On Thursday, a panel of US government-appointed medical experts unanimously recommended Pfizer's and Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines over Johnson &amp; Johnson's due to its weaker protection and greater risks.&nbsp;

There was a 15-0 vote in favour of the new guidance, which applies to everyone over the age of 18.

Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signed off on the measure Thursday evening. "Today's updated recommendation emphasizes CDC's commitment to provide real-time scientific information to the public," she said in a statement, encouraging American citizens to get vaccinated and get coronavirus booster shots.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-drug-regulator-gives-go-ahead-for-pfizer-covid-pills-emergency-use-437518" hreflang="en">EU drug regulator gives go-ahead for Pfizer Covid pill's emergency use</a>

The recommendation steers the public away from J&amp;J's drug, which initially won praise in part because it could be stored at room temperature and performed well against earlier strains of the Coronavirus after just one shot.

However, it was later linked to clotting, especially among women of childbearing age, which led authorities to temporarily suspend its use then resume it in April. Since then, it has remained a distant third choice of vaccination among Americans.

It was discovered this week that this clotting effect is more prevalent than initially thought, and not necessarily restricted to females.

Additionally, preliminary laboratory testing indicates that the jab provides little protection against the new Omicron variant -- at least against infection.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-uk-reports-over-88000-covid-cases-highest-daily-since-pandemic-began-437395" hreflang="en">Omicron: UK reports over 88,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began</a>

CDC called the vote after new safety data raised concerns.&nbsp;

According to new data released by the CDC, nine people have died so far because of low platelet counts or Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), with around 16 million doses of vaccine administered.

As of August 31, there were 54 cases, 36 of which required intensive care. The survivors had long-term effects such as paralysis in some cases.

Women aged 30-49 were at the greatest risk, where TTS occurred at around a rate of one in 100,000.

The risk, however, isn't limited to women, with two of the nine deaths occurring among men. Additionally, the CDC said the death toll may be underestimated.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-likely-to-be-less-effective-against-omicron-variant-who-437383" hreflang="en">Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO</a>

TTS has caused fatalities in about one out of seven cases.&nbsp;

CDC scientist Sara Oliver told a committee of independent experts, they had several choices, including recommending not to use the vaccine altogether.&nbsp;

The panel of experts agreed, however, that the J&amp;J vaccine should remain available for people who, for whatever reasons, may refuse mRNA vaccines, despite their higher efficacy and lower risks.&nbsp;

In its discussion of risks and benefits, the CDC also said that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines carry risks, primarily for younger men who may in very rare cases develop myocarditis or pericarditis -- inflammation of or around the heart.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-lab-leak-most-likely-source-of-covid-19-british-mps-told-437529/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

No fatalities have been reported from these cases, and the two vaccines offer a much greater level of protection than the J&amp;J shot.

"The Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is a life saving tool for individuals in high risk populations," Penny Heaton, global therapeutic area head of vaccines at J&amp;J argued.

The panel agrees with the company that recommending against the J&amp;J shot completely would send an undesirable message to other areas of the world where the jab may be the only option.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, a panel of US government-appointed medical experts unanimously recommended Pfizer's and Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines over Johnson & Johnson's due to its weaker protection and greater risks.

On Thursday, a panel of US government-appointed medical experts unanimously recommended Pfizer's and Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccines over Johnson & Johnson's due to its weaker protection and greater risks. There was a 15-0 vote in favour of the new guidance, which applies to everyone over the age of 18. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signed off on the measure Thursday evening. "Today's updated recommendation emphasizes CDC's commitment to provide real-time scientific information to the public," she said in a statement, encouraging American citizens to get vaccinated and get coronavirus booster shots. Also read | EU drug regulator gives go-ahead for Pfizer Covid pill's emergency use The recommendation steers the public away from J&J's drug, which initially won praise in part because it could be stored at room temperature and performed well against earlier strains of the Coronavirus after just one shot. However, it was later linked to clotting, especially among women of childbearing age, which led authorities to temporarily suspend its use then resume it in April. Since then, it has remained a distant third choice of vaccination among Americans. It was discovered this week that this clotting effect is more prevalent than initially thought, and not necessarily restricted to females. Additionally, preliminary laboratory testing indicates that the jab provides little protection against the new Omicron variant -- at least against infection. Also read | Omicron: UK reports over 88,000 Covid cases, highest daily since pandemic began CDC called the vote after new safety data raised concerns. According to new data released by the CDC, nine people have died so far because of low platelet counts or Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), with around 16 million doses of vaccine administered. As of August 31, there were 54 cases, 36 of which required intensive care. The survivors had long-term effects such as paralysis in some cases. Women aged 30-49 were at the greatest risk, where TTS occurred at around a rate of one in 100,000. The risk, however, isn't limited to women, with two of the nine deaths occurring among men. Additionally, the CDC said the death toll may be underestimated. Also read | Covid vaccines likely to be less effective against Omicron variant: WHO TTS has caused fatalities in about one out of seven cases. CDC scientist Sara Oliver told a committee of independent experts, they had several choices, including recommending not to use the vaccine altogether. The panel of experts agreed, however, that the J&J vaccine should remain available for people who, for whatever reasons, may refuse mRNA vaccines, despite their higher efficacy and lower risks. In its discussion of risks and benefits, the CDC also said that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines carry risks, primarily for younger men who may in very rare cases develop myocarditis or pericarditis -- inflammation of or around the heart. Watch | Gravitas: Lab leak "most likely" source of Covid-19, British MPs told No fatalities have been reported from these cases, and the two vaccines offer a much greater level of protection than the J&J shot. "The Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is a life saving tool for individuals in high risk populations," Penny Heaton, global therapeutic area head of vaccines at J&J argued. The panel agrees with the company that recommending against the J&J shot completely would send an undesirable message to other areas of the world where the jab may be the only option. (With inputs from agencies)

Citing risk of clotting, US expert panel votes for the use of Moderna, Pfizer vaccines, over J&J

The US pharmaceutical company Moderna is going to develop a booster dose against the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Moderna said the company is working to address the new threat and it will also increase the dose of its existing vaccine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-new-variant-of-wuhan-virus-discovered-432230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel, "The mutations in the Omicron variant are concerning, and for several days, we have been moving as fast as possible to execute our strategy to address this variant."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-covid-19-variant-from-uk-to-france-countries-that-have-imposed-travel-curbs-432196">New COVID variant: From UK to France, countries that have imposed travel curbs</a>

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Omicron may spread more quickly than other forms, and preliminary evidence suggested there is an increased risk of reinfection.

The UN health agency's&nbsp;emergencies director Mike Ryan said&nbsp;"It's really important that there are no knee-jerk responses."

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva wrote on Twitter, "Failure to help vaccinate sub-Saharan Africa - still barely 4% of the population - left us all exposed to risk of a new, more virulent #COVID variant."

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Failure to help vaccinate sub-Saharan Africa—still barely 4% of the population—left us all exposed to risk of a new, more virulent <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVIDvariant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVIDvariant</a>. 
 
News of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Omicron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Omicron</a> is an urgent reminder of why we need to do even more to vaccinate the world.<a href="https://t.co/3qJwgZHdfA">https://t.co/3qJwgZHdfA</a> <a href="https://t.co/vEtwg6Wq3y">pic.twitter.com/vEtwg6Wq3y</a>
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) <a href="https://twitter.com/KGeorgieva/status/1464381600435777540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The variant has a spike protein that is dramatically different than the one in the original coronavirus that vaccines are based on, the UK Health Security Agency said, raising fears about how current vaccines will fare.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-variant-of-concern-omicron-raises-fears-globally-cases-have-been-detected-in-these-countries-432223" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: 'Variant of concern' Omicron raises fears globally; cases have been detected in these countries</a>

Epidemiologists warned travel curbs may be too late to stop Omicron from circulating globally.&nbsp;

The new mutations were first discovered in South Africa and have since been detected in Belgium, Botswana, Israel, and Hong Kong.

Lawrence Young, a virologist at Britain's University of Warwick, said&nbsp;"This new variant of the COVID-19 virus is very worrying. It is the most heavily mutated version of the virus we have seen to date."

"Some of the mutations that are similar to changes we've seen in other variants of concern are associated with enhanced transmissibility and with partial resistance to immunity induced by vaccination or natural infection."

(With inputs from agencies)

The US pharmaceutical company Moderna is going to develop a booster dose against the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Moderna said the company is working to address the new threat and it will also increase the dose of its existing vaccine.

The US pharmaceutical company Moderna is going to develop a booster dose against the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Moderna said the company is working to address the new threat and it will also increase the dose of its existing vaccine. According to Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel, "The mutations in the Omicron variant are concerning, and for several days, we have been moving as fast as possible to execute our strategy to address this variant." Also read | New COVID variant: From UK to France, countries that have imposed travel curbs The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Omicron may spread more quickly than other forms, and preliminary evidence suggested there is an increased risk of reinfection. The UN health agency's emergencies director Mike Ryan said "It's really important that there are no knee-jerk responses." IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva wrote on Twitter, "Failure to help vaccinate sub-Saharan Africa - still barely 4% of the population - left us all exposed to risk of a new, more virulent #COVID variant." Failure to help vaccinate sub-Saharan Africa—still barely 4% of the population—left us all exposed to risk of a new, more virulent #COVIDvariant. News of #Omicron is an urgent reminder of why we need to do even more to vaccinate the world.https://t.co/3qJwgZHdfA pic.twitter.com/vEtwg6Wq3y — Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) November 26, 2021 × The variant has a spike protein that is dramatically different than the one in the original coronavirus that vaccines are based on, the UK Health Security Agency said, raising fears about how current vaccines will fare. Also see | Coronavirus: 'Variant of concern' Omicron raises fears globally; cases have been detected in these countries Epidemiologists warned travel curbs may be too late to stop Omicron from circulating globally. The new mutations were first discovered in South Africa and have since been detected in Belgium, Botswana, Israel, and Hong Kong. Lawrence Young, a virologist at Britain's University of Warwick, said "This new variant of the COVID-19 virus is very worrying. It is the most heavily mutated version of the virus we have seen to date." "Some of the mutations that are similar to changes we've seen in other variants of concern are associated with enhanced transmissibility and with partial resistance to immunity induced by vaccination or natural infection." (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna says it will develop booster shot for new coronavirus variant

The United States authorised the&nbsp;Pfizer&nbsp;and Moderna Covid vaccine boosters to all people aged 18 and older on Friday,&nbsp;as the world's hardest-hit country enters a new winter wave of the pandemic.

Boosters were previously available to the immune compromised, over 65s, people at high risk of severe disease and people in high risk occupations.

The new decision "helps to provide continued protection against Covid-19, including the serious consequences that can occur, such as hospitalization and death," said acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock in a statement.

"This emergency use authorization comes at a critical time as we enter the winter months and face increasing Covid-19 case counts and hospitalizations across the country," added Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austria-to-impose-lockdown-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-surge-430542">Austria to impose lockdown as Europe grapples with virus surge</a>

The FDA said it based its decision on strong immune response data from hundreds of people dosed with the two vaccines.&nbsp;

Pfizer&nbsp;also carried out a clinical trial involving 10,000 people aged over 16 which found that the booster showed an efficacy against symptomatic infection of more than 95 percent compared to those who did not receive a booster.

This study was not cited by the FDA in making its decision, but it could nevertheless indicate the&nbsp;Pfizer&nbsp;vaccine works best as a three-dose shot -- or that the three-week time interval between first and second dose was never long enough to induce the best immune response.

Both vaccines are available to people six months after completing their primary series.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-to-bar-promotion-re-enlistment-for-soldiers-who-refuse-to-take-covid-vaccine-430505">US Army to bar promotion, re-enlistment for soldiers who refuse to take Covid vaccine</a>

Pfizer's vaccine is dosed at 30 micrograms, the same as the primary series, while Moderna's is 50 micrograms, half the primary series.

People who received the Johnson &amp; Johnson one dose vaccine were already eligible for a booster two months after their first shot.

The booster decision comes as cases are rapidly rising nationally, reaching 88,000 new infections per day on average as the country enters its fifth wave, according to the latest data.&nbsp;

Misgivings&nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a meeting later Friday to discuss clinical recommendations for who should now seek a vaccine.

The meeting should provide greater insight into the thinking of top federal advisors, some of whom have expressed misgivings about a "booster bonanza."

The vast majority of those people becoming hospitalized or dying with Covid are unvaccinated, and thus the best way to control the winter wave would be to reach those people, rather than topping up the vaccinated, the critics say.

A potential downside, they argue, is that vaccine holdouts might conclude the shots are ineffective.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another risk is a greater number of cases of vaccine-linked heart inflammation (myocarditis), especially among younger males.&nbsp;

Both companies are conducting post authorization studies to assess the risks of myocarditis.

Experts are in broad agreement that boosters alone can't resolve the pandemic while the poorest countries, especially in Africa, remain stuck in the single digit percentages for people covered by their primary vaccination series.&nbsp;

Last week, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decried the fact that rich countries are administering six times more vaccine doses everyday than low-income countries are delivering primary doses.

This increases the risk of new variants of concern emerging in those regions, which could eventually evade the protective action of current vaccines.

