The Japanese health ministry has announced that it will stop the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine after reports of contamination in several lots.

Drugmaker Takeda&nbsp;said it had "received reports from several vaccination centres that foreign substances have been found inside unopened vials from specific lots."&nbsp;

Takeda is in charge of sales and distribution of the Moderna shot in Japan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-japans-private-sector-activity-hit-by-covid-19-surge-407733/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Upon consultation with the health ministry, we have decided to suspend the use of the vaccine from the lot from August 26," it added.

The firm said it had informed Moderna and "requested an urgent investigation."

Takeda did not detail the nature of the contamination, but said it had not so far received any reports of health concerns arising from affected doses.

The health ministry said it would work with Takeda to secure alternative doses to avoid disruption to the country's vaccine programme, which has ramped up after a slow start.

Around 43 percent of Japan's population is currently fully vaccinated, but the country is battling a record surge of virus cases driven by the more contagious Delta variant.

Around 15,500 people have died from Covid-19 in the country during the pandemic, and large parts of Japan are under virus restrictions.

Japan&nbsp;will expand states of emergency to eight more prefectures from Friday, taking the total to 21 regions from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Okinawa and covering nearly 80 per cent&nbsp;of its population.

Hospitals near capacity

Nomura Research Institute executive economist Takahide Kiuchi estimated the latest state-of-emergency expansion would lead to an additional economic loss of about 420 billion yen ($3.8 billion), bringing the total fallout from&nbsp;Japan's fourth round of emergency curbs to 3.84 trillion yen.

That dwarfs the 1.68-trillion-yen boost the economy was expected to see from holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games, he estimated.

The government will decide this week to tap an additional 1.4 trillion yen from reserves for the additional costs of dealing with the pandemic, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, adding that about 60 per cent&nbsp;of the public will be fully vaccinated by the end of September.

"I've done my utmost to promote coronavirus vaccination," he said.

Still, months of emergency curbs in Tokyo and surrounding areas have failed to reverse a surge in infections and about 90&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the city's critical care beds are occupied.

The latest state-of-emergency expansion will add Hokkaido, Aichi, Hiroshima and five other prefectures starting from Friday through to September&nbsp;12.

Another four prefectures will be placed under more limited "quasi-emergency" measures, bringing the regions under those curbs to a total of 12 out of&nbsp;Japan's 47 prefectures.

"Maintaining the health system is the top priority to protect the lives of citizens," Suga said.

With hospital beds filled to or nearing capacity, many people have been forced to convalesce at home with some dying before they can get treatment.

Securing oxygen stations and nurses, as well as considering the use of antibody cocktails for outpatients, were among the priorities, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said earlier.

"The working-age demographic is the driving force (behind the rise in infections)," Nishimura said. "We need to halve the movement of people."

He added that infections transmitted by children as new school terms start were another concern.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Japanese health ministry has announced that it will stop the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine after reports of contamination in several lots.

The Japanese health ministry has announced that it will stop the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine after reports of contamination in several lots. Drugmaker Takeda said it had "received reports from several vaccination centres that foreign substances have been found inside unopened vials from specific lots." Takeda is in charge of sales and distribution of the Moderna shot in Japan. "Upon consultation with the health ministry, we have decided to suspend the use of the vaccine from the lot from August 26," it added. The firm said it had informed Moderna and "requested an urgent investigation." Takeda did not detail the nature of the contamination, but said it had not so far received any reports of health concerns arising from affected doses. The health ministry said it would work with Takeda to secure alternative doses to avoid disruption to the country's vaccine programme, which has ramped up after a slow start. Around 43 percent of Japan's population is currently fully vaccinated, but the country is battling a record surge of virus cases driven by the more contagious Delta variant. Around 15,500 people have died from Covid-19 in the country during the pandemic, and large parts of Japan are under virus restrictions. Japan will expand states of emergency to eight more prefectures from Friday, taking the total to 21 regions from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Okinawa and covering nearly 80 per cent of its population. Hospitals near capacity Nomura Research Institute executive economist Takahide Kiuchi estimated the latest state-of-emergency expansion would lead to an additional economic loss of about 420 billion yen ($3.8 billion), bringing the total fallout from Japan's fourth round of emergency curbs to 3.84 trillion yen. That dwarfs the 1.68-trillion-yen boost the economy was expected to see from holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games, he estimated. The government will decide this week to tap an additional 1.4 trillion yen from reserves for the additional costs of dealing with the pandemic, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said, adding that about 60 per cent of the public will be fully vaccinated by the end of September. "I've done my utmost to promote coronavirus vaccination," he said. Still, months of emergency curbs in Tokyo and surrounding areas have failed to reverse a surge in infections and about 90 per cent of the city's critical care beds are occupied. The latest state-of-emergency expansion will add Hokkaido, Aichi, Hiroshima and five other prefectures starting from Friday through to September 12. Another four prefectures will be placed under more limited "quasi-emergency" measures, bringing the regions under those curbs to a total of 12 out of Japan's 47 prefectures. "Maintaining the health system is the top priority to protect the lives of citizens," Suga said. With hospital beds filled to or nearing capacity, many people have been forced to convalesce at home with some dying before they can get treatment. Securing oxygen stations and nurses, as well as considering the use of antibody cocktails for outpatients, were among the priorities, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said earlier. "The working-age demographic is the driving force (behind the rise in infections)," Nishimura said. "We need to halve the movement of people." He added that infections transmitted by children as new school terms start were another concern. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan halts use of 1.63 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine over contamination

Pregnant women have been hesitant about getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;as medical experts were not sure if it would be safe for pregnant women to be administered with a jab.

However, now UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has announced that pregnant women can be administered with a jab of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-delay-pregnancies-brazil-urges-local-women-amid-coronavirus-surge-378199" hreflang="en">'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge</a>

This has been reported after experts studied real-world data that showed that more than 90,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated against the virus in the US.

The new guidance now states that all women who are trying to conceive, recently had a baby or are breastfeeding can be vaccinated, but depending on their age group and their medical history.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-does-not-infect-brain-but-still-inflicts-damage-378157" hreflang="en">'Covid does not infect brain but still inflicts damage'&nbsp;</a>

However, experts are still stressing that women consult their doctors before getting administered with the jab.

Although there is no medical drawback of the jab on pregnant women, as of now, health experts are urging pregnant women to be frank and truthful to the doctors about their medical history before getting the jab.

Pregnant women have been hesitant about getting vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as medical experts were not sure if it would be safe for pregnant women to be administered with a jab.

Pregnant women have been hesitant about getting vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as medical experts were not sure if it would be safe for pregnant women to be administered with a jab. However, now UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has announced that pregnant women can be administered with a jab of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Also read | 'Please delay pregnancies', Brazil urges local women amid coronavirus surge This has been reported after experts studied real-world data that showed that more than 90,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated against the virus in the US. The new guidance now states that all women who are trying to conceive, recently had a baby or are breastfeeding can be vaccinated, but depending on their age group and their medical history. Also read | 'Covid does not infect brain but still inflicts damage' However, experts are still stressing that women consult their doctors before getting administered with the jab. Although there is no medical drawback of the jab on pregnant women, as of now, health experts are urging pregnant women to be frank and truthful to the doctors about their medical history before getting the jab.

