solution for the long-term fight against the deadly ailment.

The vaccine is being developed by a company named Valneva SE and it can be more 'variant-proof'.

The vaccine is undergoing clinical trials. It uses a 'tried-and-true' vaccine technology that involves inactivated version of the virus. The company announced last week that it had launched a Phase 3 trial of its candidate vaccine. &nbsp;

If the results of the trial are positive, "Valneva aims to make regulatory submissions for initial approval in the autumn of 2021."

Unlike most high-profile coronavirus shots, which use various methods to prime the immune system to fight the coronavirus, Valneva's version is based on an "inactivated" version of the coronavirus itself.

Valneva is a USD 100 million firm listed on Nasdaq. It has already struck a deal with the UK for 190 million doses. The UK contract alone is worth 1.4 billion Euros. This is more than 10 times the company's annual revenue last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the world reels under waves of pandemic caused to to variants of COVID-19 virus, a vaccine being developed by a French firm may well offer a solution for the long-term fight against the deadly ailment.

As the world reels under waves of pandemic caused to to variants of COVID-19 virus, a vaccine being developed by a French firm may well offer a solution for the long-term fight against the deadly ailment. The vaccine is being developed by a company named Valneva SE and it can be more 'variant-proof'. The vaccine is undergoing clinical trials. It uses a 'tried-and-true' vaccine technology that involves inactivated version of the virus. The company announced last week that it had launched a Phase 3 trial of its candidate vaccine. If the results of the trial are positive, "Valneva aims to make regulatory submissions for initial approval in the autumn of 2021." Unlike most high-profile coronavirus shots, which use various methods to prime the immune system to fight the coronavirus, Valneva's version is based on an "inactivated" version of the coronavirus itself. Valneva is a USD 100 million firm listed on Nasdaq. It has already struck a deal with the UK for 190 million doses. The UK contract alone is worth 1.4 billion Euros. This is more than 10 times the company's annual revenue last year. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'variant-proof' French vaccine may be key to fight against Covid

The government of India has announced a ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from May 1,’ which makes anyone above 18 years eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

All Indian adults eligible can register on the government's Co-WIN portal, cowin.gov.in, or the Aarogya Setu app to get their coronavirus vaccine. 
 
Ministry of Health tweeted that the vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18 and 45 years from 1st of May, 2021.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a> 
 
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to register yourself on CoWIN portal for getting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVIDVaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVIDVaccination</a> appointments. Vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18-45 years from 1st of May, 2021. <a href="https://t.co/e4NXL1ajCw">pic.twitter.com/e4NXL1ajCw</a>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1386363373734948866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Those aged 45 years and above can still avail of the facility for on-site registration to get vaccinated, officials said.

Amid an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the government has decided to allow everyone above 18 years of age to get vaccinated from May 1. 
 
"Registration for 18 plus to begin on http://cowin.gov.in, Aarogya Setu App &amp; UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centres &amp; Private centres depending on how many vaccination centres are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus," Aarogya Setu informed in a tweet.

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Registration for 18 plus to begin on <a href="https://t.co/S3pUooMbXX">https://t.co/S3pUooMbXX</a>, Aarogya Setu App &amp; UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centers &amp; Private centers depending on how many vaccination centers are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a>
— Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) <a href="https://twitter.com/SetuAarogya/status/1387230084700925955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab will remain the same.

"An increased demand is expected once the vaccination is opened for all. For crowd control, registering on CoWIN portal and making an appointment to get a vaccine will be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years. Walks-in will not be allowed in the beginning so that there is no chaos," an official said.

From May 1, the present system of private COVID-19 vaccination centres receiving doses from the government and charging up to Rs 250 per dose from people will cease to exist and private hospitals will procure directly from vaccine manufacturers.