The United States authorised the Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccine boosters to all people aged 18 and older on Friday, as the world's hardest-hit country enters a new winter wave of the pandemic.

The United States authorised the Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccine boosters to all people aged 18 and older on Friday, as the world's hardest-hit country enters a new winter wave of the pandemic. Boosters were previously available to the immune compromised, over 65s, people at high risk of severe disease and people in high risk occupations. The new decision "helps to provide continued protection against Covid-19, including the serious consequences that can occur, such as hospitalization and death," said acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock in a statement. "This emergency use authorization comes at a critical time as we enter the winter months and face increasing Covid-19 case counts and hospitalizations across the country," added Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel. ALSO READ | Austria to impose lockdown as Europe grapples with virus surge The FDA said it based its decision on strong immune response data from hundreds of people dosed with the two vaccines. Pfizer also carried out a clinical trial involving 10,000 people aged over 16 which found that the booster showed an efficacy against symptomatic infection of more than 95 percent compared to those who did not receive a booster. This study was not cited by the FDA in making its decision, but it could nevertheless indicate the Pfizer vaccine works best as a three-dose shot -- or that the three-week time interval between first and second dose was never long enough to induce the best immune response. Both vaccines are available to people six months after completing their primary series. ALSO READ | US Army to bar promotion, re-enlistment for soldiers who refuse to take Covid vaccine Pfizer's vaccine is dosed at 30 micrograms, the same as the primary series, while Moderna's is 50 micrograms, half the primary series. People who received the Johnson & Johnson one dose vaccine were already eligible for a booster two months after their first shot. The booster decision comes as cases are rapidly rising nationally, reaching 88,000 new infections per day on average as the country enters its fifth wave, according to the latest data. Misgivings The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will hold a meeting later Friday to discuss clinical recommendations for who should now seek a vaccine. The meeting should provide greater insight into the thinking of top federal advisors, some of whom have expressed misgivings about a "booster bonanza." The vast majority of those people becoming hospitalized or dying with Covid are unvaccinated, and thus the best way to control the winter wave would be to reach those people, rather than topping up the vaccinated, the critics say. A potential downside, they argue, is that vaccine holdouts might conclude the shots are ineffective. Another risk is a greater number of cases of vaccine-linked heart inflammation (myocarditis), especially among younger males. Both companies are conducting post authorization studies to assess the risks of myocarditis. Experts are in broad agreement that boosters alone can't resolve the pandemic while the poorest countries, especially in Africa, remain stuck in the single digit percentages for people covered by their primary vaccination series. Last week, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus decried the fact that rich countries are administering six times more vaccine doses everyday than low-income countries are delivering primary doses. This increases the risk of new variants of concern emerging in those regions, which could eventually evade the protective action of current vaccines.

COVID-19: US authorises boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for all adults

Did Pfizer, BioNTech & Moderna prioritise their Wuhan virus vaccine supplies to rich countries to make billions in profits? A report has claimed that the companies are making $1000 per second in profits from their shots. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: 3 companies. 2 Covid-19 vaccines. $34 Billion in profits

South Korea is facing a rapid surge in coronavirus cases despite achieving a high rate of inoculation. The country is mulling to reduce the gap for booster doses from six to four months.

According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), ''Despite our high vaccination rate, we've confirmed clear rises in breakthrough infections among senior generations four months after they got the shot.''

''There is also a growing need for additional vaccination doses due to declining immunity from the Delta variants and as time passes.''&nbsp;

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Driving serious and critical cases to a record, elderly people above the age of 60 constitute more than 82 per cent of the record jump from the mid-300s in October to 460 on Wednesday.

South Korea's overall rate of vaccine breakthrough infections remains low at 85.5 people per every 100,000 inoculated.

However, as vaccine protection wanes over time, older people's immune system, which is much weaker than young people is making them more vulnerable to infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/semen-terrorism-angers-women-in-south-korea-404805">Also read |&nbsp;'Semen terrorism' angers women in South Korea</a>

As per the data released by the government, out of the total serious and critical patients with vaccine breakthrough infections in the past eight weeks, 93 per cent were from those aged 60 and above.

''The increase is not posing a threat to the country's healthcare system yet, as there are nearly 500 ICU beds available, said senior health ministry official Son Young-rae.

The country has inoculated 640,232 people with a booster shot, since the programme began last month, mainly using vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna.

South Korea started a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions this month, as it has fully vaccinated nearly 90 per cent&nbsp;of its adult population, or 77 per cent&nbsp;of its 52 million people.

The authorities have said a circuit breaker will be issued when there is a major strain on the number of hospital beds to treat serious cases, but have not revealed the exact threshold.

The country reported 2,425 new cases for Tuesday. It has recorded a total of 385,831 infections, with 3,012 deaths so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea is facing a rapid surge in coronavirus cases despite achieving a high rate of inoculation. The country is mulling to reduce the gap for booster doses from six to four months.

South Korea is facing a rapid surge in coronavirus cases despite achieving a high rate of inoculation. The country is mulling to reduce the gap for booster doses from six to four months. According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), ''Despite our high vaccination rate, we've confirmed clear rises in breakthrough infections among senior generations four months after they got the shot.'' ''There is also a growing need for additional vaccination doses due to declining immunity from the Delta variants and as time passes.'' Also read | South Korea to clamp down on cryptocurrency phishing activity Driving serious and critical cases to a record, elderly people above the age of 60 constitute more than 82 per cent of the record jump from the mid-300s in October to 460 on Wednesday. South Korea's overall rate of vaccine breakthrough infections remains low at 85.5 people per every 100,000 inoculated. However, as vaccine protection wanes over time, older people's immune system, which is much weaker than young people is making them more vulnerable to infections. Also read | 'Semen terrorism' angers women in South Korea As per the data released by the government, out of the total serious and critical patients with vaccine breakthrough infections in the past eight weeks, 93 per cent were from those aged 60 and above. ''The increase is not posing a threat to the country's healthcare system yet, as there are nearly 500 ICU beds available, said senior health ministry official Son Young-rae. The country has inoculated 640,232 people with a booster shot, since the programme began last month, mainly using vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna. South Korea started a gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions this month, as it has fully vaccinated nearly 90 per cent of its adult population, or 77 per cent of its 52 million people. The authorities have said a circuit breaker will be issued when there is a major strain on the number of hospital beds to treat serious cases, but have not revealed the exact threshold. The country reported 2,425 new cases for Tuesday. It has recorded a total of 385,831 infections, with 3,012 deaths so far. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea battling rapid surge in COVID-19 cases despite nearly 90% vaccination rate

Asserting that it had played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, US National Institutes of Health is going to court over co-ownership of its patent.

NIH Director Dr Francis Collins told Reuters news agency that&nbsp;NIH scientists&nbsp;had contributed immensely in making the vaccine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-joins-india-led-international-solar-alliance-becomes-101st-country-to-do-so-428309" hreflang="en">USA joins India-led International Solar Alliance, becomes 101st country to do so</a>

In its application filed in July, Moderna excluded three NIH scientists as co-inventors of a central patent for the company's multibillion-dollar COVID-19 vaccine, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. &nbsp;

In a statement emailed to Reuters, Moderna acknowledged that scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) played a "substantial role" in developing messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine of the company, but it disagreed with the agency's patent claims. &nbsp;

Earlier, Japan had put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. &nbsp;

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According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. &nbsp;

The development had come less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. &nbsp;

More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch was put on hold. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Asserting that it had played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, US National Institutes of Health is going to court over co-ownership of its patent.

Asserting that it had played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, US National Institutes of Health is going to court over co-ownership of its patent. NIH Director Dr Francis Collins told Reuters news agency that NIH scientists had contributed immensely in making the vaccine. Also Read: USA joins India-led International Solar Alliance, becomes 101st country to do so In its application filed in July, Moderna excluded three NIH scientists as co-inventors of a central patent for the company's multibillion-dollar COVID-19 vaccine, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. In a statement emailed to Reuters, Moderna acknowledged that scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) played a "substantial role" in developing messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine of the company, but it disagreed with the agency's patent claims. Earlier, Japan had put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. Also Read: How the SC’s gun case could affect California According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. The development had come less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch was put on hold. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim

Majority of the first-world and rich countries have managed to fully vaccinate at least half of its population against coronavirus. However, the whole continent of Africa has only been able to vaccinate five per cent of the total population.<o:p></o:p>

All over the world, nearly six billion doses of Covid vaccines have been administered but only 50 million people have been vaccinated in Africa. One main reason behind this huge difference is that the continent is largely dependent on other nations for supply of vaccines.<o:p></o:p>

However, Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines have now been tasked to figure out how are the mRNA vaccines against coronavirus can be made, which are somewhat similar to Moderna's Covid shots.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-scientists-are-using-reverse-engineering-technique-to-replicate-moderna-vaccine-424096">South Africa: Scientists are using reverse engineering technique to replicate Moderna vaccine</a></o:p>

"We know that six billion doses of vaccines have been administered, only 50 million people in Africa have been vaccinated," Petro Terblanche, Managing Director, Afrigen Biologics (pty) Ltd told WION. "That contrast is so glaring that we as a continent can no longer ignore the facts that we are too dependent on other countries and other organiser companies outside of our own region to supply vaccines."<o:p></o:p>

The company is&nbsp;planning to develop a technology transfer hub to ensure that manufacturers from all over the world can come together to celebrate and help citizens of their country.<o:p></o:p>

This platform will take nearly two to three years to be completed. "The hub, the platform was not created only for Covid. Covid is the catalyst and is the emergency, this was created for future production of vaccines required by lower middle-income countries," Terblanche told WION. "Now, there are only about 22 vaccines that are important for the burden for disease in Africa and other lower middle-income countries. This initiative is power of the Africa manufacturing strategy to establish capacity for own vaccine manufacturing."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/those-vaccinated-last-year-with-moderna-are-twice-likely-to-contract-covid-study-413571">Those vaccinated last year with Moderna are twice likely to contract Covid: Study</a><o:p></o:p>

However, the experts are not worried about the time this development is going to take. Terblanche explained that since Covid is still evolving in form of different variants, they believe that it is still going to take some years for this pandemic to completely eradicate. So, even if it takes three years to develop, it can help people as the experts aim to develop an improved vaccine which will be, hopefully, able to fight the new variants of concern too.<o:p></o:p>

She also admitted that the company has been facing a lot of pressure "about time, technology precision, regulatory requirements and around the dynamics that Moderna and Pfizer signing agreements with everyone but us," she laughed. However, she also added that the support from WHO experts and shareholders, along with the determined team makes them look at the positive side of this pressure.<o:p></o:p>

Majority of the first-world and rich countries have managed to fully vaccinate at least half of its population against coronavirus. However, the whole continent of Africa has only been able to vaccinate five per cent of the total population.

Majority of the first-world and rich countries have managed to fully vaccinate at least half of its population against coronavirus. However, the whole continent of Africa has only been able to vaccinate five per cent of the total population. All over the world, nearly six billion doses of Covid vaccines have been administered but only 50 million people have been vaccinated in Africa. One main reason behind this huge difference is that the continent is largely dependent on other nations for supply of vaccines. However, Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines have now been tasked to figure out how are the mRNA vaccines against coronavirus can be made, which are somewhat similar to Moderna's Covid shots. Also read | South Africa: Scientists are using reverse engineering technique to replicate Moderna vaccine "We know that six billion doses of vaccines have been administered, only 50 million people in Africa have been vaccinated," Petro Terblanche, Managing Director, Afrigen Biologics (pty) Ltd told WION. "That contrast is so glaring that we as a continent can no longer ignore the facts that we are too dependent on other countries and other organiser companies outside of our own region to supply vaccines." The company is planning to develop a technology transfer hub to ensure that manufacturers from all over the world can come together to celebrate and help citizens of their country. This platform will take nearly two to three years to be completed. "The hub, the platform was not created only for Covid. Covid is the catalyst and is the emergency, this was created for future production of vaccines required by lower middle-income countries," Terblanche told WION. "Now, there are only about 22 vaccines that are important for the burden for disease in Africa and other lower middle-income countries. This initiative is power of the Africa manufacturing strategy to establish capacity for own vaccine manufacturing." Also read | Those vaccinated last year with Moderna are twice likely to contract Covid: Study However, the experts are not worried about the time this development is going to take. Terblanche explained that since Covid is still evolving in form of different variants, they believe that it is still going to take some years for this pandemic to completely eradicate. So, even if it takes three years to develop, it can help people as the experts aim to develop an improved vaccine which will be, hopefully, able to fight the new variants of concern too. She also admitted that the company has been facing a lot of pressure "about time, technology precision, regulatory requirements and around the dynamics that Moderna and Pfizer signing agreements with everyone but us," she laughed. However, she also added that the support from WHO experts and shareholders, along with the determined team makes them look at the positive side of this pressure.

Exclusive: South African company hired to decode Moderna vaccine's recipe talks to WION

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-will-easily-drag-on-deep-into-2022-warns-who-422531">Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO</a>

"This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US&nbsp;government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines."

Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa.

The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements.

The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response.

"We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said.

The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines.