Pregnant women can be given Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines: UK advisory group

US pharmaceutical company&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;on Wednesday agreed to&nbsp;deliver&nbsp;25&nbsp;million Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;shots to&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;by the end of next year as the country deals with a lagging immunization campaign.

Moderna&nbsp;will&nbsp;deliver&nbsp;10 million doses this year and by&nbsp;2022&nbsp;deliver&nbsp;15 million booster shots that are still being tested but meant to neutralize variants of Covid-19, the company and the Australian government said in a statement.

"We appreciate the partnership and support from the government of&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;with this first supply agreement for doses of the&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;and our variant booster candidates,"&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement.

This month,&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;released positive results from trials of a modified&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;aimed at the South African and Brazilian Covid-19 variants, and of the third dose of its initial&nbsp;vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/modernas-trial-sees-progress-against-covid-19-varients-brings-good-news-and-encouragement-383146">Moderna's trial sees progress against COVID-19 varients, brings good news and encouragement</a>

Australia's Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;campaign has lagged behind those of other countries and the government's target. This week Canberra set a new goal of vaccinating all willing adults by the end of this year.

So far,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has delivered 2.5 million&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;shots, versus the roughly 50 million jabs needed to vaccinate the entire population.

After a series of problems with&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;delivery and the use of the AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;for those under 50, the government is now in talks to manufacture promising mRNA&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;domestically.

Australia&nbsp;has ridden out the coronavirus pandemic by effectively sealing itself off from the rest of the world and with a series of snap local lockdowns.&nbsp;

It remains one of the few places where there is no widespread community transmission and daily life is relatively normal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-on-alert-after-first-virus-case-reported-in-two-months-384387">Australia’s Victoria on alert after first virus case reported in two months</a>

But very few Australians are immunized and there have been repeated outbreaks linked to quarantine facilities, raising fears that its success could be fleeting.

US pharmaceutical company Moderna on Wednesday agreed to deliver 25 million Covid-19 vaccine shots to Australia by the end of next year as the country deals with a lagging immunization campaign.

US pharmaceutical company Moderna on Wednesday agreed to deliver 25 million Covid-19 vaccine shots to Australia by the end of next year as the country deals with a lagging immunization campaign. Moderna will deliver 10 million doses this year and by 2022 deliver 15 million booster shots that are still being tested but meant to neutralize variants of Covid-19, the company and the Australian government said in a statement. "We appreciate the partnership and support from the government of Australia with this first supply agreement for doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and our variant booster candidates," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement. This month, Moderna released positive results from trials of a modified vaccine aimed at the South African and Brazilian Covid-19 variants, and of the third dose of its initial vaccine. Also read | Moderna's trial sees progress against COVID-19 varients, brings good news and encouragement Australia's Covid-19 vaccine campaign has lagged behind those of other countries and the government's target. This week Canberra set a new goal of vaccinating all willing adults by the end of this year. So far, Australia has delivered 2.5 million vaccine shots, versus the roughly 50 million jabs needed to vaccinate the entire population. After a series of problems with vaccine delivery and the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for those under 50, the government is now in talks to manufacture promising mRNA vaccines domestically. Australia has ridden out the coronavirus pandemic by effectively sealing itself off from the rest of the world and with a series of snap local lockdowns. It remains one of the few places where there is no widespread community transmission and daily life is relatively normal. Also read | Australia’s Victoria on alert after first virus case reported in two months But very few Australians are immunized and there have been repeated outbreaks linked to quarantine facilities, raising fears that its success could be fleeting.

Moderna to deliver 25 mn vaccines to Australia by 2022

Moderna has revealed the findings from its initial data of a small clinical trial regarding the performance of booster shot of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>&nbsp;against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus.</a>&nbsp;The trial was done against some variants of the virus including those first found in South Africa and Brazil.

The good news from Moderna’s clinical trial has come as an encouragement for several medical experts around the globe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-study-on-pfizer-covid-vaccine-says-drug-offers-over-95-protection-383099">Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection</a>

The pharmaceutical company, which is one of the leading manufactures of a vaccine against Covid, has been studying the need and impact of a booster shot against this deadly virus, in a bid to protect humans completely from this pandemic.

"We are encouraged by these new data, which reinforce our confidence that our booster strategy should be protective against these newly detected variants," Moderna’s CEO Stephane Bancel said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-becomes-first-country-to-authorise-pfizer-covid-vaccine-for-kids-age-12-and-up-383033" hreflang="en">Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up</a>

In this small clinical trial, forty participants were tested for their levels of neutralising antibodies nearly six to eight months after the participants had received their primary vaccination, in two different doses.

They were injected with a third shot which has been designed to fight against the new variants which have been found all over the globe, especially in South Africa and Brazil. The booster shot improved antibody levels against these two major variants, the data revealed.

Moderna is also testing a third type of booster which will be a combination of the two other types and the results for which will be announced soon.

Moderna has revealed the findings from its initial data of a small clinical trial regarding the performance of booster shot of vaccine against the deadly coronavirus.

Moderna has revealed the findings from its initial data of a small clinical trial regarding the performance of booster shot of vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. The trial was done against some variants of the virus including those first found in South Africa and Brazil. The good news from Moderna’s clinical trial has come as an encouragement for several medical experts around the globe. Also read | Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection The pharmaceutical company, which is one of the leading manufactures of a vaccine against Covid, has been studying the need and impact of a booster shot against this deadly virus, in a bid to protect humans completely from this pandemic. "We are encouraged by these new data, which reinforce our confidence that our booster strategy should be protective against these newly detected variants," Moderna’s CEO Stephane Bancel said. Also read | Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up In this small clinical trial, forty participants were tested for their levels of neutralising antibodies nearly six to eight months after the participants had received their primary vaccination, in two different doses. They were injected with a third shot which has been designed to fight against the new variants which have been found all over the globe, especially in South Africa and Brazil. The booster shot improved antibody levels against these two major variants, the data revealed. Moderna is also testing a third type of booster which will be a combination of the two other types and the results for which will be announced soon.

Moderna's trial sees progress against COVID-19 varients, brings good news and encouragement

Some people are against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> vaccines, but others are happy to get a jab of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">vaccine</a> as soon as possible. Such is the case even with the people who have been administered a shot and faced side effects.

A study of the fall 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that some people have experienced side effects after taking Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, with some even having to rush to the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-may-be-less-effective-in-obesity-study-367008" hreflang="en">Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study</a>

However, the majority of them have claimed that despite the side effects, they would be ready to take the vaccine all over again, if it meant protecting themselves against the deadly coronavirus.

From the two types of reaction — local and systemic — "local reactions were reported by the majority of vaccine recipients and at higher rates than placebo recipients," the CDC report claims. " Vaccine recipients reported higher rates of local reactions after dose 2 than dose 1."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-vaccines-single-dose-provides-strong-immunity-to-those-who-have-had-covid-19-study-366628" hreflang="en">Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study</a>

The local reactions from the Moderna vaccine include pain and swelling at the point where the dose was injected. Systemic reactions consist of more serious problems such as nausea, fever and chills.