According to the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be free at government vaccination centres that receive doses from the Centre for eligible population groups comprising healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 45 years of age.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of India has announced a ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from May 1,’ which makes anyone above 18 years eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

The government of India has announced a ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from May 1,’ which makes anyone above 18 years eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine. All Indian adults eligible can register on the government's Co-WIN portal, cowin.gov.in, or the Aarogya Setu app to get their coronavirus vaccine. Ministry of Health tweeted that the vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18 and 45 years from 1st of May, 2021. #LargestVaccineDrive #Unite2FightCorona Here’s a step-by-step process on how to register yourself on CoWIN portal for getting #COVIDVaccination appointments. Vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18-45 years from 1st of May, 2021. pic.twitter.com/e4NXL1ajCw — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) April 25, 2021 × Those aged 45 years and above can still avail of the facility for on-site registration to get vaccinated, officials said. Amid an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the government has decided to allow everyone above 18 years of age to get vaccinated from May 1. "Registration for 18 plus to begin on http://cowin.gov.in, Aarogya Setu App & UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centres & Private centres depending on how many vaccination centres are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus," Aarogya Setu informed in a tweet. Registration for 18 plus to begin on https://t.co/S3pUooMbXX, Aarogya Setu App & UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centers & Private centers depending on how many vaccination centers are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus. #LargestVaccineDrive — Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) April 28, 2021 × The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab will remain the same. "An increased demand is expected once the vaccination is opened for all. For crowd control, registering on CoWIN portal and making an appointment to get a vaccine will be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years. Walks-in will not be allowed in the beginning so that there is no chaos," an official said. From May 1, the present system of private COVID-19 vaccination centres receiving doses from the government and charging up to Rs 250 per dose from people will cease to exist and private hospitals will procure directly from vaccine manufacturers. According to the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be free at government vaccination centres that receive doses from the Centre for eligible population groups comprising healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 45 years of age. (With inputs from agencies)

India Covid vaccine for all above 18 years: Registration to open today. Here's how to apply

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit"

"We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings.

AstraZeneca said it had "fully complied with the Advance Purchase Agreement with the European Commission".

It added that in line with AstraZeneca's forecast, the company is set to deliver almost 50 million doses to European nations by the end of April.

"AstraZeneca regrets the European Commission's decision to take legal action over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines," the statement said.

"We look forward to working constructively with the EU Commission to vaccinate as many people as possible."

Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads.

The Euopean Commission has been responsible to procure vaccines for the entire bloc. It conveyed member states last week about its decision to take legal action against AstraZeneca and has pressed for their support.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said he was unaware of the specifics around the legal action.&nbsp;

"What I will say is that AstraZeneca has been a hugely strong partner for the UK and in fact, globally, for the work they're doing," he told reporters.

"They've been a vital part of our vaccine rollout programme, and we continue to look forward to working with them."

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit" "We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings.

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit" "We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings. AstraZeneca said it had "fully complied with the Advance Purchase Agreement with the European Commission". It added that in line with AstraZeneca's forecast, the company is set to deliver almost 50 million doses to European nations by the end of April. "AstraZeneca regrets the European Commission's decision to take legal action over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines," the statement said. "We look forward to working constructively with the EU Commission to vaccinate as many people as possible." Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads. The Euopean Commission has been responsible to procure vaccines for the entire bloc. It conveyed member states last week about its decision to take legal action against AstraZeneca and has pressed for their support. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said he was unaware of the specifics around the legal action. "What I will say is that AstraZeneca has been a hugely strong partner for the UK and in fact, globally, for the work they're doing," he told reporters. "They've been a vital part of our vaccine rollout programme, and we continue to look forward to working with them." (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit'

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May&nbsp;

The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination.

While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker.

There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of &nbsp;a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas.

Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report.

Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open.

Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks. The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination. While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker. There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas. Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots. Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report. Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open. Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to open vaccination centres capable of handling 10,000 people: Report 

Covid vaccine doses crossed one billion mark worldwide on Saturday. A lot remained to be done however as number of virus cases worldwide hit a new daily record. At least 1,002,938,540 vaccine doses have been administered in 207 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally.

The pandemic has killed more than three million people worldwide since the initial outbreak in China in December 2019.

In addition to spike in number of infections in India, Thailand was seen to be grappling with increasing caseload. Thailand had long avoided worst of the pandemic. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said on Saturday that more than 1400 Covid-19 patients were awaiting admission in hospitals.

In India, one "oxygen express" carrying 30,000 litres of oxygen arrived in northern Lucknow at dawn on Saturday.

In Iraq, at least 23 lives were lost in a tragic fire at a Covid hospital.