The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-approves-mix-and-match-strategy-for-all-covid-19-vaccines-approved-in-us-422505">FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US</a>

Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent.

"This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU.

Last month, the AU accused&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters.

The African Union (AU) intends to buy up to 110 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc in an arrangement brokered in part by the White House, which will defer delivery of some doses intended for the United States to facilitate the deal, officials told Reuters. The AU's doses will be delivered over the coming months, with 15 million arriving before the end of 2021, 35 million in the first quarter of next year and up to 60 million in the second quarter. Also Read | Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO "This is important as it allows us to increase the number of vaccines available immediately," AU coronavirus envoy Strive Masiyiwa said in an email. "We urge other vaccine producing countries to follow the lead of the (US government) and give us similar access to buy this and other vaccines." Masiyiwa said the Moderna purchase represented the first time the 55-member AU had secured vaccines that were not fully produced in Africa. The new shipments of vaccine are well below what Africa needs to vaccinate its 1.3 billion people, who have had far less access to the life-saving vaccines than more prosperous parts of the world. Getting access to Moderna vaccines adds diversity to the AU's vaccine supply with different storage requirements. The Biden administration is deferring delivery of 33 million doses it had bought from Moderna to give the AU its "spot in line" to make a purchase, according to Natalie Quillian, the White House's deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response. "We are grateful to have helped negotiate this encouraging step forward between Moderna and the African Union that will significantly expand access to vaccines on the continent in the near-term," Quillian said. The United States, which has seen more than 700,000 people die from COVID-19, is flush with vaccines. The delayed Moderna deliveries will not have an impact on efforts to provide booster shots to already inoculated Americans, Quillian said. Also Read | FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US Moderna said it was working to make it possible to fill doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Africa by 2023 and has plans to build a manufacturing plant on the continent. "This is the first step in our long-term partnership with the African Union," Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in a statement, referring to a Memorandum of Understanding to make up to 110 million doses for the AU. Last month, the AU accused COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers of denying African countries a fair chance to buy vaccines and urged manufacturing countries, in particular India, to lift export restrictions on vaccines and their components.

African Union to buy up to 110 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccines - officials

The European Union medicines agency has approved Moderna's COVID-19 booster vaccine for people aged 18 and above. It is the second booster vaccine to be approved in the EU.

EU medicines agency approves Moderna's booster shot for people aged 18 and above

The coronavirus vaccine made by Moderna is safe and produces a powerful immune response in children ages 6 through 11, the company said Monday.

One month after immunisation was complete, the children in Moderna’s trial had antibody levels that were 1.5 times higher than those seen in young adults, the company said.

Moderna did not release the full data, nor are the results published in a peer-reviewed journal. The results were announced one day before an advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to review data for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children 5 through 11.

Moderna tested two shots of the vaccine given 28 days apart in 4,753 children. They received 50 micrograms of vaccine, half the adult dose, in each shot. (Last week, based on data showing that the half dose is still highly effective, the FDA authorised a booster shot of the Moderna vaccine at this dose.)

Moderna submitted study results for the vaccine’s use for adolescents 12 through 17 in June, but the FDA has not yet announced a decision for that age group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-emergency-workers-protest-against-vaccine-mandate-in-new-york-423979">Also read |&nbsp;Hundreds of emergency workers protest against vaccine mandate in New York</a>

Some research indicates that the Moderna vaccine may increase the risk of a rare side effect called myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, in boys and young men. In July, the FDA asked both Pfizer and Moderna to expand the size of their trials in order to detect less common side effects.

In children aged 6 through 11, most of the side events were mild or moderate; the most common were fatigue, headache, fever and pain at the injection site, Moderna said in its statement Monday. An independent committee will continue to review the vaccine’s safety in the trial participants for 12 months after the second dose.

Moderna is still recruiting children aged 2 through 5 and 6 months to under 2 years for trials of the vaccine in those age groups. The company has enrolled about 5,700 children in the United States and Canada in the trial.

Moderna plans to submit the results soon to the FDA and to regulatory agencies in Europe and elsewhere, the company said.

The coronavirus vaccine made by Moderna is safe and produces a powerful immune response in children ages 6 through 11, the company said Monday. One month after immunisation was complete, the children in Moderna’s trial had antibody levels that were 1.

The coronavirus vaccine made by Moderna is safe and produces a powerful immune response in children ages 6 through 11, the company said Monday. One month after immunisation was complete, the children in Moderna’s trial had antibody levels that were 1.5 times higher than those seen in young adults, the company said. Moderna did not release the full data, nor are the results published in a peer-reviewed journal. The results were announced one day before an advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to review data for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in children 5 through 11. Moderna tested two shots of the vaccine given 28 days apart in 4,753 children. They received 50 micrograms of vaccine, half the adult dose, in each shot. (Last week, based on data showing that the half dose is still highly effective, the FDA authorised a booster shot of the Moderna vaccine at this dose.) Moderna submitted study results for the vaccine’s use for adolescents 12 through 17 in June, but the FDA has not yet announced a decision for that age group. Also read | Hundreds of emergency workers protest against vaccine mandate in New York Some research indicates that the Moderna vaccine may increase the risk of a rare side effect called myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, in boys and young men. In July, the FDA asked both Pfizer and Moderna to expand the size of their trials in order to detect less common side effects. In children aged 6 through 11, most of the side events were mild or moderate; the most common were fatigue, headache, fever and pain at the injection site, Moderna said in its statement Monday. An independent committee will continue to review the vaccine’s safety in the trial participants for 12 months after the second dose. Moderna is still recruiting children aged 2 through 5 and 6 months to under 2 years for trials of the vaccine in those age groups. The company has enrolled about 5,700 children in the United States and Canada in the trial. Moderna plans to submit the results soon to the FDA and to regulatory agencies in Europe and elsewhere, the company said.

Moderna’s COVID vaccine produces strong immune response in younger children

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country.

The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations."&nbsp;

With the highly infectious Delta variant of coronavirus causing breakthrough infections among those who are fully vaccinated, the move will pave way for millions of Americans to ensure additional safety.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-should-you-mix-and-match-wuhan-virus-vaccines-is-it-safe-397930/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have joined the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that had been granted authorisation for booster shots six months ago.

Now, people living in the United States have the freedom to choose a different shot for their booster dose than their original inoculation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/small-needles-short-lines-and-few-tears-bidens-plan-to-vaccinate-young-children-422493" hreflang="en">Small needles, short lines and few tears: Biden’s plan to vaccinate young children</a>

The advisory panel had conducted a study those that are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for Covid, or over 18 and have high occupational exposure.

The study was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health on 458 participants and showed that that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types was safe in adults.

The Biden administration has announced a detailed plan for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years.

''The vaccine will have packaging available in smaller configurations that will make it easier for physicians’ offices and other smaller, community-based providers to offer the vaccine to kids and their families,'' it said in a statement.

Last month, the White House had announced plans to bolster its vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on booster shots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-people-can-get-infected-by-coronavirus-every-16-months-experts-422374">Also read |&nbsp;Unvaccinated people can get infected by coronavirus every 16 months: Experts</a>

This had added pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to approve more vaccines.

As per the CDC, approximately 11.2 million people in the United States have received a booster dose.

The mix and match strategy has been supported by several countries including the United Kingdom that has widely backed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. 
&nbsp;

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country. The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a 'mix and match' strategy for all vaccines authorised in the country. The agency said in a statement, "The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations." With the highly infectious Delta variant of coronavirus causing breakthrough infections among those who are fully vaccinated, the move will pave way for millions of Americans to ensure additional safety. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have joined the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that had been granted authorisation for booster shots six months ago. Now, people living in the United States have the freedom to choose a different shot for their booster dose than their original inoculation. Also read | Small needles, short lines and few tears: Biden’s plan to vaccinate young children The advisory panel had conducted a study those that are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for Covid, or over 18 and have high occupational exposure. The study was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health on 458 participants and showed that that "mixing and matching" booster shots of different types was safe in adults. The Biden administration has announced a detailed plan for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years. ''The vaccine will have packaging available in smaller configurations that will make it easier for physicians’ offices and other smaller, community-based providers to offer the vaccine to kids and their families,'' it said in a statement. Last month, the White House had announced plans to bolster its vaccination campaign, focusing mainly on booster shots. Also read | Unvaccinated people can get infected by coronavirus every 16 months: Experts This had added pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA to approve more vaccines. As per the CDC, approximately 11.2 million people in the United States have received a booster dose. The mix and match strategy has been supported by several countries including the United Kingdom that has widely backed the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US

People who received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine shot had a lower risk of infection compared to those immunised with both doses of the AstraZeneca preventive, according to a nationwide study in Sweden.

Since the use of AstraZeneca's vector-based vaccine against COVID-19 was halted for people younger than 65 years of age due to safety concerns, all individuals in Sweden who had already received their first dose of this vaccine were recommended an mRNA vaccine as their second dose.

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"Having received any of the approved vaccines is better compared to no vaccine, and two doses are better than one," said Peter Nordstrom, a professor at Umea University, Sweden.

"However, our study shows a greater risk reduction for people who received an mRNA vaccine after having received a first dose of a vector-based, as compared to people having received the vector-based vaccine for both doses," Nordstrom said.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe journal on Monday, is based on nationwide registry data from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and Statistics Sweden.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-covaxin-gets-emergency-use-nod-for-children-aged-2-18-years-420111">COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years</a>

In the main analysis, about 700,000 individuals were included. During a 2.5-month average follow-up period after the second dose, the study showed a 67 per cent lower risk of infection for the combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccine shots.

There was a 79 per cent lower risk of infection for AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccine shots, compared to unvaccinated individuals, the researchers said.

For people having received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield in India, the risk reduction was 50, they said.

These risk estimates were observed after accounting for differences regarding date of vaccination, age of the participants, socioeconomic status, and other risk factors for COVID-19.

The researchers noted that the study estimates of effectiveness apply to infection with the Delta variant, which was dominating the confirmed cases during the follow-up period.

"The results of the study may have implications for vaccination strategies in different countries," said Marcel Ballin, doctoral student at Umea University, and co-author of the study.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-experts-recommend-moderna-booster-for-older-and-at-risk-groups-420849">US experts recommend Moderna booster for older and at-risk groups</a>

"The World Health Organization has stated that despite the promising results from previous studies regarding immune response from mix-and-match vaccination, there is a need for larger studies to investigate their safety and effectiveness against clinical outcomes. Here we now have one such study," Ballin said.

There was a very low incidence of adverse thromboembolic events, or formation of blood clots in blood vessels, for all vaccine schedules, according to the researchers.

The number of COVID-19 cases severe enough to result in inpatient hospitalisation was too low for the researchers to be able to calculate the effectiveness against this outcome.

Past studies have demonstrated that mix-and-match vaccine schedules generate a robust immune response.

However, it has been unclear to which extent these schedules may reduce the risk of clinical infection, the researchers said, adding that their study aimed to fill that knowledge gap.

People who received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine shot had a lower risk of infection compared to those immunised with both doses of the AstraZeneca preventive, according to a nationwide study in Sweden.

People who received a first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine shot had a lower risk of infection compared to those immunised with both doses of the AstraZeneca preventive, according to a nationwide study in Sweden. Since the use of AstraZeneca's vector-based vaccine against COVID-19 was halted for people younger than 65 years of age due to safety concerns, all individuals in Sweden who had already received their first dose of this vaccine were recommended an mRNA vaccine as their second dose. Also Read | Sydney eases more COVID-19 curbs as vaccinations pass milestone "Having received any of the approved vaccines is better compared to no vaccine, and two doses are better than one," said Peter Nordstrom, a professor at Umea University, Sweden. "However, our study shows a greater risk reduction for people who received an mRNA vaccine after having received a first dose of a vector-based, as compared to people having received the vector-based vaccine for both doses," Nordstrom said. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe journal on Monday, is based on nationwide registry data from the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and Statistics Sweden. Also Read | COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years In the main analysis, about 700,000 individuals were included. During a 2.5-month average follow-up period after the second dose, the study showed a 67 per cent lower risk of infection for the combination of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccine shots. There was a 79 per cent lower risk of infection for AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccine shots, compared to unvaccinated individuals, the researchers said. For people having received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, known as Covishield in India, the risk reduction was 50, they said. These risk estimates were observed after accounting for differences regarding date of vaccination, age of the participants, socioeconomic status, and other risk factors for COVID-19. The researchers noted that the study estimates of effectiveness apply to infection with the Delta variant, which was dominating the confirmed cases during the follow-up period. "The results of the study may have implications for vaccination strategies in different countries," said Marcel Ballin, doctoral student at Umea University, and co-author of the study. Also Read | US experts recommend Moderna booster for older and at-risk groups "The World Health Organization has stated that despite the promising results from previous studies regarding immune response from mix-and-match vaccination, there is a need for larger studies to investigate their safety and effectiveness against clinical outcomes. Here we now have one such study," Ballin said. There was a very low incidence of adverse thromboembolic events, or formation of blood clots in blood vessels, for all vaccine schedules, according to the researchers. The number of COVID-19 cases severe enough to result in inpatient hospitalisation was too low for the researchers to be able to calculate the effectiveness against this outcome. Past studies have demonstrated that mix-and-match vaccine schedules generate a robust immune response. However, it has been unclear to which extent these schedules may reduce the risk of clinical infection, the researchers said, adding that their study aimed to fill that knowledge gap.