"The frequency of systemic reactions was higher in the younger age group than the older age group (81.9% vs 71.9% after dose 2). Within each age group, the frequency and severity of systemic reactions was higher after dose 2 than dose 1. For both age groups, fatigue, headache and myalgia were the most common," the report claims.

People who have been administered the vaccine reported that the side effects were less intense after the second dose, rather than the first dose. However, despite the side effects, people claim they feel a sense of relief after taking the vaccine.&nbsp;

Some people are against coronavirus vaccines, but others are happy to get a jab of the vaccine as soon as possible. Such is the case even with the people who have been administered a shot and faced side effects.

Some people are against coronavirus vaccines, but others are happy to get a jab of the vaccine as soon as possible. Such is the case even with the people who have been administered a shot and faced side effects. A study of the fall 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that some people have experienced side effects after taking Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, with some even having to rush to the hospital. Also read | Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study However, the majority of them have claimed that despite the side effects, they would be ready to take the vaccine all over again, if it meant protecting themselves against the deadly coronavirus. From the two types of reaction — local and systemic — "local reactions were reported by the majority of vaccine recipients and at higher rates than placebo recipients," the CDC report claims. " Vaccine recipients reported higher rates of local reactions after dose 2 than dose 1." Also read | Pfizer vaccine's single dose provides strong immunity to those who have had Covid-19: Study The local reactions from the Moderna vaccine include pain and swelling at the point where the dose was injected. Systemic reactions consist of more serious problems such as nausea, fever and chills. "The frequency of systemic reactions was higher in the younger age group than the older age group (81.9% vs 71.9% after dose 2). Within each age group, the frequency and severity of systemic reactions was higher after dose 2 than dose 1. For both age groups, fatigue, headache and myalgia were the most common," the report claims. People who have been administered the vaccine reported that the side effects were less intense after the second dose, rather than the first dose. However, despite the side effects, people claim they feel a sense of relief after taking the vaccine.

Moderna's coronavirus vaccine side effects are severe, but worth it: CDC study

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top US&nbsp;infectious disease official, said on Sunday he would take the newly approved Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, as he encouraged Americans to accept any of the three approved shots.

"All three of them are really quite good, and people should take the one that's most available to them. If you go to a place and you have J&amp;J, and that's the one that's available now, I would take it," Fauci said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

The US&nbsp;government authorized Johnson &amp; Johnson's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, making it the third to be available in the country following ones from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Both of those vaccines require two doses.

Shipments to vaccination sites of J&amp;J vaccine are expected to begin Sunday or Monday.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed higher efficacy rates in trials that used two doses versus J&amp;J's single-shot vaccine. However, direct comparison is difficult because the trials had different goals and J&amp;J's was conducted while more contagious new variants of the virus were circulating.

"You now have three highly efficacious vaccines, for sure. There's no doubt about that," Fauci said.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease official, said on Sunday he would take the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, as he encouraged Americans to accept any of the three approved shots.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease official, said on Sunday he would take the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, as he encouraged Americans to accept any of the three approved shots. "All three of them are really quite good, and people should take the one that's most available to them. If you go to a place and you have J&J, and that's the one that's available now, I would take it," Fauci said on NBC's "Meet the Press." The US government authorized Johnson & Johnson's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, making it the third to be available in the country following ones from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. Both of those vaccines require two doses. Shipments to vaccination sites of J&J vaccine are expected to begin Sunday or Monday. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines showed higher efficacy rates in trials that used two doses versus J&J's single-shot vaccine. However, direct comparison is difficult because the trials had different goals and J&J's was conducted while more contagious new variants of the virus were circulating. "You now have three highly efficacious vaccines, for sure. There's no doubt about that," Fauci said.

Fauci urges Americans to get any of the three COVID-19 vaccines available

As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shortage-of-oxygen-kills-every-coronavirus-patient-in-egyptian-hospitals-icu-354861">coronavirus</a> cases continue to mount in Europe, EU's medicines watchdog approved the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-covid-strain-leads-to-60000-new-cases-in-uk-354844/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The European Medicines Agency had earlier approved the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine last month as the EU&nbsp;began vaccinating citizens across countries from December 27.

EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said: "This vaccine provides us with another tool to overcome the current emergency, it is a testament to the efforts and commitment of all involved that we have this second positive vaccine recommendation just short of a year since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-several-coronavirus-cases-near-beijing-imposes-new-restrictions-354849">pandemic</a> was declared by WHO."

The European Commission also formally backed US firm Moderna's vaccine.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "We are providing more COVID-19 vaccines for Europeans. With the Moderna vaccine, the second one now authorised in the EU, we will have a further 160 million doses. And more vaccines will come."&nbsp;

Moderna's vaccine was found to be 94.1 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19.

"EMA has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for COVID-19 vaccine Moderna to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 in people from 18 years of age," the European Medicines Agency said.

Europe has seen the highest number of coronavirus-related casualties with Italy, Spain, France being the worst-hit, other countries have also been hit hard in the second wave including Switzerland and eastern European countries.

Several European governments have put their countries under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-says-end-of-lockdown-in-england-will-be-slow-unwrapping-354863">lockdown </a>as they battle the virus. EU has been battling with logistical issues in rolling out the vaccines as the Netherlands was seen to be lagging behind in administering the Pfizer-BionNTech vaccine.

The French government faced similar criticism after the national inoculation campaign got off to a slow start.

The World Bank has warned that delays in vaccine distribution could limit the global economic recovery to just 1.6 per cent this year.

As coronavirus cases continue to mount in Europe, EU's medicines watchdog approved the Moderna coronavirus vaccine. Watch: The European Medicines Agency had earlier approved the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine last month as the EU began vaccinating citizens across countries from December 27.

As coronavirus cases continue to mount in Europe, EU's medicines watchdog approved the Moderna coronavirus vaccine. Watch: The European Medicines Agency had earlier approved the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine last month as the EU began vaccinating citizens across countries from December 27. EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke said: "This vaccine provides us with another tool to overcome the current emergency, it is a testament to the efforts and commitment of all involved that we have this second positive vaccine recommendation just short of a year since the pandemic was declared by WHO." The European Commission also formally backed US firm Moderna's vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "We are providing more COVID-19 vaccines for Europeans. With the Moderna vaccine, the second one now authorised in the EU, we will have a further 160 million doses. And more vaccines will come." Moderna's vaccine was found to be 94.1 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19. "EMA has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for COVID-19 vaccine Moderna to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 in people from 18 years of age," the European Medicines Agency said. Europe has seen the highest number of coronavirus-related casualties with Italy, Spain, France being the worst-hit, other countries have also been hit hard in the second wave including Switzerland and eastern European countries. Several European governments have put their countries under lockdown as they battle the virus. EU has been battling with logistical issues in rolling out the vaccines as the Netherlands was seen to be lagging behind in administering the Pfizer-BionNTech vaccine. The French government faced similar criticism after the national inoculation campaign got off to a slow start. The World Bank has warned that delays in vaccine distribution could limit the global economic recovery to just 1.6 per cent this year.