Accelerating rollouts

With the pandemic still showing no sign of slowing, governments around the world are placing their hopes in vaccines. Worldwide, the number of vaccine doses administered has doubled in less than a month

Nevertheless, while the majority of poor countries have also started to vaccinate -- mainly thanks to the Covax programme -- inoculation is still largely a privilege of high-income countries, home to 16 percent of the world's population, administering 47 percent of vaccine doses.

A stark contrast can be seen in low-income countries which account for just 0.2 per cent of coronavirus vaccine shots thus far.

 
In the US, regulators have approved the re-start of a rollout of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines halted over blood clotting concerns.

In Europe, Belgium said Saturday it would authorise the J&amp;J shot for all adults, having already received 36,000 doses and expecting a total of 1.4 million between April and June.

The European Union as a whole said it would have enough vaccines to immunise 70 percent of its adult population by the end of July.&nbsp;

Lockdown protests

But despite the optimism, the threat of the virus remains ever-present, with Germany implementing tougher new lockdown rules, including night curfews and school closures, after the government passed a disputed new law designed to slow infections.

The controversial new rules -- passed this week amid huge protests in Berlin -- will apply in all regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. 
And in Britain, ongoing restrictions are continuing to fuel anger.

Police in London said they arrested five people, and eight officers were injured, after disorder at large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus restrictions, the mandatory use of masks and possible introduction of so-called vaccine passports.

Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions last month after months of curbs and a successful mass vaccination campaign. Pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors this month and non-essential shops reopened.

The demonstrators marched along several major arteries, including the main shopping district Oxford Street, with videos and photos showing thousands in attendance.

Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park late afternoon following the march.

Organisers used various websites and online platform pages to encourage turnout, despite curbs which limit outdoor gatherings to 30 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Covid vaccine doses crossed one billion mark worldwide on Saturday. A lot remained to be done however as number of virus cases worldwide hit a new daily record. At least 1,002,938,540 vaccine doses have been administered in 207 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally.

Covid vaccine doses crossed one billion mark worldwide on Saturday. A lot remained to be done however as number of virus cases worldwide hit a new daily record. At least 1,002,938,540 vaccine doses have been administered in 207 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally. The pandemic has killed more than three million people worldwide since the initial outbreak in China in December 2019. In addition to spike in number of infections in India, Thailand was seen to be grappling with increasing caseload. Thailand had long avoided worst of the pandemic. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said on Saturday that more than 1400 Covid-19 patients were awaiting admission in hospitals. In India, one "oxygen express" carrying 30,000 litres of oxygen arrived in northern Lucknow at dawn on Saturday. In Iraq, at least 23 lives were lost in a tragic fire at a Covid hospital. Accelerating rollouts With the pandemic still showing no sign of slowing, governments around the world are placing their hopes in vaccines. Worldwide, the number of vaccine doses administered has doubled in less than a month Nevertheless, while the majority of poor countries have also started to vaccinate -- mainly thanks to the Covax programme -- inoculation is still largely a privilege of high-income countries, home to 16 percent of the world's population, administering 47 percent of vaccine doses. A stark contrast can be seen in low-income countries which account for just 0.2 per cent of coronavirus vaccine shots thus far. In the US, regulators have approved the re-start of a rollout of Johnson & Johnson vaccines halted over blood clotting concerns. In Europe, Belgium said Saturday it would authorise the J&J shot for all adults, having already received 36,000 doses and expecting a total of 1.4 million between April and June. The European Union as a whole said it would have enough vaccines to immunise 70 percent of its adult population by the end of July. Lockdown protests But despite the optimism, the threat of the virus remains ever-present, with Germany implementing tougher new lockdown rules, including night curfews and school closures, after the government passed a disputed new law designed to slow infections. The controversial new rules -- passed this week amid huge protests in Berlin -- will apply in all regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. And in Britain, ongoing restrictions are continuing to fuel anger. Police in London said they arrested five people, and eight officers were injured, after disorder at large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus restrictions, the mandatory use of masks and possible introduction of so-called vaccine passports. Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions last month after months of curbs and a successful mass vaccination campaign. Pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors this month and non-essential shops reopened. The demonstrators marched along several major arteries, including the main shopping district Oxford Street, with videos and photos showing thousands in attendance. Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park late afternoon following the march. Organisers used various websites and online platform pages to encourage turnout, despite curbs which limit outdoor gatherings to 30 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine doses cross one billion mark worldwide

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