Mix-and-match vaccines highly effective against COVID-19: Lancet study

Sydney is all set to end its quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers from November 1, the country had closed its international borders in March 2020 due to pandemic. Here's more on Covid-19 latest updates.

Covid-19 Latest News Updates: Sydney to end quarantine; FDA Advisers back Moderna booster shot

An expert committee on Thursday recommended a booster dose of Moderna's anti-Covid vaccine in the United States for certain at-risk groups, a month after making a similar decision for the Pfizer shot.

The opinion submitted by the advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration -- composed of researchers, epidemiologists and infectious disease experts -- is not binding, but it is rare for the FDA not to follow it.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-covaxin-gets-emergency-use-nod-for-children-aged-2-18-years-420111">COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years</a>

After a day of debate, the experts decided to authorize a booster dose of Moderna for three categories of people: the over-65s, people aged between 18 and 64 who are at a higher risk of developing a severe version of the coronavirus, and those whose work may involve frequent exposure to the virus.&nbsp;

The same definitions were adopted for the Pfizer booster.&nbsp;

The last category includes supermarket workers, health workers, prisoners and people in homeless shelters.&nbsp;

The booster can be administered six months after the second injection of Moderna's vaccine. The dosage is 50 micrograms, which is half the dosage of the initial shots.&nbsp;

A Moderna representative told the panel the booster would help combat the Delta variant, at a time when vaccine effectiveness has been observed to decline over time against infection and mild cases of the disease, even though it remains effective against severe cases.&nbsp;

The committee will meet again on Friday to deliver its verdict on a booster dose for the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-2367-million-419033">Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million</a>

It will also discuss the results of a study published this week that looked at the possibility of using a different vaccine for the booster shot than that used for the initial dose, which at the moment is not authorized in the United States.

The study suggests that people who have received the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine may benefit from a booster dose of a different, messenger-RNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna.&nbsp;

Almost 15 million Americans have received a dose of the J&amp;J vaccine, and nearly 70 million are fully vaccinated with Moderna.&nbsp;

If the FDA officially allows booster shots for these two vaccines, an expert committee from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) will in turn have to deliver its own opinion next week, at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

As a final step, the CDC will have to publish precise recommendations for these injections, intended for healthcare professionals administering them.

An expert committee on Thursday recommended a booster dose of Moderna's anti-Covid vaccine in the United States for certain at-risk groups, a month after making a similar decision for the Pfizer shot.

An expert committee on Thursday recommended a booster dose of Moderna's anti-Covid vaccine in the United States for certain at-risk groups, a month after making a similar decision for the Pfizer shot. The opinion submitted by the advisory committee of the Food and Drug Administration -- composed of researchers, epidemiologists and infectious disease experts -- is not binding, but it is rare for the FDA not to follow it. Also Read | COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years After a day of debate, the experts decided to authorize a booster dose of Moderna for three categories of people: the over-65s, people aged between 18 and 64 who are at a higher risk of developing a severe version of the coronavirus, and those whose work may involve frequent exposure to the virus. The same definitions were adopted for the Pfizer booster. The last category includes supermarket workers, health workers, prisoners and people in homeless shelters. The booster can be administered six months after the second injection of Moderna's vaccine. The dosage is 50 micrograms, which is half the dosage of the initial shots. A Moderna representative told the panel the booster would help combat the Delta variant, at a time when vaccine effectiveness has been observed to decline over time against infection and mild cases of the disease, even though it remains effective against severe cases. The committee will meet again on Friday to deliver its verdict on a booster dose for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Also Read | Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million It will also discuss the results of a study published this week that looked at the possibility of using a different vaccine for the booster shot than that used for the initial dose, which at the moment is not authorized in the United States. The study suggests that people who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may benefit from a booster dose of a different, messenger-RNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna. Almost 15 million Americans have received a dose of the J&J vaccine, and nearly 70 million are fully vaccinated with Moderna. If the FDA officially allows booster shots for these two vaccines, an expert committee from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) will in turn have to deliver its own opinion next week, at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. As a final step, the CDC will have to publish precise recommendations for these injections, intended for healthcare professionals administering them.

US experts recommend Moderna booster for older and at-risk groups

Scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that Moderna did not meet all of the criteria to support use of booster doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, here's why.

Covid Vaccine Update | FDA: Moderna didn't meet all criteria

People who received Johnson &amp; Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine may benefit from a booster dose of Pfizer or&nbsp;Moderna, preliminary results of a US study published Wednesday showed.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was eagerly awaited in the United States because it looked at the possibility of "mixing" vaccines, using a different vaccine than the initial doses for the booster shot,&nbsp;which is not currently allowed in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-it-is-last-chance-to-find-origin-of-covid-19-420559">WHO says it is 'last chance' to find origin of COVID-19</a>

The study was conducted on 458 adults who had been vaccinated with one of three US-approved brands (Pfizer,&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;or J&amp;J) for at least 12 weeks.

These three groups were each divided into three new groups to receive one of the available vaccines as a booster. The nine groups consisted of about 50 people each.

Researchers then analyzed antibody levels 15 days after the booster shot.

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For people originally inoculated with J&amp;J, antibody levels were four times higher after a J&amp;J booster, 35 times higher after a Pfizer booster and 76 times higher after a&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;booster.

And antibody levels for those who had originally received&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;shots were higher "irrespective of the booster vaccine administered," when compared with those who had initially received Pfizer or J&amp;J, the study said.

Additionally, "no safety concerns were identified" after booster doses were administered, it found.

The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, has several limitations, however.

The number of participants was small, and the immune response could evolve over time, beyond the 15 days observed during the study.

"Important not to get too carried away with the findings," tweeted Peter Hotez, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

Results from trials on a second J&amp;J booster shot conducted by the company itself were "impressive," he said.

The NIH study should fuel discussions by a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expert committee, which is scheduled to consider applications for a booster dose from&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;and J&amp;J on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

A booster from Pfizer has already been approved in the United States for certain populations, such as people aged 65 or older, adults with high-risk medical conditions and those in jobs where they are frequently exposed to the coronavirus.

People who received Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine may benefit from a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna, preliminary results of a US study published Wednesday showed.

People who received Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine may benefit from a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna, preliminary results of a US study published Wednesday showed. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was eagerly awaited in the United States because it looked at the possibility of "mixing" vaccines, using a different vaccine than the initial doses for the booster shot, which is not currently allowed in the country. Also read | WHO says it is 'last chance' to find origin of COVID-19 The study was conducted on 458 adults who had been vaccinated with one of three US-approved brands (Pfizer, Moderna or J&J) for at least 12 weeks. These three groups were each divided into three new groups to receive one of the available vaccines as a booster. The nine groups consisted of about 50 people each. Researchers then analyzed antibody levels 15 days after the booster shot. Also read | Smoking, marijuana may increase risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection: Study For people originally inoculated with J&J, antibody levels were four times higher after a J&J booster, 35 times higher after a Pfizer booster and 76 times higher after a Moderna booster. And antibody levels for those who had originally received Moderna shots were higher "irrespective of the booster vaccine administered," when compared with those who had initially received Pfizer or J&J, the study said. Additionally, "no safety concerns were identified" after booster doses were administered, it found. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, has several limitations, however. The number of participants was small, and the immune response could evolve over time, beyond the 15 days observed during the study. "Important not to get too carried away with the findings," tweeted Peter Hotez, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Results from trials on a second J&J booster shot conducted by the company itself were "impressive," he said. The NIH study should fuel discussions by a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expert committee, which is scheduled to consider applications for a booster dose from Moderna and J&J on Thursday and Friday, respectively. A booster from Pfizer has already been approved in the United States for certain populations, such as people aged 65 or older, adults with high-risk medical conditions and those in jobs where they are frequently exposed to the coronavirus.

Moderna or Pfizer booster works better for people vaccinated with J&J: Study

Moderna, whose coronavirus vaccine appears to be the world’s best defense against COVID-19, has been supplying its shots almost exclusively to wealthy nations, keeping poorer countries waiting and earning billions in profit.

After developing a breakthrough vaccine with the financial and scientific support of the U.S. government, Moderna has shipped a greater share of its doses to wealthy countries than any other vaccine manufacturer, according to Airfinity, a data firm that tracks vaccine shipments.

About 1 million doses of Moderna’s vaccine have gone to countries that the World Bank classifies as low income. By contrast, 8.4 million Pfizer doses and about 25 million single-shot Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson doses have gone to those countries.

Of the handful of middle-income countries that have reached deals to buy Moderna’s shots, most have not yet received any doses, and at least three have had to pay more than the United States or European Union did, according to government officials in those countries.

Thailand and Colombia are paying a premium. Botswana’s doses are late. Tunisia could not get in touch with Moderna.

Unlike Pfizer, Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca, which have diverse rosters of drugs and other products, Moderna sells only the COVID vaccine. The Massachusetts company’s future hinges on the commercial success of its vaccine.

“They are behaving as if they have absolutely no responsibility beyond maximizing the return on investment,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, a former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Moderna executives have said that they are doing all they can to make as many doses as possible as quickly as possible but that their production capacity remains limited. All of the doses they produce this year are filling existing orders from governments such as the EU.

Even so, the Biden administration has grown increasingly frustrated with Moderna for not making its vaccine more available to poorer countries, two senior administration officials said. The administration has been pressing Moderna executives to increase production at U.S. plants and to license the company’s technology to overseas manufacturers that could make doses for foreign markets.

Moderna is now scrambling to defend itself against accusations that it is putting a priority on the rich.

On Friday, after The New York Times sent detailed questions about how few poor countries had been given access to Moderna’s vaccine, the company announced it was “currently investing” to increase its output so it could deliver 1 billion doses to low-income countries in 2022. The company also said this past week that it would open a factory in Africa, without specifying when.

Moderna executives have been talking with the Biden administration about selling low-cost doses to the federal government, which would donate them to poorer countries, as Pfizer has agreed to do, the two senior officials said. The negotiations are continuing.

In an interview Friday, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said that “it is sad” that his company’s vaccine had not reached more people in poorer countries but that the situation was out of his control.

He said that Moderna tried and failed last year to get governments to kick in money to expand the company’s scant production capacity and that the company decides how much to charge based on factors including how many doses are ordered and how wealthy a country is. (A Moderna spokesperson disputed Airfinity’s calculation that the company had provided 900,000 doses to low-income countries, but she did not provide an alternate figure.)

Nearly a year after Western countries began sprinting to vaccinate their populations, the focus in recent months has shifted to the severe vaccine shortages in many parts of the world. Dozens of poorer countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, had vaccinated less than 10% of their populations as of Sept. 30.

In August, for example, Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson faced rebukes from the director-general of the World Health Organization and public health activists after the Times reported that doses of that shot produced in South Africa were being exported to wealthier countries.

Biden administration officials are especially frustrated with what they see as Moderna’s lack of cooperation, because the U.S. government has provided the company with critical assistance.

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health worked with the company to develop the vaccine. The United States kicked in $1.3 billion for clinical trials and other research. And in August 2020, the government agreed to preorder $1.5 billion of the vaccine, guaranteeing that Moderna would have a market for what was an unproven product.

Although clinical trials last year found that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were similarly effective, more-recent studies suggest that Moderna’s shot is superior. It offers longer-lasting protection and is easier to transport and store.

Moderna’s shot is “essentially the premium vaccine,” said Karen Andersen, an industry analyst at Morningstar. “They’re in a position where they probably don’t need to sacrifice too much on pricing in a lot of these deals.”

There is limited public information about the deals that Moderna has struck with individual governments. Of the 22 countries, plus the EU, to which Moderna and its distributors have reported selling the shots, none are low income, and only the Philippines is classified as lower-middle income. (Six are upper-middle income.)

Pfizer, by comparison, said it had agreed to sell its vaccine at discounted prices to 12 upper-middle-income countries, five lower-middle-income governments and one poor country, Rwanda. (Tunisia, for example, is paying about $7 per dose.)

Only a handful of governments have disclosed how much they are paying for Moderna doses. The United States paid $15-$16.50 for each shot, on top of the $1.3 billion the government gave Moderna to develop its vaccine. The EU has paid $22.60-$25.50 for its Moderna doses.

Botswana, Thailand and Colombia, which the World Bank classifies as upper-middle-income countries, have said they are paying $27-$30 per Moderna dose.

The lack of transparency about how much other governments are paying has put relatively poor countries in a weak bargaining position. They are “negotiating totally in the dark,” said Kate Elder, who advises Doctors Without Borders on vaccine policy.

In some cases, Moderna has offered to provide poorer countries the vaccine at relatively low prices, but only after it has fulfilled other countries’ orders.

In May, Moderna offered the African Union doses for about $10 each, according to a bloc official involved in the discussions. But the doses would not be available until next year, causing the talks to fall apart, according to two African Union officials.