EU regulator approves Moderna coronavirus vaccine amid surge in cases

The incoming US Vice-President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris </a>got vaccinated against the novel coronavirus on live television,&nbsp;the Biden transition team reported.

Harris, dressed in a black shirt, was given a jab of the&nbsp;vaccine on Tuesday morning at the&nbsp;United Medical Center in Washington, DC, administered by clinical nurse manager Patricia Cummings.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/take-it-there-is-nothing-to-worry-about-biden-receives-vaccine-live-on-television-351481">‘Take it, there is nothing to worry about': Biden receives vaccine live on television</a>

"I urge everyone, when it is your turn, get vaccinated. It's about saving your life, the life of your family members and the life of your community," Harris said.

She got vaccinated a week after the President-elect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine&nbsp;on December 21, 2020. He was administered the vaccine at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. After saying "I'm ready", he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and later assured Americans that "there's nothing to worry about".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-milestone-us-administers-first-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-351449">Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines</a>

Later, he took to Twitter to thank the scientists, researchers and all frontline workers who have tirelessly worked throughout the year to battle the novel coronavirus. "Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot. And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it," he tweeted.

The incoming US Vice-President Kamala Harris got vaccinated against the novel coronavirus on live television, the Biden transition team reported. Harris, dressed in a black shirt, was given a jab of the vaccine on Tuesday morning at the United Medical Center in Washington, DC, administered by clinical nurse manager Patricia Cummings.

The incoming US Vice-President Kamala Harris got vaccinated against the novel coronavirus on live television, the Biden transition team reported. Harris, dressed in a black shirt, was given a jab of the vaccine on Tuesday morning at the United Medical Center in Washington, DC, administered by clinical nurse manager Patricia Cummings. Also read| ‘Take it, there is nothing to worry about': Biden receives vaccine live on television "I urge everyone, when it is your turn, get vaccinated. It's about saving your life, the life of your family members and the life of your community," Harris said. She got vaccinated a week after the President-elect Joe Biden took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine on December 21, 2020. He was administered the vaccine at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. After saying "I'm ready", he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and later assured Americans that "there's nothing to worry about". Also read| Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines Later, he took to Twitter to thank the scientists, researchers and all frontline workers who have tirelessly worked throughout the year to battle the novel coronavirus. "Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot. And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it," he tweeted.

US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris gets COVID-19 vaccine

&nbsp;

In another historic moment, the US administered first&nbsp;Moderna Inc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> to a&nbsp;nurse at a hospital in Connecticut on Monday.

Mandy Delgado works as a nurse for the Hartford Healthcare hospital. She was administered a shot of the Moderna vaccine&nbsp;around 11:40 am (1640 GMT), according to a live feed of the event.

Also&nbsp;watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-nurse-passes-out-after-getting-pfizer-biontechs-covid-19-vaccine-350712">US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine</a>

"I am excited. I feel privileged," she said after getting the shot of the vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Her enthusiasm and courage were met with a round of applause by the people around her.

The shot has been administered a few days after the Moderna vaccine became the second in the US to receive&nbsp;emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the first one being&nbsp;Pfizer-Biotech's vaccine.

The Moderna vaccine can be stored at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), much lower than Pfizer's vaccine which must be stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit), making it easier to distribute.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-truth-about-coronavirus-vaccines-8-myths-busted-351294">The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted!</a>

Local authorities are hoping these vaccines will be able to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus, which has affected the US in the worst way.

"With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of COVID-19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States each day,"&nbsp;FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D, said in a statement.

In another historic moment, the US administered first Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine to a nurse at a hospital in Connecticut on Monday. Mandy Delgado works as a nurse for the Hartford Healthcare hospital.

In another historic moment, the US administered first Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine to a nurse at a hospital in Connecticut on Monday. Mandy Delgado works as a nurse for the Hartford Healthcare hospital. She was administered a shot of the Moderna vaccine around 11:40 am (1640 GMT), according to a live feed of the event. Also watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine "I am excited. I feel privileged," she said after getting the shot of the vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Her enthusiasm and courage were met with a round of applause by the people around her. The shot has been administered a few days after the Moderna vaccine became the second in the US to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the first one being Pfizer-Biotech's vaccine. The Moderna vaccine can be stored at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), much lower than Pfizer's vaccine which must be stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit), making it easier to distribute. Have a look| The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted! Local authorities are hoping these vaccines will be able to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus, which has affected the US in the worst way. "With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of COVID-19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States each day," FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D, said in a statement.

Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines

The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued a positively-worded briefing document about the Moderna <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid-19 vaccine</a> ahead of a meeting by experts on whether to grant it emergency approval.

The FDA was upbeat on the vaccine, saying there were "no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance of an EUA (emergency use authorization" and confirmed an overall efficacy of 94.1 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-administers-first-coronavirus-vaccine-donald-trump-congratulates-americans-349779" hreflang="en">US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans</a>

The comments were made in documents prepared for Thursday's meeting of outside experts, who will discuss whether to endorse a U.S. emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna shot.

The FDA typically follows the advice of the panel, but is not required to do so. Moderna&nbsp;is the second vaccine the FDA has considered, behind one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany's BioNTech, which was authorized last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-to-charge-25-37-for-covid-19-vaccine-344644">Moderna to charge $25-$37 for COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Hospitals began giving the Pfizer shots on Monday and the United States is counting on the Moderna vaccine to fulfill its promise to inoculate 20 million people this month.

One dose protection

The FDA said that there appeared to be some protection for trial participants after the first dose of Moderna's vaccine, which is given in two shots, with 28 days between inoculations, but there was not enough information on longer term protection.

It said that vaccine efficacy was 80.2 per cent&nbsp;in participants who only received one dose at the time of the interim analysis, which was based on data collected as of November&nbsp;7.

They said that serious side effects in the trial of the vaccine represented medical events that occur in the general population at a similar frequency as observed in the study.

The FDA did flag the possibility that the vaccine was contributing to Bell's palsy, a type of facial paralysis also reported by participants in the Pfizer trial.

Moderna reported four cases of Bell's palsy, including three among people who had the vaccine and 1 in the placebo group. The company said that three of the cases had resolved itself.

Although the FDA said that the trial participants with Bell's palsy had predisposing factors, the "potential contribution of the vaccine to the manifestations of these events of facial palsy cannot be ruled out".

Pfizer reported six cases of Bell's palsy, including 4 in the vaccine arm, which it said was a rate typical of the general population.