Dr. Ayoade Alakija, who helps run the African Union’s vaccine delivery program but was not involved in the procurement discussions, said Moderna’s attitude amounted to, “We’re here to make money. We’ve stumbled upon a good thing, and we’re not even trying to pretend that we’re trying to save the world.”

Moderna’s COVID vaccine has been transformative for the company and its leaders. The company has said it expects its vaccine to generate at least $20 billion in revenue this year, which would make it one of the most lucrative medical products in history. Andersen, the Morningstar analyst, projected that the company’s profits on the vaccine could be as high as $14 billion. In 2019, Moderna reported total revenue of $60 million.

Moderna’s market value has nearly tripled this year to more than $120 billion. Two of its founders, as well as an early investor, this month made Forbes magazine’s list of the 400 richest people in the United States.

As the coronavirus spread in early 2020, Moderna raced to design its vaccine — which uses a new technology known as messenger RNA — and to plan a safety study. To manufacture the doses for that trial, the company received $900,000 from the nonprofit Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

The nonprofit group said Moderna had agreed to its “equitable access principles.” That meant, according to the coalition, that the vaccine would be “first available to populations when and where they are needed and at prices that are affordable to the populations at risk, especially low- and middle-income countries or to public sector entities that procure on their behalf.”

Moderna agreed in May to provide up to 34 million vaccine doses this year as well as up to 466 million doses in 2022 to Covax, the struggling United Nations-backed program to vaccinate the world’s poor. The company has not yet shipped any of those doses, according to a Covax spokesperson, although Covax has distributed tens of millions of Moderna doses donated by the United States.

Bancel said many more doses would have gone to Covax this year had the two parties reached a supply deal in 2020. Aurélia Nguyen, a Covax official, denied that, saying, “It became clear early on that the best we could expect was minimal doses in 2021.”

Late last year, the Tunisian government was hoping to order Moderna doses. Dr. Hechmi Louzir, who led Tunisia’s vaccine procurement efforts, did not know how to contact Moderna to begin talks and asked the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia for help, he said. Officials there contacted Moderna, he said, but nothing came of it.

“We were very interested in Moderna,” Louzir said. “We tried.”

In Thailand, where about 32% of people are fully vaccinated, a government spokesperson said the government was paying Moderna about $28 per dose for 1 million shots that are designated for vulnerable people. Deliveries from that order will start next year.

In Botswana, the health minister told Parliament in July that the government had ordered 500,000 shots from Moderna at nearly $29 per dose — enough to fully vaccinate about 10% of the population. (That would roughly double the number of Botswanans who are fully vaccinated.) A spokesperson for the Health Ministry said that the doses were expected to start arriving in August but that none had yet arrived.

Colombia ordered 10 million shots from Moderna. The government budgeted about $30 per dose, a price that may include the cost of transportation and other logistics, according to Finance Ministry documents. The country's health minister, Dr. Fernando Ruiz, said Moderna’s vaccine was the most expensive among the COVID shots that Colombia had ordered.

There were some initial delays, Ruiz said. The first deliveries, expected in early June, came in August. About 2.3 million had arrived as of Friday.

Moderna, whose coronavirus vaccine appears to be the world’s best defense against COVID-19, has been supplying its shots almost exclusively to wealthy nations, keeping poorer countries waiting and earning billions in profit.

Moderna, whose coronavirus vaccine appears to be the world’s best defense against COVID-19, has been supplying its shots almost exclusively to wealthy nations, keeping poorer countries waiting and earning billions in profit. After developing a breakthrough vaccine with the financial and scientific support of the U.S. government, Moderna has shipped a greater share of its doses to wealthy countries than any other vaccine manufacturer, according to Airfinity, a data firm that tracks vaccine shipments. About 1 million doses of Moderna’s vaccine have gone to countries that the World Bank classifies as low income. By contrast, 8.4 million Pfizer doses and about 25 million single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson doses have gone to those countries. Of the handful of middle-income countries that have reached deals to buy Moderna’s shots, most have not yet received any doses, and at least three have had to pay more than the United States or European Union did, according to government officials in those countries. Thailand and Colombia are paying a premium. Botswana’s doses are late. Tunisia could not get in touch with Moderna. Unlike Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca, which have diverse rosters of drugs and other products, Moderna sells only the COVID vaccine. The Massachusetts company’s future hinges on the commercial success of its vaccine. “They are behaving as if they have absolutely no responsibility beyond maximizing the return on investment,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, a former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moderna executives have said that they are doing all they can to make as many doses as possible as quickly as possible but that their production capacity remains limited. All of the doses they produce this year are filling existing orders from governments such as the EU. Even so, the Biden administration has grown increasingly frustrated with Moderna for not making its vaccine more available to poorer countries, two senior administration officials said. The administration has been pressing Moderna executives to increase production at U.S. plants and to license the company’s technology to overseas manufacturers that could make doses for foreign markets. Moderna is now scrambling to defend itself against accusations that it is putting a priority on the rich. On Friday, after The New York Times sent detailed questions about how few poor countries had been given access to Moderna’s vaccine, the company announced it was “currently investing” to increase its output so it could deliver 1 billion doses to low-income countries in 2022. The company also said this past week that it would open a factory in Africa, without specifying when. Moderna executives have been talking with the Biden administration about selling low-cost doses to the federal government, which would donate them to poorer countries, as Pfizer has agreed to do, the two senior officials said. The negotiations are continuing. In an interview Friday, Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said that “it is sad” that his company’s vaccine had not reached more people in poorer countries but that the situation was out of his control. He said that Moderna tried and failed last year to get governments to kick in money to expand the company’s scant production capacity and that the company decides how much to charge based on factors including how many doses are ordered and how wealthy a country is. (A Moderna spokesperson disputed Airfinity’s calculation that the company had provided 900,000 doses to low-income countries, but she did not provide an alternate figure.) Nearly a year after Western countries began sprinting to vaccinate their populations, the focus in recent months has shifted to the severe vaccine shortages in many parts of the world. Dozens of poorer countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, had vaccinated less than 10% of their populations as of Sept. 30. In August, for example, Johnson &amp; Johnson faced rebukes from the director-general of the World Health Organization and public health activists after the Times reported that doses of that shot produced in South Africa were being exported to wealthier countries. Biden administration officials are especially frustrated with what they see as Moderna’s lack of cooperation, because the U.S. government has provided the company with critical assistance. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health worked with the company to develop the vaccine. The United States kicked in $1.3 billion for clinical trials and other research. And in August 2020, the government agreed to preorder $1.5 billion of the vaccine, guaranteeing that Moderna would have a market for what was an unproven product. Although clinical trials last year found that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were similarly effective, more-recent studies suggest that Moderna’s shot is superior. It offers longer-lasting protection and is easier to transport and store. Moderna’s shot is “essentially the premium vaccine,” said Karen Andersen, an industry analyst at Morningstar. “They’re in a position where they probably don’t need to sacrifice too much on pricing in a lot of these deals.” There is limited public information about the deals that Moderna has struck with individual governments. Of the 22 countries, plus the EU, to which Moderna and its distributors have reported selling the shots, none are low income, and only the Philippines is classified as lower-middle income. (Six are upper-middle income.) Pfizer, by comparison, said it had agreed to sell its vaccine at discounted prices to 12 upper-middle-income countries, five lower-middle-income governments and one poor country, Rwanda. (Tunisia, for example, is paying about $7 per dose.) Only a handful of governments have disclosed how much they are paying for Moderna doses. The United States paid $15-$16.50 for each shot, on top of the $1.3 billion the government gave Moderna to develop its vaccine. The EU has paid $22.60-$25.50 for its Moderna doses. Botswana, Thailand and Colombia, which the World Bank classifies as upper-middle-income countries, have said they are paying $27-$30 per Moderna dose. The lack of transparency about how much other governments are paying has put relatively poor countries in a weak bargaining position. They are “negotiating totally in the dark,” said Kate Elder, who advises Doctors Without Borders on vaccine policy. In some cases, Moderna has offered to provide poorer countries the vaccine at relatively low prices, but only after it has fulfilled other countries’ orders. In May, Moderna offered the African Union doses for about $10 each, according to a bloc official involved in the discussions. But the doses would not be available until next year, causing the talks to fall apart, according to two African Union officials. Dr. Ayoade Alakija, who helps run the African Union’s vaccine delivery program but was not involved in the procurement discussions, said Moderna’s attitude amounted to, “We’re here to make money. We’ve stumbled upon a good thing, and we’re not even trying to pretend that we’re trying to save the world.” Moderna’s COVID vaccine has been transformative for the company and its leaders. The company has said it expects its vaccine to generate at least $20 billion in revenue this year, which would make it one of the most lucrative medical products in history. Andersen, the Morningstar analyst, projected that the company’s profits on the vaccine could be as high as $14 billion. In 2019, Moderna reported total revenue of $60 million. Moderna’s market value has nearly tripled this year to more than $120 billion. Two of its founders, as well as an early investor, this month made Forbes magazine’s list of the 400 richest people in the United States. As the coronavirus spread in early 2020, Moderna raced to design its vaccine — which uses a new technology known as messenger RNA — and to plan a safety study. To manufacture the doses for that trial, the company received $900,000 from the nonprofit Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The nonprofit group said Moderna had agreed to its “equitable access principles.” That meant, according to the coalition, that the vaccine would be “first available to populations when and where they are needed and at prices that are affordable to the populations at risk, especially low- and middle-income countries or to public sector entities that procure on their behalf.” Moderna agreed in May to provide up to 34 million vaccine doses this year as well as up to 466 million doses in 2022 to Covax, the struggling United Nations-backed program to vaccinate the world’s poor. The company has not yet shipped any of those doses, according to a Covax spokesperson, although Covax has distributed tens of millions of Moderna doses donated by the United States. Bancel said many more doses would have gone to Covax this year had the two parties reached a supply deal in 2020. Aurélia Nguyen, a Covax official, denied that, saying, “It became clear early on that the best we could expect was minimal doses in 2021.” Late last year, the Tunisian government was hoping to order Moderna doses. Dr. Hechmi Louzir, who led Tunisia’s vaccine procurement efforts, did not know how to contact Moderna to begin talks and asked the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia for help, he said. Officials there contacted Moderna, he said, but nothing came of it. “We were very interested in Moderna,” Louzir said. “We tried.” In Thailand, where about 32% of people are fully vaccinated, a government spokesperson said the government was paying Moderna about $28 per dose for 1 million shots that are designated for vulnerable people. Deliveries from that order will start next year. In Botswana, the health minister told Parliament in July that the government had ordered 500,000 shots from Moderna at nearly $29 per dose — enough to fully vaccinate about 10% of the population. (That would roughly double the number of Botswanans who are fully vaccinated.) A spokesperson for the Health Ministry said that the doses were expected to start arriving in August but that none had yet arrived. Colombia ordered 10 million shots from Moderna. The government budgeted about $30 per dose, a price that may include the cost of transportation and other logistics, according to Finance Ministry documents. The country's health minister, Dr. Fernando Ruiz, said Moderna’s vaccine was the most expensive among the COVID shots that Colombia had ordered. There were some initial delays, Ruiz said. The first deliveries, expected in early June, came in August. About 2.3 million had arrived as of Friday.

Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor

Iceland has decided to suspend Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine citing concerns of increased risks of cardiac inflammation.<o:p></o:p>

"As the supply of Pfizer vaccine is sufficient in the territory ... the chief epidemiologist has decided not to use the Moderna vaccine in Iceland," a statement published on the website of the Health Directorate read.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latin-americas-covid-19-death-toll-surpasses-15-million-with-600000-deaths-in-brazil-419306">Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil</a></o:p>

This decision has been taken at a time when more than 88 per cent (370,000 locals) of the eligible population, of ages 12 and above, have already been fully vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

Iceland had been administering the additional dose of the Moderna vaccines to locals on an almost exclusive basis. The country had also been using additional dose of Janssen, a single-dose serum by Johnson &amp; Johnson, for the elderly and people with weak immunity systems. These doses were being administered even on people who had received the first two doses of some another vaccine.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-48-decrease-in-cases-of-covid-19-419319">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-48-decrease-in-cases-of-covid-19-419319/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This decision from Iceland has come a little after Sweden and Finland, too, suspended the use of Moderna vaccine for people under the age of 30. The reason behind the two countries suspending use of Moderna for under 30s has been the same — risk of inflammation of the myocardium, the heart muscle, and the pericardium, the membrane covering the heart.<o:p></o:p>

Denmark and Norway have imposed a complete ban of usage of the Moderna vaccine for everyone under the age of 18. <o:p></o:p>

Swedish authorities have said that the Moderna vaccines the inflammation caused by this vaccine can pass on its own but people should consult medical professionals before getting administered a shot.<o:p></o:p>

Iceland has decided to suspend Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine citing concerns of increased risks of cardiac inflammation. "As the supply of Pfizer vaccine is sufficient in the territory .