Moderna shares, which have risen nearly eight-fold this year up to Monday's closing price, were up 1.8 per cent&nbsp;before the bell.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued a positively-worded briefing document about the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine ahead of a meeting by experts on whether to grant it emergency approval.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued a positively-worded briefing document about the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine ahead of a meeting by experts on whether to grant it emergency approval. The FDA was upbeat on the vaccine, saying there were "no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance of an EUA (emergency use authorization" and confirmed an overall efficacy of 94.1 per cent. Also read: US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans The comments were made in documents prepared for Thursday's meeting of outside experts, who will discuss whether to endorse a U.S. emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna shot. The FDA typically follows the advice of the panel, but is not required to do so. Moderna is the second vaccine the FDA has considered, behind one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany's BioNTech, which was authorized last week. Also read: Moderna to charge $25-$37 for COVID-19 vaccine Hospitals began giving the Pfizer shots on Monday and the United States is counting on the Moderna vaccine to fulfill its promise to inoculate 20 million people this month. One dose protection The FDA said that there appeared to be some protection for trial participants after the first dose of Moderna's vaccine, which is given in two shots, with 28 days between inoculations, but there was not enough information on longer term protection. It said that vaccine efficacy was 80.2 per cent in participants who only received one dose at the time of the interim analysis, which was based on data collected as of November 7. They said that serious side effects in the trial of the vaccine represented medical events that occur in the general population at a similar frequency as observed in the study. The FDA did flag the possibility that the vaccine was contributing to Bell's palsy, a type of facial paralysis also reported by participants in the Pfizer trial. Moderna reported four cases of Bell's palsy, including three among people who had the vaccine and 1 in the placebo group. The company said that three of the cases had resolved itself. Although the FDA said that the trial participants with Bell's palsy had predisposing factors, the "potential contribution of the vaccine to the manifestations of these events of facial palsy cannot be ruled out". Pfizer reported six cases of Bell's palsy, including 4 in the vaccine arm, which it said was a rate typical of the general population. Moderna shares, which have risen nearly eight-fold this year up to Monday's closing price, were up 1.8 per cent before the bell.

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine shows 'no specific safety concerns', says US FDA

Days after the company and the university described the Covid vaccine shots as "highly effective", AstraZeneca and Oxford University have acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-shows-70-efficacy-can-be-90-effective-trial-data-reveals-344807">Also read: Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shows 70% efficacy; can be 90% effective, trial data reveals</a> 
 
On November 23, British-Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford had said that the Coronavirus vaccine they are developing is 70.4 per cent effective, on an average, in preventing COVID-19, as per the interim analysis of its late-stage clinical trials conducted in the UK and Brazil.

A statement describing the error made no mention of why some study participants didn't receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected.

In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses.

In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90 per cent effective.

In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62 per cent effective.

But the way in which the results were arrived at and reported by the companies has led to pointed questions from experts.

The partial results announced on Monday are from large ongoing studies in the UK and Brazil designed to determine the optimal dose of vaccine, as well as examine safety and effectiveness.

Multiple combinations and doses were tried in the volunteers.

They were compared to others who were given a meningitis vaccine or a saline shot.

Meanwhile, China's leading vaccine producer Sinopharm announced on Wednesday that it has submitted an application to the Chinese authorities for marketisation of its COVID-19 vaccine based on data collected from countries carrying out its clinical trials.

A representative of Sinopharm told state-run Global Times that the company had collected data from major countries such as UAE carrying out its vaccine clinical trials.

Results are expected to be good but it is up to the Chinese authorities to make the decision as the government has strict review standards.

Sinopharm previously told the daily that it had reported the phase-III clinical data to China's State Food and Drug Administration and was in the process of giving more detailed data, as requested.

The vaccine maker says it is in the final stage before marketisation, and is now making approval for the marketisation of the vaccine its top priority.

It will be possible to release the phase three data in academic journals after the approval.

"Our data is evaluated by relevant departments following protocols even stricter than in some Western countries, and we are in close communication with the WHO," a representative of Sinopharm told the daily earlier.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing last week that five Chinese vaccine candidates are under clinical trials in countries including the UAE, Brazil, Pakistan and Peru.

Sinopharm, China's state-owned vaccine producer, said on November 19 that its vaccine has been administered to about a million people under the government's emergency use scheme.

"In terms of emergency use, the vaccines were applied to nearly a million people and there has not been a single case of a serious adverse event. People have had only mild symptoms," Liu Jingzhen, chairman of China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), said in an interview with a Sichuan-based digital media company that was published on Wednesday.

"Until now, all our progress, from research to clinical trials to production and emergency use, we have been leading the world," he was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on last Thursday.

His comments came amid criticism that Chinese firms have not publicised the clinical data of its vaccine studies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Days after the company and the university described the Covid vaccine shots as "highly effective", AstraZeneca and Oxford University have acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine.

Days after the company and the university described the Covid vaccine shots as "highly effective", AstraZeneca and Oxford University have acknowledged a manufacturing error that is raising questions about preliminary results of their experimental COVID-19 vaccine. Also read: Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shows 70% efficacy; can be 90% effective, trial data reveals On November 23, British-Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford had said that the Coronavirus vaccine they are developing is 70.4 per cent effective, on an average, in preventing COVID-19, as per the interim analysis of its late-stage clinical trials conducted in the UK and Brazil. A statement describing the error made no mention of why some study participants didn't receive as much vaccine in the first of two shots as expected. In a surprise, the group of volunteers that got a lower dose seemed to be much better protected than the volunteers who got two full doses. In the low-dose group, AstraZeneca said, the vaccine appeared to be 90 per cent effective. In the group that got two full doses, the vaccine appeared to be 62 per cent effective. But the way in which the results were arrived at and reported by the companies has led to pointed questions from experts. The partial results announced on Monday are from large ongoing studies in the UK and Brazil designed to determine the optimal dose of vaccine, as well as examine safety and effectiveness. Multiple combinations and doses were tried in the volunteers. They were compared to others who were given a meningitis vaccine or a saline shot. Meanwhile, China's leading vaccine producer Sinopharm announced on Wednesday that it has submitted an application to the Chinese authorities for marketisation of its COVID-19 vaccine based on data collected from countries carrying out its clinical trials. A representative of Sinopharm told state-run Global Times that the company had collected data from major countries such as UAE carrying out its vaccine clinical trials. Results are expected to be good but it is up to the Chinese authorities to make the decision as the government has strict review standards. Sinopharm previously told the daily that it had reported the phase-III clinical data to China's State Food and Drug Administration and was in the process of giving more detailed data, as requested. The vaccine maker says it is in the final stage before marketisation, and is now making approval for the marketisation of the vaccine its top priority. It will be possible to release the phase three data in academic journals after the approval. "Our data is evaluated by relevant departments following protocols even stricter than in some Western countries, and we are in close communication with the WHO," a representative of Sinopharm told the daily earlier. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing last week that five Chinese vaccine candidates are under clinical trials in countries including the UAE, Brazil, Pakistan and Peru. Sinopharm, China's state-owned vaccine producer, said on November 19 that its vaccine has been administered to about a million people under the government's emergency use scheme. "In terms of emergency use, the vaccines were applied to nearly a million people and there has not been a single case of a serious adverse event. People have had only mild symptoms," Liu Jingzhen, chairman of China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), said in an interview with a Sichuan-based digital media company that was published on Wednesday. "Until now, all our progress, from research to clinical trials to production and emergency use, we have been leading the world," he was quoted as saying by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on last Thursday. His comments came amid criticism that Chinese firms have not publicised the clinical data of its vaccine studies. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 vaccine: AstraZeneca acknowledges manufacturing error, study results affected

The Oxford University and British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca have announced on Monday that their vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be around 70% effective under one dosing regimen. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccine-could-reach-first-americans-by-december-11-top-health-official-344800">Also read | Covid vaccine could reach first Americans by December 11: Top health official</a> 
 
"Today marks an important milestone in the fight against #COVID19. Interim data show the #OxfordVaccine is 70.4% effective, &amp; tests on two dose regimens show that it could be 90%, moving us one step closer to supplying it at low cost around the world," the University of Oxford Tweeted.

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Today marks an important milestone in the fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. Interim data show the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OxfordVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OxfordVaccine</a> is 70.4% effective, &amp; tests on two dose regimens show that it could be 90%, moving us one step closer to supplying it at low cost around the world&gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/fnHnKSqftT">https://t.co/fnHnKSqftT</a> <a href="https://t.co/2KYXPxFNz1">pic.twitter.com/2KYXPxFNz1</a>
— University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) <a href="https://twitter.com/UniofOxford/status/1330769567409385474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The vaccine&nbsp;developed in the UK by AstraZeneca and Oxford University ‘will save many lives’, says scientist. 
 
"This project is the result of global collaboration and support from partners, funders and researchers around the world. We’re grateful for their cooperation and hard work - without them, the #OxfordVaccine wouldn’t have been possible," the University said.

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This project is the result of global collaboration and support from partners, funders and researchers around the world. We’re grateful for their cooperation and hard work - without them, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OxfordVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OxfordVaccine</a> wouldn’t have been possible.
— University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) <a href="https://twitter.com/UniofOxford/status/1330769994997755904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasal-spray-that-aims-to-fight-covid-19-other-respiratory-illness-gets-million-dollar-funding-344698">Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding</a>

“This vaccine’s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency," AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement.

"Furthermore, the vaccine’s simple supply chain and our no-profit pledge and commitment to broad, equitable and timely access mean it will be affordable and globally available, supplying hundreds of millions of doses on approval," he added.

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AstraZeneca said it is "making rapid progress in manufacturing with a capacity of up to 3 billion doses of the vaccine in 2021 on a rolling basis, pending regulatory approval. The vaccine can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerated conditions (2-8 degrees Celsius/ 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least six months and administered within existing healthcare settings."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Oxford University and British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca have announced on Monday that their vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be around 70% effective under one dosing regimen.

The Oxford University and British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca have announced on Monday that their vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be around 70% effective under one dosing regimen. Also read | Covid vaccine could reach first Americans by December 11: Top health official "Today marks an important milestone in the fight against #COVID19. Interim data show the #OxfordVaccine is 70.4% effective, & tests on two dose regimens show that it could be 90%, moving us one step closer to supplying it at low cost around the world," the University of Oxford Tweeted. Today marks an important milestone in the fight against #COVID19. Interim data show the #OxfordVaccine is 70.4% effective, & tests on two dose regimens show that it could be 90%, moving us one step closer to supplying it at low cost around the world>> https://t.co/fnHnKSqftT pic.twitter.com/2KYXPxFNz1 — University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) November 23, 2020 × The vaccine developed in the UK by AstraZeneca and Oxford University ‘will save many lives’, says scientist. "This project is the result of global collaboration and support from partners, funders and researchers around the world. We’re grateful for their cooperation and hard work - without them, the #OxfordVaccine wouldn’t have been possible," the University said. This project is the result of global collaboration and support from partners, funders and researchers around the world. We’re grateful for their cooperation and hard work - without them, the #OxfordVaccine wouldn’t have been possible. — University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) November 23, 2020 × Also Read | Nasal spray that aims to fight Covid-19, other respiratory illness gets million-dollar funding “This vaccine’s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against COVID-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency," AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot said in a statement. "Furthermore, the vaccine’s simple supply chain and our no-profit pledge and commitment to broad, equitable and timely access mean it will be affordable and globally available, supplying hundreds of millions of doses on approval," he added. × AstraZeneca said it is "making rapid progress in manufacturing with a capacity of up to 3 billion doses of the vaccine in 2021 on a rolling basis, pending regulatory approval. The vaccine can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerated conditions (2-8 degrees Celsius/ 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least six months and administered within existing healthcare settings." (With inputs from agencies)

Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shows 70% efficacy; can be 90% effective, trial data reveals

After 11 months of suffering and more than a million deaths, It could be the beginning of the end to the pandemic.&nbsp;

November has been a good month for vaccine makers and scientists. Pfizer and Biontech reported their results first. They had earlier claimed their vaccine is more than 90 per cent effective&nbsp; 
and after completing the final analysis the company says the vaccine is 95 per cent effective.

Meanwhile, US pharma giant Pfizer has moved US regulators to seek approvals for emergency use for its vaccines. Good news came from Russia too as makers of Sputnik V claimed their vaccine is 92 per cent effective.

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The next results came from Moderna, it said the vaccine is 94.5 per cent effective. The markets have welcomed these developments with open arms. The vaccine makers have injected trillions of dollars into the stock markets this month.

The total value of equity markets around the world touched an all-time high with 95 trillion dollars pumped in. The vaccine news added more than one trillion dollars to the S&amp;P 500 which is the American stock market index that measures the performance of 500 large companies in the US.

The Indian markets have registered significant gains in this period too. There was a sharp fall on Thursday but the larger sentiment remains positive. Stocks of vaccine makers are selling like hot cakes. The stock of bio-tech company Moderna has risen by 376 per cent. Pfizer's partner Biontech stocks rose 157 per cent.

It has been a dream run for Novavax which is another vaccine maker. In October, Novavax stock had jumped by a whopping 2,840 per cent with one share of Novavax valued at four dollars at the beginning of 2020, by October it was priced at 117 dollars and as of today it is dealing at around 86 dollars.

The stocks of Pfizer soared too with Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla cashing out 60 per cent of his own Pfizer stock netting him $5.6 million. It was however pre-arranged since Bourla had earlier expressed his intentions to sell his stock months in advance when the price hit a certain mark while this practice is considered controversial in America, it is legal to arrange such a trade in advance, it is not insider trading.

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A vaccine is perhaps the only sure shot exit strategy for this pandemic without it the worldwide economic impact of the Wuhan virus could be $3.4 trillion a year which is why the success in vaccine development is being welcomed across all quarters.

It could be the beginning of the end but, there are still significant hurdles to cross. The data and claims of these companies need to be vetted and drug regulators will have to clear the vaccines first.&nbsp;

There will be a limited roll out early on, it could take several months for the common man to get a vaccine but with each passing day we are getting one step closer to the shots.

After 11 months of suffering and more than a million deaths, It could be the beginning of the end to the pandemic. November has been a good month for vaccine makers and scientists.