Iceland has decided to suspend Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine citing concerns of increased risks of cardiac inflammation. "As the supply of Pfizer vaccine is sufficient in the territory ... the chief epidemiologist has decided not to use the Moderna vaccine in Iceland," a statement published on the website of the Health Directorate read. Also read | Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil This decision has been taken at a time when more than 88 per cent (370,000 locals) of the eligible population, of ages 12 and above, have already been fully vaccinated. Iceland had been administering the additional dose of the Moderna vaccines to locals on an almost exclusive basis. The country had also been using additional dose of Janssen, a single-dose serum by Johnson & Johnson, for the elderly and people with weak immunity systems. These doses were being administered even on people who had received the first two doses of some another vaccine. WATCH | This decision from Iceland has come a little after Sweden and Finland, too, suspended the use of Moderna vaccine for people under the age of 30. The reason behind the two countries suspending use of Moderna for under 30s has been the same — risk of inflammation of the myocardium, the heart muscle, and the pericardium, the membrane covering the heart. Denmark and Norway have imposed a complete ban of usage of the Moderna vaccine for everyone under the age of 18. Swedish authorities have said that the Moderna vaccines the inflammation caused by this vaccine can pass on its own but people should consult medical professionals before getting administered a shot.

Iceland suspends use of Moderna's Covid vaccine due to heart-inflammation fears

Moderna said Thursday that it planned to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa, news that was welcome for the long term but that does not address the continent’s immediate need for COVID-19 vaccines.

The company said that a new “state-of-the-art” facility would eventually produce up to 500 million doses a year of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, which has shown an efficacy rate of more than 90%&nbsp;in preventing COVID-19. The plant will, in time, also produce other Moderna vaccines, the company said.

However, Moderna gave no time frame and said it was only now beginning the process of identifying which country would host the plant.

Building vaccine manufacturing sites in Africa will increase the continent’s future access to the drugs. But that does not answer calls from African leaders and activists to waive patent laws that would give more drugmakers access to details on how coronavirus vaccines are produced. It also does not address the continent’s immediate COVID-19 vaccine shortages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-halts-use-of-moderna-vaccine-for-young-adults-418712">Also read |&nbsp;Sweden halts use of Moderna vaccine for young adults</a>

“It doesn’t necessarily solve our problems today,” Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a regular news briefing Thursday. “The problems we have are quick access to vaccines, redistribution of vaccines, making sure that certain licenses are provided so that manufacturing can start regionally.”

Moderna’s announcement comes amid mounting pressure on biotech firms to share their expertise with manufacturers in countries that desperately need more coronavirus vaccine doses.

Drugmakers Pfizer and BioNTech said in July that they had partnered with Biovac, a public-private partnership pharmaceutical company in Cape Town, South Africa. In Gqeberha, the South African coastal city formerly known as Port Elizabeth, Johnson &amp; Johnson has partnered with Aspen, a local manufacturer, in a fill-and-finish manufacturing process.

Moderna said that it expected to invest up to $500 million in its future site and that its facility would manufacture the doses with fill-and-finish capacity, in addition to packaging facilities.

“While we are still working to increase capacity in our current network to deliver vaccines for the ongoing pandemic in 2022, we believe it is important to invest in the future,” said Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-ceos-of-pfizer-and-moderna-say-life-will-be-back-to-normal-in-a-year-416527">Also read |&nbsp;Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year</a>

African leaders had already established the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing, which works within an existing “ecosystem” of Africa’s vaccine needs. Launched in April, it has political backing from the continent’s leaders, including Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Moderna, an American drug company, developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money and received initial research and development funding from Covax, the vaccine-sharing facility supported by the global vaccine alliance Gavi and the World Health Organisation.

Moderna said Thursday that it planned to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa, news that was welcome for the long term but that does not address the continent’s immediate need for COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna said Thursday that it planned to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa, news that was welcome for the long term but that does not address the continent’s immediate need for COVID-19 vaccines. The company said that a new “state-of-the-art” facility would eventually produce up to 500 million doses a year of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, which has shown an efficacy rate of more than 90% in preventing COVID-19. The plant will, in time, also produce other Moderna vaccines, the company said. However, Moderna gave no time frame and said it was only now beginning the process of identifying which country would host the plant. Building vaccine manufacturing sites in Africa will increase the continent’s future access to the drugs. But that does not answer calls from African leaders and activists to waive patent laws that would give more drugmakers access to details on how coronavirus vaccines are produced. It also does not address the continent’s immediate COVID-19 vaccine shortages. Also read | Sweden halts use of Moderna vaccine for young adults “It doesn’t necessarily solve our problems today,” Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a regular news briefing Thursday. “The problems we have are quick access to vaccines, redistribution of vaccines, making sure that certain licenses are provided so that manufacturing can start regionally.” Moderna’s announcement comes amid mounting pressure on biotech firms to share their expertise with manufacturers in countries that desperately need more coronavirus vaccine doses. Drugmakers Pfizer and BioNTech said in July that they had partnered with Biovac, a public-private partnership pharmaceutical company in Cape Town, South Africa. In Gqeberha, the South African coastal city formerly known as Port Elizabeth, Johnson & Johnson has partnered with Aspen, a local manufacturer, in a fill-and-finish manufacturing process. Moderna said that it expected to invest up to $500 million in its future site and that its facility would manufacture the doses with fill-and-finish capacity, in addition to packaging facilities. “While we are still working to increase capacity in our current network to deliver vaccines for the ongoing pandemic in 2022, we believe it is important to invest in the future,” said Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO. Also read | Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year African leaders had already established the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing, which works within an existing “ecosystem” of Africa’s vaccine needs. Launched in April, it has political backing from the continent’s leaders, including Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Moderna, an American drug company, developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money and received initial research and development funding from Covax, the vaccine-sharing facility supported by the global vaccine alliance Gavi and the World Health Organisation.

Moderna says it will build a vaccine factory in Africa

Finland has joined other Nordic countries in suspending or discouraging the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in certain age groups because of an increased risk of heart inflammation, a rare side effect associated with the shot.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare said Friday&nbsp;that authorities won't give the shot to males under age 30. They will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine instead. The government agency said it found that young men and boys were at a slightly higher risk of developing myocarditis.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-jab-prevents-severe-virus-for-at-least-6-months-study-418358">Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study</a>

The move by Finland followed similar decisions by three neighboring countries on Wednesday. Sweden suspended the use of Moderna for people under 30, Denmark said those under 18 won't be offered the Swiss-made vaccine, and Norway urged those under 30 to get the Pfizer vaccine instead.

All four countries based their decision on an unpublished study with Sweden's Public Health Agency saying that it signals an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle or the pericardium?&nbsp; the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the main vessels. It added: The risk of being affected is very small.

The preliminary information from the Nordic study has been sent to the European Medicines Agency's adverse reaction committee to be assessed.&nbsp;

Finland has joined other Nordic countries in suspending or discouraging the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in certain age groups because of an increased risk of heart inflammation, a rare side effect associated with the shot.

Finland has joined other Nordic countries in suspending or discouraging the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in certain age groups because of an increased risk of heart inflammation, a rare side effect associated with the shot. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare said Friday that authorities won't give the shot to males under age 30. They will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine instead. The government agency said it found that young men and boys were at a slightly higher risk of developing myocarditis. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study The move by Finland followed similar decisions by three neighboring countries on Wednesday. Sweden suspended the use of Moderna for people under 30, Denmark said those under 18 won't be offered the Swiss-made vaccine, and Norway urged those under 30 to get the Pfizer vaccine instead. All four countries based their decision on an unpublished study with Sweden's Public Health Agency saying that it signals an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle or the pericardium? the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the main vessels. It added: The risk of being affected is very small. The preliminary information from the Nordic study has been sent to the European Medicines Agency's adverse reaction committee to be assessed.

Finland joins other Nordic nations in curbing Moderna shots

Sweden has suspended the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 30 and under, while Denmark has done the same for those under 18.

Sweden suspends Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for young adults

Sweden's Public Health Agency on Wednesday recommended a temporary halt to the use of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine among young adults, citing concerns over rare side effects to the heart.

Neighbouring Norway and Denmark also on Wednesday reiterated that Moderna's vaccine was not recommended for under-18s.

Sweden's health agency said the suspension concerned anyone born after 1991 and should initially be in force until December 1, explaining that it had received evidence of an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis).

"The Public Health Agency has decided to pause the use of Moderna's vaccine Spikevax, for everyone born 1991 and after, for cautionary reasons," the agency said in a statement, adding that those groups should instead receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

According to the agency, the risk seems especially tied to the second dose of the Moderna vaccine and is more prevalent among young men and boys, and in the weeks just following the second jab.

The symptoms usually pass by themselves, but should be evaluated by a doctor, it added.

"Those who were vaccinated recently, with their first or second dose of Moderna's vaccine, don't need to feel worried because the risk is very minor, but it is good to know which symptoms you should be on the lookout for," state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell said in a statement.

The health agency's recommendations provide guidance for Sweden's regional healthcare districts and are generally followed.

Some 81,000 people in the age group have already received a first jab in Sweden, but they will not be offered a second, the agency said, adding that "discussions were ongoing about the best solution for this group."

In Denmark, the vaccination programme for those aged 12 to 17 currently only offers Pfizer/BioNTech's Comirnaty vaccine but the country's health authority said Wednesday this practice would be formalised.

"On the basis of the precautionary principle, we will in future invite children and adolescents to receive this vaccine exclusively," Bolette Soborg of the healthy said in a statement, noting the availability of more data on the use among younger people for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) reiterated its recommendation to vaccinate under-18s only with Comirnaty, but added on Wednesday that men under 30 should also consider choosing the Pfizer/BioNTech jab when getting vaccinated.

"It is important to emphasise that Spikevax from Moderna is as effective a vaccine against COVID-19 as Comirnaty, and both types of vaccine are still recommended for those over 30 years of age," Geir Bukholm, Deputy Director General at NIPH, said in a statement.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorised the emergency use of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for teens in July.&nbsp;

Sweden's Public Health Agency on Wednesday recommended a temporary halt to the use of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine among young adults, citing concerns over rare side effects to the heart.

Sweden's Public Health Agency on Wednesday recommended a temporary halt to the use of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine among young adults, citing concerns over rare side effects to the heart. Neighbouring Norway and Denmark also on Wednesday reiterated that Moderna's vaccine was not recommended for under-18s. Sweden's health agency said the suspension concerned anyone born after 1991 and should initially be in force until December 1, explaining that it had received evidence of an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis). "The Public Health Agency has decided to pause the use of Moderna's vaccine Spikevax, for everyone born 1991 and after, for cautionary reasons," the agency said in a statement, adding that those groups should instead receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. According to the agency, the risk seems especially tied to the second dose of the Moderna vaccine and is more prevalent among young men and boys, and in the weeks just following the second jab. The symptoms usually pass by themselves, but should be evaluated by a doctor, it added. "Those who were vaccinated recently, with their first or second dose of Moderna's vaccine, don't need to feel worried because the risk is very minor, but it is good to know which symptoms you should be on the lookout for," state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell said in a statement. The health agency's recommendations provide guidance for Sweden's regional healthcare districts and are generally followed. Some 81,000 people in the age group have already received a first jab in Sweden, but they will not be offered a second, the agency said, adding that "discussions were ongoing about the best solution for this group." In Denmark, the vaccination programme for those aged 12 to 17 currently only offers Pfizer/BioNTech's Comirnaty vaccine but the country's health authority said Wednesday this practice would be formalised. "On the basis of the precautionary principle, we will in future invite children and adolescents to receive this vaccine exclusively," Bolette Soborg of the healthy said in a statement, noting the availability of more data on the use among younger people for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) reiterated its recommendation to vaccinate under-18s only with Comirnaty, but added on Wednesday that men under 30 should also consider choosing the Pfizer/BioNTech jab when getting vaccinated. "It is important to emphasise that Spikevax from Moderna is as effective a vaccine against COVID-19 as Comirnaty, and both types of vaccine are still recommended for those over 30 years of age," Geir Bukholm, Deputy Director General at NIPH, said in a statement. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorised the emergency use of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine for teens in July.

Sweden halts use of Moderna vaccine for young adults

In what can be called a positive signal from major Covid vaccine makers, CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna said that they anticipate a return to normal life within a year.

"I agree that, within a year, I think we will be able to come back to normal life," said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on ABC new network's "This Week."

He added that he did not think that coronavirus variants won't exist or that vaccines won't be needed. He said that &nbsp;"most likely scenario" new variants will be observed and vaccines that would last "at least a year" would be developed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cant-go-unvaccinated-president-biden-gets-vaccine-booster-shot-416490">'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot</a>

"I think the most likely scenario is annual revaccination, but we don't know really. We need to wait and see the data," Bourla said.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel echoed Bourla's thoughts in his conversation with Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung last week. He said "enough doses should be available by the middle of next year so that everyone on this earth can be vaccinated.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/every-day-is-frightening-working-for-the-top-us-employer-amid-covid-416476">‘Every day is frightening’: Working for the top US employer amid Covid</a>

These remarks from the CEOs have come after US Food and Drug Administration's decision to recommend third dose (booster) of Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and above and also for those having compromised immune system.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-delta-outbreak-ravages-us-cdc-chief-says-health-systems-in-dire-straits-416419">As delta outbreak ravages US, CDC chief says health systems ‘in dire straits'</a>

Rochelle Walensky, Director of Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said last week that boosters would also be available for people in high-risk environments such as healthcare workers.

In what can be called a positive signal from major Covid vaccine makers, CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna said that they anticipate a return to normal life within a year.

In what can be called a positive signal from major Covid vaccine makers, CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna said that they anticipate a return to normal life within a year. "I agree that, within a year, I think we will be able to come back to normal life," said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on ABC new network's "This Week." He added that he did not think that coronavirus variants won't exist or that vaccines won't be needed. He said that "most likely scenario" new variants will be observed and vaccines that would last "at least a year" would be developed. Also Read | 'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot "I think the most likely scenario is annual revaccination, but we don't know really. We need to wait and see the data," Bourla said. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel echoed Bourla's thoughts in his conversation with Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung last week. He said "enough doses should be available by the middle of next year so that everyone on this earth can be vaccinated.” Also Read | ‘Every day is frightening’: Working for the top US employer amid Covid These remarks from the CEOs have come after US Food and Drug Administration's decision to recommend third dose (booster) of Covid vaccine for people aged 65 and above and also for those having compromised immune system. Also Read | As delta outbreak ravages US, CDC chief says health systems ‘in dire straits' Rochelle Walensky, Director of Center for Disease Control and Prevention has said last week that boosters would also be available for people in high-risk environments such as healthcare workers.

Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year

As President Joe Biden convenes heads of state for a COVID-19 summit on Wednesday, pressure is growing on American drug companies — particularly Moderna, the upstart biotech firm that developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money — to share their formulas with manufacturers in nations that desperately need more shots.

Last year’s successful race to develop vaccines in extraordinarily short order put companies like Moderna and Pfizer in a highly favourable spotlight. But now, with less than 10% of those in many poor nations fully vaccinated and a dearth of doses contributing to millions of deaths, health officials in the United States and abroad are pressing the companies to do more to address the global shortage.

The Biden administration has privately urged both Pfizer and Moderna to enter into joint ventures where they would license their technology to contract manufacturers with the aim of providing vaccines to low- and middle-income countries, according to a senior administration official.

Those talks led to an agreement with Pfizer, announced on Wednesday, to sell the United States an additional 500 million doses of its vaccine at a not-for-profit price — rather than license its technology — to donate overseas.

The discussions with Moderna have not been fruitful, said the official, who expressed deep frustration with the company but requested anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

A coalition of major drug and vaccine manufacturers in developing countries around the world is drafting an appeal to Biden asking him to press the companies more aggressively to share the formulations and processes used to make their vaccines.

The World Health Organization has also had trouble getting Moderna to the negotiating table, according to Dr Martin Friede, a WHO official, and Charles Gore, who runs a United Nations-backed nonprofit organization, Medicines Patent Pool. Both are working with a WHO-backed technology transfer hub in South Africa to set up to teach manufacturers from developing countries how to make mRNA vaccines, a new type of vaccine technology used by both American companies.

“We would love to get a discussion with Moderna, about a license to their intellectual property. This would make life so much simpler, but for the moment all attempts have resulted in no reply,” Friede said.

At Wednesday’s virtual summit, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, Biden will convene heads of state, drug company executives, philanthropic groups and nongovernmental organizations to encourage them to work together toward vaccinating 70% of the world’s population by this time next year, according to a draft document the White House sent to the summit participants.

Global health advocates say Moderna has a special obligation to share its technology because its vaccine relies in part on technology developed by the National Institutes of Health, and because the company accepted $2.5 billion from the federal government as part of Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s fast-track vaccine initiative.

A Moderna spokesperson, Colleen Hussey, said in an email message Tuesday night that the company had agreed not to enforce its COVID-related patents and was “willing to license our intellectual property for COVID-19 vaccines to others for the post-pandemic period.”

But advocates say the world needs Moderna’s know-how now — not after the pandemic is over.

While sharing the vaccine “recipe” is a vital first step, it is not in and of itself enough to allow for the swift and efficient setup of new mRNA manufacturing locations, said Alain Alsalhani, a vaccines expert with Doctors Without Borders’ access-to-medicines campaign.

“You need someone to share all the process, because it’s a new technology,” he said. “One of the problems we have is that the scientific literature about industrial-scale manufacturing of mRNA vaccines is so slim. This is why it’s not just about a recipe, it’s about an active and full tech transfer.”

Pfizer, in an emailed statement, noted that it and its partner, BioNTech, had signed a letter of intent, announced last month, with the South African biopharmaceutical company Biovac, which is part of the South African hub, to manufacture Pfizer’s vaccine for African nations. But Biovac will only bottle the vaccine, which does not necessitate sharing the formula. The actual “drug substance” will be made in Europe.

Some pharmaceutical executives have suggested the South African hub may not be ready to manufacture vaccines. But a recent site visit by WHO officials found that both Afrigen, the hub’s teaching facility, and Biovac are both “fit for purpose,” according to a summary of the visit, obtained by The New York Times. The summary said Afrigen’s team is “competent and experienced” and has developed a plan for a “robust mRNA vaccine production process, which will be transferred to Biovac.”

In the absence of voluntary cooperation from the companies, some legal experts and global health advocates say the Biden administration could attempt to force them to share their intellectual property, using the powers of the Defense Production Act, a 1950 law that gives the president broad power over American companies in emergency situations.

Lawrence O. Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, said Biden could declare the pandemic a national security threat, which would enable him to “require companies to sign technology transfer contracts in exchange for reasonable compensation,” from either the federal government or manufacturing partners.

“Moderna accepted substantial federal funding under Operation Warp Speed and both Pfizer and Moderna benefited from NIH dollars for the basic research over a decade for mRNA technology,” Gostin said, adding that the companies “hold a special social and ethical responsibility to share that technology for the benefit of the world.”

Biden administration officials say that forcing the companies to act is not as simple as it sounds, and that an effort to compel them to share their technology would invariably lead to a drawn-out legal battle, which would be counterproductive.

Pfizer and Moderna executives have said that the mRNA production process is so complex, and that there are so few people with experience in it available, that setting up new operations in other parts of the world would not be feasible and could not happen quickly enough to be useful. They say that their combined manufacturing will produce more than enough vaccines to meet global need by the middle of next year and that the fastest way to address vaccine inequity would be through distribution of donated doses.

But some pharmaceutical manufacturing experts and drug-access advocates argue that the events of the past 18 months make it clear that manufacturing in developing countries is going to be crucial to ensuring equitable access.

Many of the donated doses bound for use in Africa, for example, were meant to come from the Serum Institute of India. But five months ago, the Indian government blocked the company from exporting any vaccines, ordering that the supply instead be directed to trying to stanch a raging second COVID wave in that country. (India now says it will allow exports to resume next month.)

“We keep hearing, ‘The vaccines are coming, the vaccines are coming,’ but 3 million people have died since the Pfizer vaccine was first authorized by the FDA,” said Zain Rizvi, an expert on access to medicines with the advocacy organization Public Citizen.

Moderna and Pfizer have a direct financial interest in keeping their technology to themselves and guarding a competitive advantage not just in the sale of COVID vaccines, which are on track to bring in more than $53 billion in revenue this year, but also other potentially lucrative mRNA vaccines in development, such as one for cancer, HIV and malaria, he said, adding, “They don’t want to stand up a future competitor.”

The coalition of drugmakers in developing countries that is drafting an appeal to Biden plans to ask the U.S. government to pressure companies for several things: a license for the intellectual property, a license for the technology involved in the manufacturing of the vaccines, the provision of items such as cell lines and assistance in acquiring vital but scarce equipment.

In exchange for sharing its process, Moderna would be compensated with a licensing fee, a percentage of each dose sold.

Even without Moderna’s cooperation, WHO says its tech transfer hub in South Africa will focus on trying to replicate as closely as possible the Moderna formula, as the gold standard against which to compare candidates from other biotechnology companies, and then teach any manufacturer who wants to make it how to do so at scale.

“If we had Moderna or BioNTech with us, we could get to an approved vaccine in 18 months, but without them we have to go through full development — so it’s 36 months if everything goes perfectly, but it could be longer,” said Friede, who heads the WHO’s Initiative for Vaccine Research.

Pfizer and Moderna are at a pivotal moment where they can decide what role they want to play in the process, he said. “I’ve made many successful vaccines; with me I have other people who have made successful vaccines,” he said. “What we are actually saying is: ‘We’re going to do this. So you can come in and try and maintain some control by actually producing vaccines locally, or we’re going to do it without you. And then you’ve lost control’.”

As President Joe Biden convenes heads of state for a COVID-19 summit on Wednesday, pressure is growing on American drug companies — particularly Moderna, the upstart biotech firm that developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money — to share their formulas with manufacturers in nations that desperately need more shots.

As President Joe Biden convenes heads of state for a COVID-19 summit on Wednesday, pressure is growing on American drug companies — particularly Moderna, the upstart biotech firm that developed its coronavirus vaccine with billions of dollars in taxpayer money — to share their formulas with manufacturers in nations that desperately need more shots. Last year’s successful race to develop vaccines in extraordinarily short order put companies like Moderna and Pfizer in a highly favourable spotlight. But now, with less than 10% of those in many poor nations fully vaccinated and a dearth of doses contributing to millions of deaths, health officials in the United States and abroad are pressing the companies to do more to address the global shortage. The Biden administration has privately urged both Pfizer and Moderna to enter into joint ventures where they would license their technology to contract manufacturers with the aim of providing vaccines to low- and middle-income countries, according to a senior administration official. Those talks led to an agreement with Pfizer, announced on Wednesday, to sell the United States an additional 500 million doses of its vaccine at a not-for-profit price — rather than license its technology — to donate overseas. The discussions with Moderna have not been fruitful, said the official, who expressed deep frustration with the company but requested anonymity to discuss sensitive information. A coalition of major drug and vaccine manufacturers in developing countries around the world is drafting an appeal to Biden asking him to press the companies more aggressively to share the formulations and processes used to make their vaccines. The World Health Organization has also had trouble getting Moderna to the negotiating table, according to Dr Martin Friede, a WHO official, and Charles Gore, who runs a United Nations-backed nonprofit organization, Medicines Patent Pool. Both are working with a WHO-backed technology transfer hub in South Africa to set up to teach manufacturers from developing countries how to make mRNA vaccines, a new type of vaccine technology used by both American companies. “We would love to get a discussion with Moderna, about a license to their intellectual property. This would make life so much simpler, but for the moment all attempts have resulted in no reply,” Friede said. At Wednesday’s virtual summit, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, Biden will convene heads of state, drug company executives, philanthropic groups and nongovernmental organizations to encourage them to work together toward vaccinating 70% of the world’s population by this time next year, according to a draft document the White House sent to the summit participants. Global health advocates say Moderna has a special obligation to share its technology because its vaccine relies in part on technology developed by the National Institutes of Health, and because the company accepted $2.5 billion from the federal government as part of Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s fast-track vaccine initiative. A Moderna spokesperson, Colleen Hussey, said in an email message Tuesday night that the company had agreed not to enforce its COVID-related patents and was “willing to license our intellectual property for COVID-19 vaccines to others for the post-pandemic period.” But advocates say the world needs Moderna’s know-how now — not after the pandemic is over. While sharing the vaccine “recipe” is a vital first step, it is not in and of itself enough to allow for the swift and efficient setup of new mRNA manufacturing locations, said Alain Alsalhani, a vaccines expert with Doctors Without Borders’ access-to-medicines campaign. “You need someone to share all the process, because it’s a new technology,” he said. “One of the problems we have is that the scientific literature about industrial-scale manufacturing of mRNA vaccines is so slim. This is why it’s not just about a recipe, it’s about an active and full tech transfer.” Pfizer, in an emailed statement, noted that it and its partner, BioNTech, had signed a letter of intent, announced last month, with the South African biopharmaceutical company Biovac, which is part of the South African hub, to manufacture Pfizer’s vaccine for African nations. But Biovac will only bottle the vaccine, which does not necessitate sharing the formula. The actual “drug substance” will be made in Europe. Some pharmaceutical executives have suggested the South African hub may not be ready to manufacture vaccines. But a recent site visit by WHO officials found that both Afrigen, the hub’s teaching facility, and Biovac are both “fit for purpose,” according to a summary of the visit, obtained by The New York Times. The summary said Afrigen’s team is “competent and experienced” and has developed a plan for a “robust mRNA vaccine production process, which will be transferred to Biovac.” In the absence of voluntary cooperation from the companies, some legal experts and global health advocates say the Biden administration could attempt to force them to share their intellectual property, using the powers of the Defense Production Act, a 1950 law that gives the president broad power over American companies in emergency situations. Lawrence O. Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, said Biden could declare the pandemic a national security threat, which would enable him to “require companies to sign technology transfer contracts in exchange for reasonable compensation,” from either the federal government or manufacturing partners. “Moderna accepted substantial federal funding under Operation Warp Speed and both Pfizer and Moderna benefited from NIH dollars for the basic research over a decade for mRNA technology,” Gostin said, adding that the companies “hold a special social and ethical responsibility to share that technology for the benefit of the world.” Biden administration officials say that forcing the companies to act is not as simple as it sounds, and that an effort to compel them to share their technology would invariably lead to a drawn-out legal battle, which would be counterproductive. Pfizer and Moderna executives have said that the mRNA production process is so complex, and that there are so few people with experience in it available, that setting up new operations in other parts of the world would not be feasible and could not happen quickly enough to be useful. They say that their combined manufacturing will produce more than enough vaccines to meet global need by the middle of next year and that the fastest way to address vaccine inequity would be through distribution of donated doses. But some pharmaceutical manufacturing experts and drug-access advocates argue that the events of the past 18 months make it clear that manufacturing in developing countries is going to be crucial to ensuring equitable access. Many of the donated doses bound for use in Africa, for example, were meant to come from the Serum Institute of India. But five months ago, the Indian government blocked the company from exporting any vaccines, ordering that the supply instead be directed to trying to stanch a raging second COVID wave in that country. (India now says it will allow exports to resume next month.) “We keep hearing, ‘The vaccines are coming, the vaccines are coming,’ but 3 million people have died since the Pfizer vaccine was first authorized by the FDA,” said Zain Rizvi, an expert on access to medicines with the advocacy organization Public Citizen. Moderna and Pfizer have a direct financial interest in keeping their technology to themselves and guarding a competitive advantage not just in the sale of COVID vaccines, which are on track to bring in more than $53 billion in revenue this year, but also other potentially lucrative mRNA vaccines in development, such as one for cancer, HIV and malaria, he said, adding, “They don’t want to stand up a future competitor.” The coalition of drugmakers in developing countries that is drafting an appeal to Biden plans to ask the U.S. government to pressure companies for several things: a license for the intellectual property, a license for the technology involved in the manufacturing of the vaccines, the provision of items such as cell lines and assistance in acquiring vital but scarce equipment. In exchange for sharing its process, Moderna would be compensated with a licensing fee, a percentage of each dose sold. Even without Moderna’s cooperation, WHO says its tech transfer hub in South Africa will focus on trying to replicate as closely as possible the Moderna formula, as the gold standard against which to compare candidates from other biotechnology companies, and then teach any manufacturer who wants to make it how to do so at scale. “If we had Moderna or BioNTech with us, we could get to an approved vaccine in 18 months, but without them we have to go through full development — so it’s 36 months if everything goes perfectly, but it could be longer,” said Friede, who heads the WHO’s Initiative for Vaccine Research. Pfizer and Moderna are at a pivotal moment where they can decide what role they want to play in the process, he said. “I’ve made many successful vaccines; with me I have other people who have made successful vaccines,” he said. “What we are actually saying is: ‘We’re going to do this. So you can come in and try and maintain some control by actually producing vaccines locally, or we’re going to do it without you. And then you’ve lost control’.”

Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology

<a>In a shocking and alarming news, a new study has revealed that the people who were administered Moderna’s Covid vaccine a year ago are more likely to contract coronavirus.<o:p></o:p></a>

Moderna’s Phase 3 COVE study collected data of people who were vaccinated more than year ago and compared it with those who have been recently vaccinated against coronavirus by Moderna shot.<o:p></o:p>

The people who were vaccinated between July 2020 and October 2020 are more vulnerable to contracting Covid in comparison to the people who got vaccinated between July 1, 2021 and August 27, 2021.

<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-forces-4-year-old-child-into-isolation-as-cases-surge-in-putian-413529">WATCH: China forces 4-year-old child into isolation as cases surge in Putian</a>

"88 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 occurred in the more recently vaccinated group (49.0 cases per 1000 person-years) compared to 162 cases in the group vaccinated last year (77.1 cases per 1000 person-years)," the study reads.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>

Experts have said that while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Moderna vaccine</a> is effective at the moment, its efficacy decreases over time. This means the people who got vaccinated last year are more vulnerable to Covid than the people who got vaccinated recently.

This has become more prominent due to the 'variant of concern' — Delta variant.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-aims-to-vaccinate-70-of-world-population-within-a-year-reports-413304">Joe Biden aims to vaccinate 70% of world population within a year: Reports</a></o:p>

"Study shows lower risk of breakthrough infection in participants vaccinated more recently (median 8 months after first dose) than participants vaccinated last year (median 13 months after first dose),"&nbsp;Moderna said in a statement.<o:p></o:p>

People who were vaccinated earlier had a 50 per cent higher rate of catching symptomatic Covid during the months of July and August.<o:p></o:p>

To fight this problem, Moderna is suggesting usage of a Covid booster shot — which the World Health Organization (WHO) has protested. <o:p></o:p>

"It is promising to see clinical and real-world evidence adding to the growing body of data on the effectiveness of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine,"&nbsp;Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel&nbsp;said insisting on the need of a booster shot. "The increased risk of breakthrough infections in COVE study participants who were vaccinated last year compared to more recently illustrates the impact of waning immunity and supports the need for a booster to maintain high levels of protection."<o:p></o:p>

However, some people allege that this can be just a way of tempting people to get a booster shot of the vaccine, which ultimately helps the company boost its sales.

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In a shocking and alarming news, a new study has revealed that the people who were administered Moderna’s Covid vaccine a year ago are more likely to contract coronavirus.

In a shocking and alarming news, a new study has revealed that the people who were administered Moderna’s Covid vaccine a year ago are more likely to contract coronavirus. Moderna’s Phase 3 COVE study collected data of people who were vaccinated more than year ago and compared it with those who have been recently vaccinated against coronavirus by Moderna shot. The people who were vaccinated between July 2020 and October 2020 are more vulnerable to contracting Covid in comparison to the people who got vaccinated between July 1, 2021 and August 27, 2021. Also read | WATCH: China forces 4-year-old child into isolation as cases surge in Putian "88 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 occurred in the more recently vaccinated group (49.0 cases per 1000 person-years) compared to 162 cases in the group vaccinated last year (77.1 cases per 1000 person-years)," the study reads. Experts have said that while Moderna vaccine is effective at the moment, its efficacy decreases over time. This means the people who got vaccinated last year are more vulnerable to Covid than the people who got vaccinated recently. This has become more prominent due to the 'variant of concern' — Delta variant. Also read | Joe Biden aims to vaccinate 70% of world population within a year: Reports "Study shows lower risk of breakthrough infection in participants vaccinated more recently (median 8 months after first dose) than participants vaccinated last year (median 13 months after first dose)," Moderna said in a statement. People who were vaccinated earlier had a 50 per cent higher rate of catching symptomatic Covid during the months of July and August. To fight this problem, Moderna is suggesting usage of a Covid booster shot — which the World Health Organization (WHO) has protested. "It is promising to see clinical and real-world evidence adding to the growing body of data on the effectiveness of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said insisting on the need of a booster shot. "The increased risk of breakthrough infections in COVE study participants who were vaccinated last year compared to more recently illustrates the impact of waning immunity and supports the need for a booster to maintain high levels of protection." However, some people allege that this can be just a way of tempting people to get a booster shot of the vaccine, which ultimately helps the company boost its sales.

Those vaccinated last year with Moderna are twice likely to contract Covid: Study

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found. &nbsp;

After having his second shot on August 11, the 49-year-old man died the following day. The only known health issue of the man was an allergy to buckwheat, said the health ministry on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Booster shot: Do we really need one?

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According to the ministry, it is yet to establish if the latest fatality was linked to the vaccine as it had said in the previous two deaths. &nbsp;

The three batches, which were manufactured under contract by Moderna in Spain, were found to have fragments of stainless steel. It had forced the recall of 1.63 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 26. &nbsp;

The shot, which the man had, came from the same batches. The company is yet to comment on the most recent fatality.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-life-expectancy-drops-amid-covid-19-battle-411304" hreflang="en">Italy's life expectancy drops amid COVID-19 battle</a>

Last week, it issued a joint statement with local distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical, saying, “The rare presence of stainless steel particles in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine does not pose an undue risk to patient safety and it does not adversely affect the benefit/risk profile of the product.” &nbsp;

Last month, two men, who were in their 30s with no underlying health conditions, had died within days of getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.&nbsp;

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found.

After getting a shot from one of three batches of Moderna vaccines identified as contaminated, a third man has died in Japan. Authorities say no causal link has yet been found. After having his second shot on August 11, the 49-year-old man died the following day. The only known health issue of the man was an allergy to buckwheat, said the health ministry on Monday. Watch | Gravitas: Booster shot: Do we really need one? × According to the ministry, it is yet to establish if the latest fatality was linked to the vaccine as it had said in the previous two deaths. The three batches, which were manufactured under contract by Moderna in Spain, were found to have fragments of stainless steel. It had forced the recall of 1.63 million doses of the Moderna vaccine on August 26. The shot, which the man had, came from the same batches. The company is yet to comment on the most recent fatality. Also Read: Italy's life expectancy drops amid COVID-19 battle Last week, it issued a joint statement with local distributor Takeda Pharmaceutical, saying, “The rare presence of stainless steel particles in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine does not pose an undue risk to patient safety and it does not adversely affect the benefit/risk profile of the product.” Last month, two men, who were in their 30s with no underlying health conditions, had died within days of getting their second dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Moderna’s contaminated Covid vaccine may have led to third death in Japan

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people all around the world. Some people are ready to go to lengths to be able to vacation once again, and a woman from Illinois took it to a whole another level.

A 24-year-old woman decided to submit a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be able to vacation in Hawaii. However, a spelling error landed her in court.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-west-nile-virus-the-infection-russia-has-warned-may-spread-409520" hreflang="en">What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread?</a>

Hawaii has imposed a 10-day quarantine rule for all incoming travellers to ensure the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic’s spread stays under control. To bypass the same and be able to spend more time outdoors, the Illinois woman uploaded a fake vaccination card to the state’s Safe Travels programme.

However, when she arrived in Honolulu, the officers suspected some mischief. The first thing they noticed was that the spelling mistake in the vaccine name. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">'Moderna'&nbsp;vaccine</a> was misspelled as 'Maderna'.

"Airport screeners found suspicious errors ... such as Moderna was spelled wrong and that her home was in Illinois but her shot was taken at Delaware," Wilson Lau, a special agent with the Hawaii attorney general's investigation division, wrote in an email to a Delaware official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/autovacc-thai-experts-develop-robotic-arm-to-save-every-drop-of-covid-vaccine-408259" hreflang="en">'AutoVacc': Thai experts develop robotic arm to save every drop of Covid vaccine</a>

Upon further investigation, Delaware officials confirmed that there were no government vaccination records for the woman by her name of her birth details.

In addition to this, she had also claimed on paper that she was staying at the Waikiki Holiday Inn but had failed to produce reservation number. The authorities at the inn confirmed that there was no reservation under her name.

She was then charged with misdemeanor counts for violating Hawaii’s emergency rules amid pandemic. She was kept in custody for some time and later released on a $2,000 bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people all around the world. Some people are ready to go to lengths to be able to vacation once again, and a woman from Illinois took it to a whole another level.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people all around the world. Some people are ready to go to lengths to be able to vacation once again, and a woman from Illinois took it to a whole another level. A 24-year-old woman decided to submit a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be able to vacation in Hawaii. However, a spelling error landed her in court. Also read | What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread? Hawaii has imposed a 10-day quarantine rule for all incoming travellers to ensure the coronavirus pandemic’s spread stays under control. To bypass the same and be able to spend more time outdoors, the Illinois woman uploaded a fake vaccination card to the state’s Safe Travels programme. However, when she arrived in Honolulu, the officers suspected some mischief. The first thing they noticed was that the spelling mistake in the vaccine name. 'Moderna' vaccine was misspelled as 'Maderna'. "Airport screeners found suspicious errors ... such as Moderna was spelled wrong and that her home was in Illinois but her shot was taken at Delaware," Wilson Lau, a special agent with the Hawaii attorney general's investigation division, wrote in an email to a Delaware official. Also read | 'AutoVacc': Thai experts develop robotic arm to save every drop of Covid vaccine Upon further investigation, Delaware officials confirmed that there were no government vaccination records for the woman by her name of her birth details. In addition to this, she had also claimed on paper that she was staying at the Waikiki Holiday Inn but had failed to produce reservation number. The authorities at the inn confirmed that there was no reservation under her name. She was then charged with misdemeanor counts for violating Hawaii’s emergency rules amid pandemic. She was kept in custody for some time and later released on a $2,000 bail. Her next court hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday.

'Maderna'? American woman caught after she uploads fake vaccine certificate with spelling error

Japan's COVID vaccine drive has suffered a blow after reports of contamination in service of the Moderna vaccine.

Fears of contaminated Moderna jabs grips Japan

Japan's COVID vaccine drive suffers blow

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine.

According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

It comes less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination.

More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch has now been put on hold.

Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-pauses-use-of-moderna-vaccine-batch-over-allergic-reactions-357470">California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions</a>

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials.

Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue.

It added that it was conducting an investigation.

Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games.

Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan has put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. It comes less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch has now been put on hold. Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine. Also read | California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials. Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue. It added that it was conducting an investigation. Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games. Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan finds "black substance" in Moderna vaccine, put holds on shots

Japan's Kanagawa prefecture said that several black particles in one Moderna vaccine vial were found upon checking for foreign substances before its use, and it has put the rest of the lot on hold.

Japan finds another Moderna vial suspected to contain foreign substance

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