After 11 months of suffering and more than a million deaths, It could be the beginning of the end to the pandemic. November has been a good month for vaccine makers and scientists. Pfizer and Biontech reported their results first. They had earlier claimed their vaccine is more than 90 per cent effective and after completing the final analysis the company says the vaccine is 95 per cent effective. Meanwhile, US pharma giant Pfizer has moved US regulators to seek approvals for emergency use for its vaccines. Good news came from Russia too as makers of Sputnik V claimed their vaccine is 92 per cent effective. × The next results came from Moderna, it said the vaccine is 94.5 per cent effective. The markets have welcomed these developments with open arms. The vaccine makers have injected trillions of dollars into the stock markets this month. The total value of equity markets around the world touched an all-time high with 95 trillion dollars pumped in. The vaccine news added more than one trillion dollars to the S&P 500 which is the American stock market index that measures the performance of 500 large companies in the US. The Indian markets have registered significant gains in this period too. There was a sharp fall on Thursday but the larger sentiment remains positive. Stocks of vaccine makers are selling like hot cakes. The stock of bio-tech company Moderna has risen by 376 per cent. Pfizer's partner Biontech stocks rose 157 per cent. It has been a dream run for Novavax which is another vaccine maker. In October, Novavax stock had jumped by a whopping 2,840 per cent with one share of Novavax valued at four dollars at the beginning of 2020, by October it was priced at 117 dollars and as of today it is dealing at around 86 dollars. The stocks of Pfizer soared too with Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla cashing out 60 per cent of his own Pfizer stock netting him $5.6 million. It was however pre-arranged since Bourla had earlier expressed his intentions to sell his stock months in advance when the price hit a certain mark while this practice is considered controversial in America, it is legal to arrange such a trade in advance, it is not insider trading. × A vaccine is perhaps the only sure shot exit strategy for this pandemic without it the worldwide economic impact of the Wuhan virus could be $3.4 trillion a year which is why the success in vaccine development is being welcomed across all quarters. It could be the beginning of the end but, there are still significant hurdles to cross. The data and claims of these companies need to be vetted and drug regulators will have to clear the vaccines first. There will be a limited roll out early on, it could take several months for the common man to get a vaccine but with each passing day we are getting one step closer to the shots.

Coronavirus vaccine news injects trillions in stock markets worldwide

At least 54 vaccines are in clinical trials with countries and leaders making a beeline to get the vials. Millions of doses have already been pre-booked. There are at least 14 pre-orders for the Astrazeneca-Oxford vaccine with the WHO-led Covax alliance putting in an order as well.

Russian vaccine Sputnik V has eight pre-orders. Asian countries like India, Nepal and Vietnam have made a promise to buy the vaccine. Moderna has eight pre-orders for its vaccine while Pfizer has nine.

According to one estimate, as many as 9.5 billion doses has already reserved well before a vaccine candidate arrives in the market. However, the developed world will get it first.&nbsp;

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The rich countries have grabbed half of the projected supplies. Canada has secured supplies of more than 400 million doses already which is enough to inoculate each Canadian ten times.

Australia and Britain have secured supplies of around five shots for every citizen. The United States can potentially administer three doses to every citizen. The mass hoarding by the developed world reveals a lot like how much do these vaccines cost.

The European Union wants more than 200 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The bloc will pay 18 dollars and some change for every shot. The United States is buying the same vaccine for 19 dollars and five cents per dose.&nbsp;

In India, the Oxford vaccine could be sold for a little more than 13 dollars or Rs 1,000 for two doses even at those prices the makers of the Oxford vaccine in India say it will take four years to vaccinate everyone in India.

The vaccines are close to the finish line but -major hurdles still remain. The trials are not yet over with limited manufacturing capacities and mass hoarding which could mean a shortage of supply early on.

Some vaccine makers are promising a roll out by the end of this year. The whole world wants a shot but, many will have to wait.

At least 54 vaccines are in clinical trials with countries and leaders making a beeline to get the vials. Millions of doses have already been pre-booked. There are at least 14 pre-orders for the Astrazeneca-Oxford vaccine with the WHO-led Covax alliance putting in an order as well.

At least 54 vaccines are in clinical trials with countries and leaders making a beeline to get the vials. Millions of doses have already been pre-booked. There are at least 14 pre-orders for the Astrazeneca-Oxford vaccine with the WHO-led Covax alliance putting in an order as well. Russian vaccine Sputnik V has eight pre-orders. Asian countries like India, Nepal and Vietnam have made a promise to buy the vaccine. Moderna has eight pre-orders for its vaccine while Pfizer has nine. According to one estimate, as many as 9.5 billion doses has already reserved well before a vaccine candidate arrives in the market. However, the developed world will get it first. × The rich countries have grabbed half of the projected supplies. Canada has secured supplies of more than 400 million doses already which is enough to inoculate each Canadian ten times. Australia and Britain have secured supplies of around five shots for every citizen. The United States can potentially administer three doses to every citizen. The mass hoarding by the developed world reveals a lot like how much do these vaccines cost. The European Union wants more than 200 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The bloc will pay 18 dollars and some change for every shot. The United States is buying the same vaccine for 19 dollars and five cents per dose. In India, the Oxford vaccine could be sold for a little more than 13 dollars or Rs 1,000 for two doses even at those prices the makers of the Oxford vaccine in India say it will take four years to vaccinate everyone in India. The vaccines are close to the finish line but -major hurdles still remain. The trials are not yet over with limited manufacturing capacities and mass hoarding which could mean a shortage of supply early on. Some vaccine makers are promising a roll out by the end of this year. The whole world wants a shot but, many will have to wait.

Amid rush to get vaccine, US, Canada and EU pre-book huge order

The United States top infectious disease official, Anthony Fauci, has vowed for the data of the two coronavirus vaccines being tested by&nbsp;Pfizer and Moderna.

Fauci spoke at a briefing from White House virus task force to talk about the rising concerns about the credibility of the two vaccines, given their speed of testing.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confident-that-covid-19-vaccine-will-be-ready-in-3-4-months-indias-health-minister-344051">Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister</a>

Acknowledging the speed at which the two companies finished their successful trials, Fauci highlighted the advancement of the technology and quit wit of the scientists behind this success. "The process of the speed did not compromise at all safety nor did it compromise scientific integrity. It was a reflection of the extraordinary scientific advances in these types of vaccines which allowed us to do things in months that actually took years before," he said.

People all around the world are waiting for the production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to start as soon as possible, as the deadly virus has already tens of millions of people across the globe.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-safe-for-older-adults-results-show-344093">Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine safe for older adults, results show</a>

While people want to safeguard their lives and families' health through this, the vaccine has also become a political agenda in several countries — a quick way to gain voters' trust — such as the US and India.

Many are concerned these two vaccines have been rushed to meet political agendas of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US elections</a>, in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has defeated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>. Fauci utilised this briefing to assure no such hindrance and manipulation has taken place in the whole process.

"It was actually an independent body of people who have no allegiance to anyone -- not to the administration, not to me, not to the companies -- that looked at the data and deemed it to be sound," he said. "So we need to put to rest any concept that this was rushed in an inappropriate way. This is really solid."

The United States top infectious disease official, Anthony Fauci, has vowed for the data of the two coronavirus vaccines being tested by Pfizer and Moderna. Fauci spoke at a briefing from White House virus task force to talk about the rising concerns about the credibility of the two vaccines, given their speed of testing.

The United States top infectious disease official, Anthony Fauci, has vowed for the data of the two coronavirus vaccines being tested by Pfizer and Moderna. Fauci spoke at a briefing from White House virus task force to talk about the rising concerns about the credibility of the two vaccines, given their speed of testing. Also read| Confident that Covid-19 vaccine will be ready in 3-4 months: India's health minister Acknowledging the speed at which the two companies finished their successful trials, Fauci highlighted the advancement of the technology and quit wit of the scientists behind this success. "The process of the speed did not compromise at all safety nor did it compromise scientific integrity. It was a reflection of the extraordinary scientific advances in these types of vaccines which allowed us to do things in months that actually took years before," he said. People all around the world are waiting for the production and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to start as soon as possible, as the deadly virus has already tens of millions of people across the globe. Also read| Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine safe for older adults, results show While people want to safeguard their lives and families' health through this, the vaccine has also become a political agenda in several countries — a quick way to gain voters' trust — such as the US and India. Many are concerned these two vaccines have been rushed to meet political agendas of the US elections, in which Joe Biden has defeated Donald Trump. Fauci utilised this briefing to assure no such hindrance and manipulation has taken place in the whole process. "It was actually an independent body of people who have no allegiance to anyone -- not to the administration, not to me, not to the companies -- that looked at the data and deemed it to be sound," he said. "So we need to put to rest any concept that this was rushed in an inappropriate way. This is really solid."

Fauci guarantees accuracy in Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine data

The manufacturers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-will-be-ready-by-december-serum-institute-ceo-adar-poonawalla-338684">Oxford-AstraZeneca</a> coronavirus vaccine have said that it produced fewer side effects in people aged 56 and over in phase 2 trial results.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-two-front-runners-in-the-vaccine-race-343777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The manufacturers said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-vaccine-produces-immune-response-among-the-elderly-and-young-alike-raising-hopes-of-effectiveness-338078">vaccine</a> was undergoing comprehensive phase 3 trials to confirm the results. The vaccine is being developed by the University of Oxford and&nbsp;AstraZeneca.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-deliveries-could-begin-before-christmas-344012">Also Read:&nbsp;Pfizer vaccine deliveries could begin before Christmas, if 'all goes well'</a>

The report said, "local and systemic reactions were more common in participants given ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 than in those given the control vaccine, and similar in nature to those previously reported (injection-site pain, feeling feverish, muscle ache, headache), but were less common in older adults (aged 56 years and above) than younger adults."

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NEW—UK’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine shows similar safety and immunogenicity results in healthy older adults (aged 56 years &amp; over) to those seen in adults aged 18-55 years: finding from a single-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial <a href="https://t.co/OKDSySPwfK">https://t.co/OKDSySPwfK</a> <a href="https://t.co/JyXRk5ZzPT">pic.twitter.com/JyXRk5ZzPT</a>
— The Lancet (@TheLancet) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheLancet/status/1329318995544186881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"In those receiving two standard doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, after the prime vaccination local reactions were reported in 43 (88 per cent) of 49 participants in the 18–55 years group, 22 (73 per cent) of 30 in the 56–69 years group, and 30 (61 per cent) of 49 in the 70 years and older group, and systemic reactions in 42 (86 per cent) participants in the 18–55 years group, 23 (77 per cent) in the 56–69 years group, and 32 (65 per cent) in the 70 years and older group," it said.

"As of Oct 26, 2020, 13 serious adverse events occurred during the study period, none of which were considered to be related to either study vaccine."

The current findings concluded that "ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 appears to be better tolerated in older adults than in younger adults and has similar immunogenicity across all age groups after a booster dose. Further assessment of the efficacy of this vaccine is warranted in all age groups and individuals with comorbidities."

Andre Pollard, an Oxford professor and lead author of the research told the Lancet medical journal that "it is crucial that COVID-19 vaccines are tested in this group who are also a priority group for immunisation."

The phase 2 trial involved 560 participants out of which 240 were over 70 and researchers said that responses were "similar" across all age groups.

The race for the coronavirus vaccine has picked up pace in recent weeks with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna announcing the results of phase 3 trials.

According to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-accuses-who-chief-dr-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus-of-supporting-tigray-region-344085">World Health Organization</a>(WHO), Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is one of 48 which is currently undergoing human trials against coronavirus.&nbsp;

The manufacturers of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine have said that it produced fewer side effects in people aged 56 and over in phase 2 trial results. Watch: The manufacturers said the vaccine was undergoing comprehensive phase 3 trials to confirm the results.

The manufacturers of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine have said that it produced fewer side effects in people aged 56 and over in phase 2 trial results. Watch: The manufacturers said the vaccine was undergoing comprehensive phase 3 trials to confirm the results. The vaccine is being developed by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca. Also Read: Pfizer vaccine deliveries could begin before Christmas, if 'all goes well' The report said, "local and systemic reactions were more common in participants given ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 than in those given the control vaccine, and similar in nature to those previously reported (injection-site pain, feeling feverish, muscle ache, headache), but were less common in older adults (aged 56 years and above) than younger adults." NEW—UK’s #COVID19 vaccine shows similar safety and immunogenicity results in healthy older adults (aged 56 years & over) to those seen in adults aged 18-55 years: finding from a single-blind, randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial https://t.co/OKDSySPwfK pic.twitter.com/JyXRk5ZzPT — The Lancet (@TheLancet) November 19, 2020 × "In those receiving two standard doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, after the prime vaccination local reactions were reported in 43 (88 per cent) of 49 participants in the 18–55 years group, 22 (73 per cent) of 30 in the 56–69 years group, and 30 (61 per cent) of 49 in the 70 years and older group, and systemic reactions in 42 (86 per cent) participants in the 18–55 years group, 23 (77 per cent) in the 56–69 years group, and 32 (65 per cent) in the 70 years and older group," it said. "As of Oct 26, 2020, 13 serious adverse events occurred during the study period, none of which were considered to be related to either study vaccine." The current findings concluded that "ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 appears to be better tolerated in older adults than in younger adults and has similar immunogenicity across all age groups after a booster dose. Further assessment of the efficacy of this vaccine is warranted in all age groups and individuals with comorbidities." Andre Pollard, an Oxford professor and lead author of the research told the Lancet medical journal that "it is crucial that COVID-19 vaccines are tested in this group who are also a priority group for immunisation." The phase 2 trial involved 560 participants out of which 240 were over 70 and researchers said that responses were "similar" across all age groups. The race for the coronavirus vaccine has picked up pace in recent weeks with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna announcing the results of phase 3 trials. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is one of 48 which is currently undergoing human trials against coronavirus.

Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine safe for older adults, results show

Britain has secured 5 million doses of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna Inc after it reported positive trial results, health minister Matt Hancock said on Monday (November 16), with the earliest doses expected for delivery in spring.

UK secures 5 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine