After the death of two men following the second dose of Moderna’s Covid vaccine, Japan has decided to suspend use of Moderna Inc vaccine.<o:p></o:p>

Japan’s Okinawa region has decided to suspend the use of Moderna’s Covid vaccine as another contamination was spotted by experts, the local government announced.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-men-die-after-second-dose-of-modernas-covid-vaccine-japan-government-409002">Two men die after second dose of Moderna's Covid vaccine: Japan government</a></o:p>

"We are suspending the use of Moderna's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> as foreign substances were spotted in some of them," the government announced in a statement.<o:p></o:p>

Two men in their 30s died within few days of receiving second dose of the Moderna vaccine, Japan’s health ministry reported a couple of days back. <o:p></o:p>

The government has launched an investigation into the matter as the cause of death was not completely clear, and the officials wanted to steer clear of drawing a relation between vaccine and the deaths.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-japans-private-sector-activity-hit-by-covid-19-surge-407733">WATCH |</a></o:p>

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"At this time, we do not have any evidence that these deaths are caused by the Moderna&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine," Moderna and Takeda said in a statement on Saturday. "It is important to conduct a formal investigation to determine whether there is any connection."<o:p></o:p>

The doses that allegedly led to the death of the two men in Japan were from a contaminated batch that was later pulled off from distribution from around the country. <o:p></o:p>

"The vials have been sent to a qualified lab for analysis and initial findings will be available early next week," Moderna and its Japanese distributor Takeda said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Japan is battling a surge in coronavirus cases caused by the Delta variant as only 44 per cent of the Japan’s eligible population has been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

After the death of two men following the second dose of Moderna’s Covid vaccine, Japan has decided to suspend use of Moderna Inc vaccine. Japan’s Okinawa region has decided to suspend the use of Moderna’s Covid vaccine as another contamination was spotted by experts, the local government announced.

After the death of two men following the second dose of Moderna’s Covid vaccine, Japan has decided to suspend use of Moderna Inc vaccine. Japan’s Okinawa region has decided to suspend the use of Moderna’s Covid vaccine as another contamination was spotted by experts, the local government announced. Also read | Two men die after second dose of Moderna's Covid vaccine: Japan government "We are suspending the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines as foreign substances were spotted in some of them," the government announced in a statement. Two men in their 30s died within few days of receiving second dose of the Moderna vaccine, Japan’s health ministry reported a couple of days back. The government has launched an investigation into the matter as the cause of death was not completely clear, and the officials wanted to steer clear of drawing a relation between vaccine and the deaths. WATCH | "At this time, we do not have any evidence that these deaths are caused by the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine," Moderna and Takeda said in a statement on Saturday. "It is important to conduct a formal investigation to determine whether there is any connection." The doses that allegedly led to the death of the two men in Japan were from a contaminated batch that was later pulled off from distribution from around the country. "The vials have been sent to a qualified lab for analysis and initial findings will be available early next week," Moderna and its Japanese distributor Takeda said. Meanwhile, Japan is battling a surge in coronavirus cases caused by the Delta variant as only 44 per cent of the Japan’s eligible population has been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Japan decides to suspend Moderna's Covid vaccine after two deaths

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources.

On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.63 million doses shipped to 863 vaccination centres nationawide.

However, production of Moderna (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccines at a plant in Spain can continue, the European Union drugs regulator said on Friday, while it carries out its investigation of a suspected metallic contamination incident.

The European Union drugs regulator said it was investigating the incident at the Spanish plant run by Rovi (ROVI.MC), but did not find reasons to seek a temporary suspension of production after an initial assessment.

"COVID-19 vaccine production in Rovi is able to continue, following a preliminary risk assessment," the European Medicines Agency told Reuters in a statement.

"An investigation into the root cause is ongoing. EMA will be able to provide more information as the investigation progresses," it added.

Moderna has so far delivered to the EU nearly 75 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, EU public data show. The company has two contracts with the 27-nation bloc for up to 460 million shots.

Spanish pharma company Rovi, which bottles Moderna vaccines for markets outside of the United States, said the contamination could be due to a manufacturing issue on a production line. A spokesperson said the company could not say anything more while it was investigating.

Moderna put the lot in question and two adjacent ones on hold.

(With inputs from agencies)

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources. On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.

Contaminant found in a batch of Moderna vaccine was believed to be a metallic particle, reported Japan's public broadcaster NHK citing health ministry sources. On Thursday, Japan suspended use of 1.63 million doses shipped to 863 vaccination centres nationawide. However, production of Moderna (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccines at a plant in Spain can continue, the European Union drugs regulator said on Friday, while it carries out its investigation of a suspected metallic contamination incident. The European Union drugs regulator said it was investigating the incident at the Spanish plant run by Rovi (ROVI.MC), but did not find reasons to seek a temporary suspension of production after an initial assessment. "COVID-19 vaccine production in Rovi is able to continue, following a preliminary risk assessment," the European Medicines Agency told Reuters in a statement. "An investigation into the root cause is ongoing. EMA will be able to provide more information as the investigation progresses," it added. Moderna has so far delivered to the EU nearly 75 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, EU public data show. The company has two contracts with the 27-nation bloc for up to 460 million shots. Spanish pharma company Rovi, which bottles Moderna vaccines for markets outside of the United States, said the contamination could be due to a manufacturing issue on a production line. A spokesperson said the company could not say anything more while it was investigating. Moderna put the lot in question and two adjacent ones on hold. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Moderna vaccine contaminant believed to be metallic particle

Here is a round-up of&nbsp;WION's Daily Morning News Brief on&nbsp;what’s happening around the world today.

As the US continues to evacuate its personnel from Kabul airport, the Biden administration along with allied countries issued a terror warning asking people to stay away from the airport.

Meanwhile, China hit out at US report on COVID-19 origins.&nbsp;In Japan, authorities have decided to stop the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine after reports of contamination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terror-threat-at-kabul-airport-say-us-and-allies-amid-evacuation-408392">'Terror threat' at Kabul airport, say US and allies amid evacuation</a>

<img alt="Kabul airport" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8c52cf3-b708-42cd-9fca-935917ce65c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/KK1_1.jpg" />

Thousands of Afghans continue to be stranded at Kabul airport even as the US ramped up its evacuation operations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-politicisation-and-scapegoating-over-covid-19-origin-report-408395">China accuses US of 'politicisation' and 'scapegoating' over COVID-19 origin report</a>

<img alt="President Xi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc1cb332-0af1-454b-ae7c-1bba00f29bd2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/W1.jpg" />

After&nbsp;the release of an intelligence report on the COVID-19, China demanded,&nbsp;without any evidence, that American labs be investigated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-halts-use-of-163-million-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-over-contamination-408390">Japan halts use of 1.63 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine over contamination</a>

<img alt="Moderna vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a844cd5c-3e01-4b58-a0c5-adf68e45b776" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/M11.jpg" />

Drugmaker Takeda&nbsp;said it had 'received reports from several vaccination centres that foreign substances have been found inside unopened vials from specific lots'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-set-to-leave-manchester-city-in-2023-408398">Pep Guardiola set to leave Manchester City in 2023</a>

<img alt="Pep" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30c0dda0-a3f6-4c66-8ca9-b809bf545ced" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pep1.jpg" />

"The next step will be a national team, if there is a possibility," Guardiola was quoted by Spanish daily Marca.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-hibatullah-akhundzada-the-new-emir-of-the-islamic-emirate-408388">Watch-&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Hibatullah Akhundzada the new Emir of the Islamic Emirate?</a>

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Here is a round-up of WION's Daily Morning News Brief on what’s happening around the world today. As the US continues to evacuate its personnel from Kabul airport, the Biden administration along with allied countries issued a terror warning asking people to stay away from the airport.

Here is a round-up of WION's Daily Morning News Brief on what’s happening around the world today. As the US continues to evacuate its personnel from Kabul airport, the Biden administration along with allied countries issued a terror warning asking people to stay away from the airport. Meanwhile, China hit out at US report on COVID-19 origins. In Japan, authorities have decided to stop the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine after reports of contamination. 'Terror threat' at Kabul airport, say US and allies amid evacuation Thousands of Afghans continue to be stranded at Kabul airport even as the US ramped up its evacuation operations. China accuses US of 'politicisation' and 'scapegoating' over COVID-19 origin report After the release of an intelligence report on the COVID-19, China demanded, without any evidence, that American labs be investigated. Japan halts use of 1.63 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine over contamination Drugmaker Takeda said it had 'received reports from several vaccination centres that foreign substances have been found inside unopened vials from specific lots'. Pep Guardiola set to leave Manchester City in 2023 "The next step will be a national team, if there is a possibility," Guardiola was quoted by Spanish daily Marca. Watch- Gravitas: Is Hibatullah Akhundzada the new Emir of the Islamic Emirate?

Morning news brief: China slams US over COVID-19 origin report & more

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

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

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

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

A study published by a large number of&nbsp;US health workers has found that messenger RNA Covid vaccines 66 per cent&nbsp;effective against Delta.

These vaccines include&nbsp;Pfizer and Moderna, which have been administered to the majority of people, that had previously claimed to have 91 percent&nbsp;efficacy rate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been examining the real-world performance of the two vaccines since they were first authorised among healthcare personnel, first responders, and other frontline workers.

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Thousands of workers across six states were tested weekly and upon onset of Covid-19 symptoms, allowing researchers to estimate efficacy against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection.

By looking at the rate of infections among vaccinated and unvaccinated people and the amount of time they were tracked, vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 91 per cent in the initial study period of December 14, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

But during weeks in the run-up to August 14, when the ultra-contagious Delta variant became dominant, effectiveness fell to 66 percent.

The report's authors said there were a number of caveats, including that the protection from vaccines could be waning over time anyway, and the 66 per cent estimate was based on a relatively short study period with few infections.

"Although these interim findings suggest a moderate reduction in the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing infection, the sustained two thirds reduction in infection risk underscores the continued importance and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination," they said.

A number of studies have now concluded vaccine efficacy has dropped against Delta, even though the precise level of that drop differs between papers.

Protection against severe disease appears more stable, exceeding 90 per cent, according to a recent CDC study of patients in New York.&nbsp;

Another CDC study of Los Angeles patients released Tuesday that was carried out from May 1 to July 25 showed unvaccinated people were 29.2 times more likely to be hospitalised with Covid-19 than the vaccinated,&nbsp;corresponding to efficacy of about 97 per cent.

Delta became the dominant strain in the United States in early July.

According to a recent paper in the journal Virological, the amount of virus found in the first tests of patients with the Delta variant was 1,000 times higher than patients in the first wave of the virus in 2020, greatly increasing its contagiousness.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study published by a large number of US health workers has found that messenger RNA Covid vaccines 66 per cent effective against Delta. These vaccines include Pfizer and Moderna, which have been administered to the majority of people, that had previously claimed to have 91 percent efficacy rate.

A study published by a large number of US health workers has found that messenger RNA Covid vaccines 66 per cent effective against Delta. These vaccines include Pfizer and Moderna, which have been administered to the majority of people, that had previously claimed to have 91 percent efficacy rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been examining the real-world performance of the two vaccines since they were first authorised among healthcare personnel, first responders, and other frontline workers. Thousands of workers across six states were tested weekly and upon onset of Covid-19 symptoms, allowing researchers to estimate efficacy against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. By looking at the rate of infections among vaccinated and unvaccinated people and the amount of time they were tracked, vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 91 per cent in the initial study period of December 14, 2020 to April 10, 2021. But during weeks in the run-up to August 14, when the ultra-contagious Delta variant became dominant, effectiveness fell to 66 percent. The report's authors said there were a number of caveats, including that the protection from vaccines could be waning over time anyway, and the 66 per cent estimate was based on a relatively short study period with few infections. "Although these interim findings suggest a moderate reduction in the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing infection, the sustained two thirds reduction in infection risk underscores the continued importance and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination," they said. A number of studies have now concluded vaccine efficacy has dropped against Delta, even though the precise level of that drop differs between papers. Protection against severe disease appears more stable, exceeding 90 per cent, according to a recent CDC study of patients in New York. Another CDC study of Los Angeles patients released Tuesday that was carried out from May 1 to July 25 showed unvaccinated people were 29.2 times more likely to be hospitalised with Covid-19 than the vaccinated, corresponding to efficacy of about 97 per cent. Delta became the dominant strain in the United States in early July. According to a recent paper in the journal Virological, the amount of virus found in the first tests of patients with the Delta variant was 1,000 times higher than patients in the first wave of the virus in 2020, greatly increasing its contagiousness. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds that Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines only 66% effective against Delta variant

Moderna stated in an earnings call on Thursday that its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for six months, but that consumers would likely require booster doses before winter to battle the delta version.&nbsp;

The vaccine showed 93 per cent effectiveness six months after the second dosage, according to the firm, which is a positive indication as COVID cases grow across the country, primarily due to the highly infectious delta form.&nbsp;

"We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93% through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat so we must remain vigilant," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said.

Candidates who received a booster injection during a phase 2 study had "strong antibody responses" against the Delta and Gamma versions, according to the firm.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization requested that countries delay providing booster injections until at least September to ensure that poorer countries had access to dosages.&nbsp;

Moderna said that based on the "intersection" of factors including the delta variant, mask fatigue and people moving indoors due to colder weather, "we believe dose 3 booster will likely be necessary before the winter season."

(With inputs from agencies)

Moderna stated in an earnings call on Thursday that its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for six months, but that consumers would likely require booster doses before winter to battle the delta version.

Moderna stated in an earnings call on Thursday that its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for six months, but that consumers would likely require booster doses before winter to battle the delta version. The vaccine showed 93 per cent effectiveness six months after the second dosage, according to the firm, which is a positive indication as COVID cases grow across the country, primarily due to the highly infectious delta form. "We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93% through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat so we must remain vigilant," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said. Candidates who received a booster injection during a phase 2 study had "strong antibody responses" against the Delta and Gamma versions, according to the firm. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization requested that countries delay providing booster injections until at least September to ensure that poorer countries had access to dosages. Moderna said that based on the "intersection" of factors including the delta variant, mask fatigue and people moving indoors due to colder weather, "we believe dose 3 booster will likely be necessary before the winter season." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine 'remains durable' with 93% efficacy through 6 months: Moderna

Singapore is set to allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-reverses-plan-to-skip-quarantine-after-covid-19-exposure-398957">quarantine</a>-free travel from September with the country set to fully vaccinate 80 per cent of its population over the next two months.

"There is no need to wait for everyone to be vaccinated before we begin to open up. That would mean holding back the entire reopening timeline until much later in the year, which is not tenable,” the country's finance minister Lawrence Wong told Parliament.

Watch:

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Wong added that Singapore will establish travel corridors with countries where the virus is under control with vaccinated people may&nbsp;not be needed to quarantine and will be allowed to isolate at home.

Reports say half the country has been vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. At least 75 per cent of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

“While other countries may have come to terms with a certain level of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-outbreak-of-covid-19-in-china-highest-daily-rise-since-january-400714">COVID-19</a> cases and even deaths, this is not the choice we want to make in Singapore,” Wong said.

The country has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases last month with COVID-19 clusters in karaoke lounges and ports as authorities quickly moved to combat the sudden outbreak by limiting gatherings and banning dining in restaurants.

Police began investigating nightspots for breaching coronavirus rules which stipulated bars to restrict operations while providing food and drinks.

The new cases were due to the spread of the Delta variant, authorities said.&nbsp;

Singapore government is now aiming to become "Covid-resilient" with authorities set to review virus curbs next month.

Wong added that vaccinated people may be able to travel without serving the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine on their return to the country once key vaccination levels are reached with testing becoming the new benchmark for&nbsp;the government.

The finance minister said hospitalisations and ICU&nbsp;cases will be closely monitored by authorities while warning that the government may have to "pull back" plans if cases and hospitalisations rise.

The country has recorded 64,179 coronavirus cases and 37 deaths so far with 1,537 active cases currently and 12 cases of serious illness.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

Singapore is set to allow quarantine-free travel from September with the country set to fully vaccinate 80 per cent of its population over the next two months. "There is no need to wait for everyone to be vaccinated before we begin to open up.

Singapore is set to allow quarantine-free travel from September with the country set to fully vaccinate 80 per cent of its population over the next two months. "There is no need to wait for everyone to be vaccinated before we begin to open up. That would mean holding back the entire reopening timeline until much later in the year, which is not tenable,” the country's finance minister Lawrence Wong told Parliament. Watch: Wong added that Singapore will establish travel corridors with countries where the virus is under control with vaccinated people may not be needed to quarantine and will be allowed to isolate at home. Reports say half the country has been vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. At least 75 per cent of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. “While other countries may have come to terms with a certain level of COVID-19 cases and even deaths, this is not the choice we want to make in Singapore,” Wong said. The country has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases last month with COVID-19 clusters in karaoke lounges and ports as authorities quickly moved to combat the sudden outbreak by limiting gatherings and banning dining in restaurants. Police began investigating nightspots for breaching coronavirus rules which stipulated bars to restrict operations while providing food and drinks. The new cases were due to the spread of the Delta variant, authorities said. Singapore government is now aiming to become "Covid-resilient" with authorities set to review virus curbs next month. Wong added that vaccinated people may be able to travel without serving the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine on their return to the country once key vaccination levels are reached with testing becoming the new benchmark for the government. The finance minister said hospitalisations and ICU cases will be closely monitored by authorities while warning that the government may have to "pull back" plans if cases and hospitalisations rise. The country has recorded 64,179 coronavirus cases and 37 deaths so far with 1,537 active cases currently and 12 cases of serious illness. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Covid-resilient' Singapore aims to start quarantine-free travel

European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Friday approved use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This makes it the second jab approved for use among adolescents in Europe.

"The use of the Spikevax vaccine in children from 12 to 17 years of age will be the same as in people aged 18 and above," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said, using the vaccine's brand name.&nbsp;

The vaccine will be given in two injections. The time period between first and second dose would be four weeks.

The decision by the Amsterdam-based agency follows the approval of the first vaccine for European youngsters, by Pfizer/BioNTech in May.

The EMA said that the effects of the Moderna jab was studied among 3,732 children aged 12-17 years.

"The study showed that Spikevax produced a comparable antibody response in 12- to 17-year-olds to that seen in young adults aged 18 to 25 years," it said.

The Moderna jab employs the same mRNA technology as Pfizer/BioNTech, using genetic material to deliver instructions to human cells to create coronavirus spike proteins.&nbsp;

It thereby trains an immune response without exposing the host to a real infection.

The EMA said there were common side effects in children similar to those in adults.

This included pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever.

"These effects are usually mild or moderate and improve within a few days from the vaccination," the EMA said.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Friday approved use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This makes it the second jab approved for use among adolescents in Europe.

European Medicine Agency (EMA) on Friday approved use of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17. This makes it the second jab approved for use among adolescents in Europe. "The use of the Spikevax vaccine in children from 12 to 17 years of age will be the same as in people aged 18 and above," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said, using the vaccine's brand name. The vaccine will be given in two injections. The time period between first and second dose would be four weeks. The decision by the Amsterdam-based agency follows the approval of the first vaccine for European youngsters, by Pfizer/BioNTech in May. The EMA said that the effects of the Moderna jab was studied among 3,732 children aged 12-17 years. "The study showed that Spikevax produced a comparable antibody response in 12- to 17-year-olds to that seen in young adults aged 18 to 25 years," it said. The Moderna jab employs the same mRNA technology as Pfizer/BioNTech, using genetic material to deliver instructions to human cells to create coronavirus spike proteins. It thereby trains an immune response without exposing the host to a real infection. The EMA said there were common side effects in children similar to those in adults. This included pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever. "These effects are usually mild or moderate and improve within a few days from the vaccination," the EMA said. (With inputs from agencies)

European Medicine Agency approves Moderna jab for ages 12 and up

<div>
In a human study to test an mRNA vaccine targeting multiple influenza strains, the US biotech firm Moderna dosed its first participants on Wednesday.

To evaluate the safety of and strength of immune response to the shot called mRNA-1010, the company will recruit 180 adults from the United States for the Phase 1/2 trial.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/young-people-more-vulnerable-to-delta-mutations-of-covid-experts-warn-396586" hreflang="en">Young people more vulnerable to Delta mutations of Covid, experts warn</a>

In this trial, Moderna will be using the same messenger ribonucleic (mRNA) technology employed in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> flu shot, which has a 90 per cent efficacy rate and could lead to the development of a new generation of better flu vaccines.

In a statement, CEO Stephane Bancel said that they expect the seasonal influenza vaccine candidates to play a significant role in future combination respiratory vaccines.

Inactivated viruses cultivated in chicken eggs are currently used in the majority of flu vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-at-a-perilous-point-covid-19-death-toll-crosses-4-million-worldwide-396576" hreflang="en">'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide</a>

Strains must be chosen six to nine months before the intended use, and the vaccines' effectiveness is between 40 and 60 per cent.

Moderna&nbsp;hopes mRNA technology, which provokes an immune response by delivering genetic molecules containing the code for key parts of a pathogen into human cells, can accelerate development and increase scalability.

The company hopes that the mRNA technology, which is used to create an immune response by delivering genetic molecules, that contain the code for key cellular components of a pathogen, can accelerate development and increase scalability.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/covid-corruption-and-scandals-that-rocked-the-world-395815" hreflang="en">Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world</a>

It is also possible to deliver several mRNA molecules from different strains at the same time.&nbsp;

Flu shot currently being developed will target four World Health Organization (WHO) recommended strains of influenza: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), B/Yamagata and B/Victoria.

The WHO&nbsp;estimates there are approximately three to five million severe cases of flu each year globally and 290,000 to 650,000 flu-related respiratory deaths.

Globally, the WHO reports around three to five million severe cases of flu per year and&nbsp;290,000 to 650,000 deaths due to flu-related respiratory problems.

Moderna&nbsp;is also considering possible combo vaccines against the flu, SARS-CoV-2, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as human metapneumoviruses (hMPV).
</div>

In a human study to test an mRNA vaccine targeting multiple influenza strains, the US biotech firm Moderna dosed its first participants on Wednesday. To evaluate the safety of and strength of immune response to the shot called mRNA-1010, the company will recruit 180 adults from the United States for the Phase 1/2 trial.

In a human study to test an mRNA vaccine targeting multiple influenza strains, the US biotech firm Moderna dosed its first participants on Wednesday. To evaluate the safety of and strength of immune response to the shot called mRNA-1010, the company will recruit 180 adults from the United States for the Phase 1/2 trial. Also read | Young people more vulnerable to Delta mutations of Covid, experts warn In this trial, Moderna will be using the same messenger ribonucleic (mRNA) technology employed in its COVID-19 flu shot, which has a 90 per cent efficacy rate and could lead to the development of a new generation of better flu vaccines. In a statement, CEO Stephane Bancel said that they expect the seasonal influenza vaccine candidates to play a significant role in future combination respiratory vaccines. Inactivated viruses cultivated in chicken eggs are currently used in the majority of flu vaccines. Also read | 'World at a perilous point': COVID-19 death toll crosses 4 million worldwide Strains must be chosen six to nine months before the intended use, and the vaccines' effectiveness is between 40 and 60 per cent. Moderna hopes mRNA technology, which provokes an immune response by delivering genetic molecules containing the code for key parts of a pathogen into human cells, can accelerate development and increase scalability. The company hopes that the mRNA technology, which is used to create an immune response by delivering genetic molecules, that contain the code for key cellular components of a pathogen, can accelerate development and increase scalability. Have a look | Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world It is also possible to deliver several mRNA molecules from different strains at the same time. Flu shot currently being developed will target four World Health Organization (WHO) recommended strains of influenza: A(H1N1), A(H3N2), B/Yamagata and B/Victoria. The WHO estimates there are approximately three to five million severe cases of flu each year globally and 290,000 to 650,000 flu-related respiratory deaths. Globally, the WHO reports around three to five million severe cases of flu per year and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths due to flu-related respiratory problems. Moderna is also considering possible combo vaccines against the flu, SARS-CoV-2, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well as human metapneumoviruses (hMPV).

Moderna starts human trial for multi-strain mRNA flu vaccine

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

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

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

Moderna vaccine may reach India this week: Report

Europe's drug regulator has said&nbsp;the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the&nbsp;European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert.

"It seems that the four vaccines that are approved in the&nbsp;European Union are protective against all strains that are circulating in&nbsp;Europe, including the Delta variant," said Marco Cavaleri,&nbsp;European Medicines Agency's (EMA) head of vaccine strategy, during a news briefing.

The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus variant first detected&nbsp;in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe.

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The EMA's head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said the Amsterdam-based watchdog was "aware of concerns caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

"Right now it seems that the four vaccines approved in the European Union are protecting against all the strains circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant," he said.

"Emerging data from real world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant."

Lab tests also showed that antibodies from the vaccines were able to neutralise Delta "so these are very reassuring news."

Four vaccines are currently approved for use in the EU: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson.&nbsp;

But while the EU has been stepping up its vaccination programme, the WHO warned that cases are on the rise again after two months of decline.

The WHO said the reversal came as the Delta variant was overtaking the original Alpha variant that emerged in Britain "very quickly".

The EMA's Cavaleri said the regulator urged manufacturers to keep checking that their jabs were effective against all new variants of the disease including the so-called 'Delta Plus'.

"There are a number of variants that have been emerging over the last months, and we expect more to come over," Cavaleri said.

"Now there is the so-called Delta Plus variant, which is the Delta variant with an additional mutation in the spike protein, that is also important and we need to check that as well."

(With inputs from agencies)

Europe's drug regulator has said the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert.

Europe's drug regulator has said the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert. "It seems that the four vaccines that are approved in the European Union are protective against all strains that are circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant," said Marco Cavaleri, European Medicines Agency's (EMA) head of vaccine strategy, during a news briefing. The upbeat assessment came as the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus variant first detected in India could fuel a new wave of cases in Europe. The EMA's head of vaccine strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said the Amsterdam-based watchdog was "aware of concerns caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. "Right now it seems that the four vaccines approved in the European Union are protecting against all the strains circulating in Europe, including the Delta variant," he said. "Emerging data from real world evidence are showing that two doses of vaccines are protective against the Delta variant." Lab tests also showed that antibodies from the vaccines were able to neutralise Delta "so these are very reassuring news." Four vaccines are currently approved for use in the EU: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. But while the EU has been stepping up its vaccination programme, the WHO warned that cases are on the rise again after two months of decline. The WHO said the reversal came as the Delta variant was overtaking the original Alpha variant that emerged in Britain "very quickly". The EMA's Cavaleri said the regulator urged manufacturers to keep checking that their jabs were effective against all new variants of the disease including the so-called 'Delta Plus'. "There are a number of variants that have been emerging over the last months, and we expect more to come over," Cavaleri said. "Now there is the so-called Delta Plus variant, which is the Delta variant with an additional mutation in the spike protein, that is also important and we need to check that as well." (With inputs from agencies)

EU-approved vaccines effective against Delta variant in bloc, says EMA

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is opting for Moderna vaccine as his second dose. For first dose, he had taken AstraZeneca vaccine. The decision has been taken just weeks after Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) said that mRNA vaccines could be preferred for second dose even when AstraZeneca vaccine was used to give first dose.

Justin Trudeau was scheduled to receive the second dose on Friday in Ottawa. His wife will be vaccinated as well.

NACI has endorsed vaccine interchangeability. Under this, those who have taken first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine may opt for mRNA vaccines like those developed by Pfizer or Moderna.

Even Germany has recommended vaccine interchangeability. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already received Moderna dose after taking AstraZeneca for the first dose.

On Friday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn held discussions with his colleagues from 16 German states. The discussions came a day after the country's standing committee on vaccination issued a draft recommendation

In a statement, the committee said that "according to current study results," the immune response from a mixture of AstraZeneca with an mRNA vaccine was "significantly superior" to that from two doses of AstraZeneca.

It recommended that the second dose with an mRNA vaccine &nbsp;"Germany uses those made by BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna" be administered four weeks or more after the first AstraZeneca shot. That is much shorter than the nine to 12 weeks the committee recommends between two doses of AstraZeneca.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is opting for Moderna vaccine as his second dose. For first dose, he had taken AstraZeneca vaccine. The decision has been taken just weeks after Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) said that mRNA vaccines could be preferred for second dose even when AstraZeneca vaccine was used to give first dose.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is opting for Moderna vaccine as his second dose. For first dose, he had taken AstraZeneca vaccine. The decision has been taken just weeks after Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunisation (NACI) said that mRNA vaccines could be preferred for second dose even when AstraZeneca vaccine was used to give first dose. Justin Trudeau was scheduled to receive the second dose on Friday in Ottawa. His wife will be vaccinated as well. NACI has endorsed vaccine interchangeability. Under this, those who have taken first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine may opt for mRNA vaccines like those developed by Pfizer or Moderna. Even Germany has recommended vaccine interchangeability. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has already received Moderna dose after taking AstraZeneca for the first dose. On Friday, German Health Minister Jens Spahn held discussions with his colleagues from 16 German states. The discussions came a day after the country's standing committee on vaccination issued a draft recommendation In a statement, the committee said that "according to current study results," the immune response from a mixture of AstraZeneca with an mRNA vaccine was "significantly superior" to that from two doses of AstraZeneca. It recommended that the second dose with an mRNA vaccine "Germany uses those made by BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna" be administered four weeks or more after the first AstraZeneca shot. That is much shorter than the nine to 12 weeks the committee recommends between two doses of AstraZeneca. (With inputs from agencies)

Trudeau to take Moderna vaccine after first jab of AstraZeneca

German biotech company&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;effective in the final trial,&nbsp; missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union.

The company in part blamed "the unprecedented context of 15 strains circulating" among the trial volunteers, as well as varying responses across age groups.

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The stakes for&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;and prospective buyers of its vaccine in Europe had risen after age limits were imposed on the use of the Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines due to a link to extremely rare but potentially fatal clotting disorders.

CureVac's shot was also expected to help in low and middle-income countries that have lagged far behind richer nations in the global immunisation drive.

As&nbsp;CureVac's only major supply deals, the European Union in November secured up to 405 million doses of the vaccine, of which 180 million are optional. That was followed by a memorandum of understanding with Germany for another 20 million doses.

The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna -- based on the same novel messenger RNA technology -- were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95 percent efficacy.

Their trials only had to contend with the original strain of the virus. But recent studies indicate that both vaccines also offer strong protection against the newer, more contagious variants.

CureVac&nbsp;said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53 percent.&nbsp;

Among that same 18-60 age group, the vaccine offered 100-percent protection against hospitalisation and death.

In a statement, chief executive officer Franz-Werner Haas said "CVnCoV demonstrates a strong public health value" for people aged 18 to 60 "which we believe will be an important contribution to help manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread".

The Tuebingen-based company has shared its data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will now decide if the vaccine is good enough to be greenlit.

The European Union has secured up to 405 million doses of the&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;vaccine should it receive regulatory approval.

Despite being a laggard in the vaccine race,&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;believes it has advantages over mRNA competitors.

CureVac's product can be stored at standard refrigerator temperature, unlike the first-generation Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which require super-cold freezers.

CureVac's vaccine also requires a lower dosage of just 12 microgrammes, compared to 30 microgrammes for BioNTech and 100 for Moderna, allowing for faster and cheaper mass production.

These factors could possibly give&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;an edge in poorer or warmer countries.

Scientists have said the weaker-than-hoped results may be down to the lower dosage, or even&nbsp;CureVac's recipe, which unlike its rivals uses an unmodified form of messenger RNA.

The company is already working on a second-generation Covid vaccine for which it has teamed up with pharma giant GSK.

Early results on rats have been promising, it said.&nbsp;Clinical testing on humans is set to begin in the third quarter of 2021.

CureVac&nbsp;was founded in 2000 by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr and is backed by Dietmar Hopp, the German billionaire behind software behemoth SAP.

The German government last year took a 23-percent stake in&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;for 300 million euros.

The move came shortly after media reports said then President Donald Trump had sought exclusive US access to any&nbsp;CureVac&nbsp;vaccine, a claim both sides strenuously denied.

(With inputs from agencies)

German biotech company CureVac said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48 per cent effective in the final trial, missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union.

German biotech company CureVac said on Wednesday its COVID-19 vaccine was only 48 per cent effective in the final trial, missing the study's main goal and throwing in doubt the potential delivery of hundreds of millions of doses to the European Union. The company in part blamed "the unprecedented context of 15 strains circulating" among the trial volunteers, as well as varying responses across age groups. The stakes for CureVac and prospective buyers of its vaccine in Europe had risen after age limits were imposed on the use of the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines due to a link to extremely rare but potentially fatal clotting disorders. CureVac's shot was also expected to help in low and middle-income countries that have lagged far behind richer nations in the global immunisation drive. As CureVac's only major supply deals, the European Union in November secured up to 405 million doses of the vaccine, of which 180 million are optional. That was followed by a memorandum of understanding with Germany for another 20 million doses. The Covid vaccines developed by Germany's BioNTech in partnership with US giant Pfizer and by US firm Moderna -- based on the same novel messenger RNA technology -- were approved earlier on in the pandemic after showing around 95 percent efficacy. Their trials only had to contend with the original strain of the virus. But recent studies indicate that both vaccines also offer strong protection against the newer, more contagious variants. CureVac said its jab, known as CVnCoV, did slightly better among people aged 18 to 60 than among older ages, with efficacy climbing to 53 percent. Among that same 18-60 age group, the vaccine offered 100-percent protection against hospitalisation and death. In a statement, chief executive officer Franz-Werner Haas said "CVnCoV demonstrates a strong public health value" for people aged 18 to 60 "which we believe will be an important contribution to help manage the Covid-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread". The Tuebingen-based company has shared its data with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which will now decide if the vaccine is good enough to be greenlit. The European Union has secured up to 405 million doses of the CureVac vaccine should it receive regulatory approval. Despite being a laggard in the vaccine race, CureVac believes it has advantages over mRNA competitors. CureVac's product can be stored at standard refrigerator temperature, unlike the first-generation Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which require super-cold freezers. CureVac's vaccine also requires a lower dosage of just 12 microgrammes, compared to 30 microgrammes for BioNTech and 100 for Moderna, allowing for faster and cheaper mass production. These factors could possibly give CureVac an edge in poorer or warmer countries. Scientists have said the weaker-than-hoped results may be down to the lower dosage, or even CureVac's recipe, which unlike its rivals uses an unmodified form of messenger RNA. The company is already working on a second-generation Covid vaccine for which it has teamed up with pharma giant GSK. Early results on rats have been promising, it said. Clinical testing on humans is set to begin in the third quarter of 2021. CureVac was founded in 2000 by mRNA pioneer Ingmar Hoerr and is backed by Dietmar Hopp, the German billionaire behind software behemoth SAP. The German government last year took a 23-percent stake in CureVac for 300 million euros. The move came shortly after media reports said then President Donald Trump had sought exclusive US access to any CureVac vaccine, a claim both sides strenuously denied. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany's COVID-19 vaccine CureVac disappoints in pivotal final trial, with only 48 per cent efficacy

The stock of Moderna Inc. has climbed to a record high amid growing concern about a contagious variant of Covid-19 in nations including India.&nbsp;

The company said its vaccine produced protective antibodies against the Delta variant first found in India. The highly contagious variant is spreading in several countries, leading to fresh lockdowns. Moderna also became the first foreign vaccine to be approved by India.

Both developments helped in the company's shares to soar. The shares rose as much as 6.9 per cent to $238.40, breaking through the prior intraday record set earlier this month. The trading volume was about 1.2 times the 10-day average as of 12:16 p.m. in New York.

Few analysts had expressed concern about Moderna’s recent surge. This had pushed the company’s market value past $95 billion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cipla-gets-dcgi-nod-to-import-modernas-covid-vaccine-for-restricted-emergency-use-in-india-sources-394590">Also Read |&nbsp;Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources</a>

The vaccine stocks for Moderna and BioNTech SE have surged over the past 12 months. Shares of BioNTech hiked around 250 per cent while Moderna gained nearly 280 per cent during the period.

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import.&nbsp;Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country.

Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik.

"Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act,&nbsp; 1940," a source told PTI new agency.

The stock of Moderna Inc. has climbed to a record high amid growing concern about a contagious variant of Covid-19 in nations including India. The company said its vaccine produced protective antibodies against the Delta variant first found in India.

The stock of Moderna Inc. has climbed to a record high amid growing concern about a contagious variant of Covid-19 in nations including India. The company said its vaccine produced protective antibodies against the Delta variant first found in India. The highly contagious variant is spreading in several countries, leading to fresh lockdowns. Moderna also became the first foreign vaccine to be approved by India. Both developments helped in the company's shares to soar. The shares rose as much as 6.9 per cent to $238.40, breaking through the prior intraday record set earlier this month. The trading volume was about 1.2 times the 10-day average as of 12:16 p.m. in New York. Few analysts had expressed concern about Moderna’s recent surge. This had pushed the company’s market value past $95 billion. Also Read | Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources The vaccine stocks for Moderna and BioNTech SE have surged over the past 12 months. Shares of BioNTech hiked around 250 per cent while Moderna gained nearly 280 per cent during the period. India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import. Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country. Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. "Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," a source told PTI new agency.

Moderna shares soar after report that its Covid shot works against Delta variant

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday.

Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. 
"Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules , 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," a source told PTI.

In separate communications, Moderna on June 27 informed DCGI that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine through COVAX to India for use here and sought an approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the vaccines.

On Monday, Cipla, on behalf of the US pharma major, requested the drug regulator for import and marketing authorisation of these jabs.&nbsp;"This permission is for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest. The firm has to submit 7 days safety assessment of the vaccine in first 100 beneficiaries before rolling out of vaccine for further immunisation programme, according to the approval order," an official said.

On Monday, Cipla filed the application seeking permission for import of Moderna's vaccine referring to DCGI notices dated April 15 and June 1 according to which if the vaccine is approved by the USFDA for EUA, the vaccine can be granted marketing authorisation without bridging trial and assessment of safety data of first 100 beneficiaries of vaccines shall be submitted before rolling out in immunisation programme.

Also, the requirement of testing of every batch by Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kasauli can be exempted if the batch/lot is released by the CDL of country of origin, however, summary lot protocol review and scrutiny of documents shall be undertaken by the laboratory for batch release according to standard procedures, Cipla said referring to the DCGI's new revised rules.

Further, Moderna through a separate communication has informed that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of the Moderna vaccine, mRNA-1273, through COVAX to the government of India for use in the country and has submitted the dossiers through e-mail.

"This correspondence is to request the CDSCO to open a file for approval of these urgently needed vaccines," Moderna said.

On June 1, in a bid to expedite the rollout of vaccines, the DCGI decided to waive testing of batches at CDL for foreign-manufactured vaccines that have been approved by international drug regulators such as the US FDA, the UK's MHRA or the WHO.

The central government in April issued detailed guidelines and proactively eased entry of foreign made COVID-19 vaccines approved by US FDA, EMA, UK's MHRA and Japan's PMDA, and WHO's Emergency Use Listing into India.

According to the guidelines, these vaccines will not need to undergo prior bridging trials. The provision was further amended to waive off the trial requirement altogether for the well-established vaccines manufactured in other countries.

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday.

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country, official sources said on Tuesday. Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. "Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules , 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," a source told PTI. In separate communications, Moderna on June 27 informed DCGI that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of its COVID-19 vaccine through COVAX to India for use here and sought an approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for the vaccines. On Monday, Cipla, on behalf of the US pharma major, requested the drug regulator for import and marketing authorisation of these jabs. "This permission is for restricted use in emergency situations in public interest. The firm has to submit 7 days safety assessment of the vaccine in first 100 beneficiaries before rolling out of vaccine for further immunisation programme, according to the approval order," an official said. On Monday, Cipla filed the application seeking permission for import of Moderna's vaccine referring to DCGI notices dated April 15 and June 1 according to which if the vaccine is approved by the USFDA for EUA, the vaccine can be granted marketing authorisation without bridging trial and assessment of safety data of first 100 beneficiaries of vaccines shall be submitted before rolling out in immunisation programme. Also, the requirement of testing of every batch by Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Kasauli can be exempted if the batch/lot is released by the CDL of country of origin, however, summary lot protocol review and scrutiny of documents shall be undertaken by the laboratory for batch release according to standard procedures, Cipla said referring to the DCGI's new revised rules. Further, Moderna through a separate communication has informed that the US government has agreed to donate a certain number of doses of the Moderna vaccine, mRNA-1273, through COVAX to the government of India for use in the country and has submitted the dossiers through e-mail. "This correspondence is to request the CDSCO to open a file for approval of these urgently needed vaccines," Moderna said. On June 1, in a bid to expedite the rollout of vaccines, the DCGI decided to waive testing of batches at CDL for foreign-manufactured vaccines that have been approved by international drug regulators such as the US FDA, the UK's MHRA or the WHO. The central government in April issued detailed guidelines and proactively eased entry of foreign made COVID-19 vaccines approved by US FDA, EMA, UK's MHRA and Japan's PMDA, and WHO's Emergency Use Listing into India. According to the guidelines, these vaccines will not need to undergo prior bridging trials. The provision was further amended to waive off the trial requirement altogether for the well-established vaccines manufactured in other countries.

Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources

German chancellor Angela Merkel has received Moderna shot as her second dose of Coronavirus vaccine. Merkel was administered with AstraZeneca jab for her first dose. The 66-year-old took her first dose in April, more than two weeks after German authorities recommended the use of AstraZeneca jab only for people aged 60 and above.

Angela Merkel administered with Moderna jab during second dose after having AstraZeneca as first

German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a mixed jab on Tuesday as she&nbsp;received the Moderna coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/windmill-dance-medical-experts-laugh-at-silly-post-vaccine-hack-393140">vaccine </a>after taking the AstraZeneca&nbsp;first dose in April.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had earlier suggested that mixing different vaccines can be effective.

However, the health body added that&nbsp;it lacks sufficient evidence on coronavirus shots to come to a successful conclusion.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-president-threatens-to-jail-those-who-refuse-covid-19-vaccine-393163/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Marco Cavaleri, head of Biological Health Threats and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-to-set-up-vaccine-tech-transfer-hub-in-south-africa-393132">Vaccines</a> Strategy at the EMA had said the organisation was closely monitoring the situation while adding that full trial data was necessary in order to make a complete&nbsp;assessment.

According to German authorities, at least 51 per cent of the population has received one jab of the vaccine.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;as Europe continues to reopen, the German Chancellor expressed concern over travel guidelines in the European Union warning that it might "come back to haunt us".

Portugal was earlier forced to delay its post-lockdown reopening after a surge in virus cases which was cited by the German Chancellor.

"We have made some good progress in recent months but aren't where I'd like the European Union to be," Merkel said.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it was concerned over Europe easing virus restrictions due to Euro 2020 as the UK announced that thousands of spectators will be allowed for the semi-finals and final of the tournament to be played at Wembley stadium in London.

The British authorities said more than 60,000 spectators could fill the stadiums even as it battles the virus. The UK government had earlier delayed easing restrictions due to the surge in Delta variant across the country.

Denmark also witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases amid the Euro football games in Copenhagen, reports claimed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a mixed jab on Tuesday as she received the Moderna coronavirus vaccine after taking the AstraZeneca first dose in April. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had earlier suggested that mixing different vaccines can be effective.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a mixed jab on Tuesday as she received the Moderna coronavirus vaccine after taking the AstraZeneca first dose in April. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had earlier suggested that mixing different vaccines can be effective. However, the health body added that it lacks sufficient evidence on coronavirus shots to come to a successful conclusion. Watch: Marco Cavaleri, head of Biological Health Threats and Vaccines Strategy at the EMA had said the organisation was closely monitoring the situation while adding that full trial data was necessary in order to make a complete assessment. According to German authorities, at least 51 per cent of the population has received one jab of the vaccine. Meanwhile, as Europe continues to reopen, the German Chancellor expressed concern over travel guidelines in the European Union warning that it might "come back to haunt us". Portugal was earlier forced to delay its post-lockdown reopening after a surge in virus cases which was cited by the German Chancellor. "We have made some good progress in recent months but aren't where I'd like the European Union to be," Merkel said. The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it was concerned over Europe easing virus restrictions due to Euro 2020 as the UK announced that thousands of spectators will be allowed for the semi-finals and final of the tournament to be played at Wembley stadium in London. The British authorities said more than 60,000 spectators could fill the stadiums even as it battles the virus. The UK government had earlier delayed easing restrictions due to the surge in Delta variant across the country. Denmark also witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases amid the Euro football games in Copenhagen, reports claimed. (With inputs from Agencies)

German Chancellor Merkel takes Moderna vaccine as second jab after AstraZeneca

Some people in Singapore on Friday began receiving the COVID vaccine manufactured by the Chinese company Sinovac at private clinics, even as one of the city-state’s top health officials cast doubt on its effectiveness.

Singapore allowed 24 private health clinics to administer the vaccine after the World Health Organization authorized it for emergency use this month. But even though initial demand for the shot appeared to be strong, Singapore’s government has so far stopped short of adding it to the national vaccination program.

One reason that people in Singapore and elsewhere would choose to get a Sinovac shot even when more effective vaccines are available is that they are from mainland China or plan to travel there. Chinese state media organizations have been waging a misinformation campaign that questions the safety of American-made vaccines, and Beijing has said that foreigners who receive Chinese shots will have an easier time getting into the country.

Kenneth Mak, Singapore’s director of medical services, on Friday told reporters that he worried about reports from other countries of people becoming sick with COVID even after receiving the Sinovac shot. He cited cases in Indonesia, where officials said this past week that dozens of doctors and other health workers who had received Sinovac in one district had been hospitalized.

“It does give the impression that the efficacy of different vaccines will vary quite significantly,” Mak said.

Studies have shown that the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna — the only ones in Singapore’s national program so far — are 90% effective at preventing infections in real-world conditions. There have been rare reports of severe COVID in people who have been fully vaccinated with those shots.

Other studies indicate that so-called breakthrough infections in people who are given Chinese vaccines, including the one made by Sinovac, are more common than they are in people who receive the Pfizer or Moderna shots. Studies of Phase 3 trials of Sinovac’s vaccine, called CoronaVac, around the world have reported an effect of between 50% and 84%.

When WHO endorsed Sinovac’s vaccine for emergency use this month, the agency said that it was only 51% effective at preventing symptomatic disease.

The Chinese vaccines are still considered to be very effective against severe disease, but scientists have warned that developing nations that choose to use them could end up lagging behind countries that select Pfizer or Moderna.

Singapore has been averaging about 20 new coronavirus cases a day over the past week, according to a New York Times database. More than a third of the city’s 5.7 million people have been fully vaccinated and nearly half have received at least one COVID shot. The government expects to complete vaccinations by the end of the year.

Some people in Singapore on Friday began receiving the COVID vaccine manufactured by the Chinese company Sinovac at private clinics, even as one of the city-state’s top health officials cast doubt on its effectiveness.

Some people in Singapore on Friday began receiving the COVID vaccine manufactured by the Chinese company Sinovac at private clinics, even as one of the city-state’s top health officials cast doubt on its effectiveness. Singapore allowed 24 private health clinics to administer the vaccine after the World Health Organization authorized it for emergency use this month. But even though initial demand for the shot appeared to be strong, Singapore’s government has so far stopped short of adding it to the national vaccination program. One reason that people in Singapore and elsewhere would choose to get a Sinovac shot even when more effective vaccines are available is that they are from mainland China or plan to travel there. Chinese state media organizations have been waging a misinformation campaign that questions the safety of American-made vaccines, and Beijing has said that foreigners who receive Chinese shots will have an easier time getting into the country. Kenneth Mak, Singapore’s director of medical services, on Friday told reporters that he worried about reports from other countries of people becoming sick with COVID even after receiving the Sinovac shot. He cited cases in Indonesia, where officials said this past week that dozens of doctors and other health workers who had received Sinovac in one district had been hospitalized. “It does give the impression that the efficacy of different vaccines will vary quite significantly,” Mak said. Studies have shown that the vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna — the only ones in Singapore’s national program so far — are 90% effective at preventing infections in real-world conditions. There have been rare reports of severe COVID in people who have been fully vaccinated with those shots. Other studies indicate that so-called breakthrough infections in people who are given Chinese vaccines, including the one made by Sinovac, are more common than they are in people who receive the Pfizer or Moderna shots. Studies of Phase 3 trials of Sinovac’s vaccine, called CoronaVac, around the world have reported an effect of between 50% and 84%. When WHO endorsed Sinovac’s vaccine for emergency use this month, the agency said that it was only 51% effective at preventing symptomatic disease. The Chinese vaccines are still considered to be very effective against severe disease, but scientists have warned that developing nations that choose to use them could end up lagging behind countries that select Pfizer or Moderna. Singapore has been averaging about 20 new coronavirus cases a day over the past week, according to a New York Times database. More than a third of the city’s 5.7 million people have been fully vaccinated and nearly half have received at least one COVID shot. The government expects to complete vaccinations by the end of the year.

Singapore allows Sinovac shots but casts doubt on their effectiveness

In order to make sure the residents of the United States are safely vaccinated against the variants of the deadly coronavirus, the authorities have sealed a deal of buying 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine.

"We appreciate the collaboration with the US government for these additional doses of the&nbsp;Moderna&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine, which could be used for primary vaccination, including of children, or possibly as a booster if that becomes necessary to continue to defeat the pandemic," said the company's CEO Stephane Bancel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regeneron-covid-19-therapy-cuts-deaths-among-hospitalised-patients-who-lack-antibodies-study-391885" hreflang="en">UK trial finds Regeneron anti-viral therapy saves lives from COVID-19</a>

The deal is particularly important as it gives the country the option to buy variant-specific boosters that are in the pipeline. "We remain focused on being proactive as the virus evolves by leveraging the flexibility of our mRNA platform to stay ahead of emerging variants," Bancel added.

This comes at a time when the country has started reporting the lowest new infections but on the same day when the US crossed 600,000 Covid deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-set-to-add-united-states-to-safe-travel-list-391995">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-set-to-add-united-states-to-safe-travel-list-391995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While this has come as a piece of good news, experts are worried about the declining rate of vaccinations in the country, which were at a high point in April but have only declined since then.

The US has managed to vaccinate 65 per cent of its adults with at least the first dose of the coronavirus vaccines.

In order to make sure the residents of the United States are safely vaccinated against the variants of the deadly coronavirus, the authorities have sealed a deal of buying 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine.

In order to make sure the residents of the United States are safely vaccinated against the variants of the deadly coronavirus, the authorities have sealed a deal of buying 200 million doses of the Moderna vaccine. "We appreciate the collaboration with the US government for these additional doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which could be used for primary vaccination, including of children, or possibly as a booster if that becomes necessary to continue to defeat the pandemic," said the company's CEO Stephane Bancel. Also read | UK trial finds Regeneron anti-viral therapy saves lives from COVID-19 The deal is particularly important as it gives the country the option to buy variant-specific boosters that are in the pipeline. "We remain focused on being proactive as the virus evolves by leveraging the flexibility of our mRNA platform to stay ahead of emerging variants," Bancel added. This comes at a time when the country has started reporting the lowest new infections but on the same day when the US crossed 600,000 Covid deaths. WATCH | While this has come as a piece of good news, experts are worried about the declining rate of vaccinations in the country, which were at a high point in April but have only declined since then. The US has managed to vaccinate 65 per cent of its adults with at least the first dose of the coronavirus vaccines.

US signs deal to buy 200 million doses of Moderna coronavirus vaccine

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus vaccines</a> for teenagers in the European&nbsp;Union (EU) and Canada.

"We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for conditional marketing approval of our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> with the European Medicines Agency for use in adolescents in the European Union," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-made-commitment-to-send-vaccines-to-india-says-us-nsa-389471" hreflang="en">Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA</a>

The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents," Bancel said. "We have filed for authorization with Health Canada and we will file for an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and regulatory agencies around the world for this important younger age population."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-plans-to-offer-vaccinations-to-visiting-foreigners-for-a-fee-389619" hreflang="en">Putin plans to offer vaccinations to visiting foreigners for a fee</a>

It has come after a few countries started vaccinating children from the age of 18 and above. The decision has been taken to make sure the transmission rate decreases in children.

Moderna is a two-shot vaccine against coronavirus and is 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 95 per cent effective against severe disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of coronavirus vaccines for teenagers in the European Union (EU) and Canada.

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of coronavirus vaccines for teenagers in the European Union (EU) and Canada. "We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for conditional marketing approval of our COVID-19 vaccine with the European Medicines Agency for use in adolescents in the European Union," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said. Also read | Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents," Bancel said. "We have filed for authorization with Health Canada and we will file for an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and regulatory agencies around the world for this important younger age population." Also read | Putin plans to offer vaccinations to visiting foreigners for a fee It has come after a few countries started vaccinating children from the age of 18 and above. The decision has been taken to make sure the transmission rate decreases in children. Moderna is a two-shot vaccine against coronavirus and is 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 95 per cent effective against severe disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada

Russia on Moday formally quit the Open Skies treaty with the US after the legislation was passed by both houses of the Russian parliament and the formal stamp of approval was given by President Putin.

In Nigeria, the government ordered all TV and radio stations to immediately stop using Twitter just days after the government suspended the micro-blogging site from the country "indefinitely" after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an "abusive" civil war tweet.

Meanwhile, Spain welcomed vaccinated foreign tourists from across the world as it opened its borders in a bid to boost the tourism sector hit hard due to the pandemic.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-formally-exits-from-open-skies-pact-with-us-after-putins-approval-389947">Russia formally exits from Open Skies pact with US after Putin's approval</a> 
<img alt="Putin-Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="23886654-9eb2-40e2-998e-713126adf63f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PP1.jpg" />

The Open Skies treaty which had come into effect on January 1, 2002, allowed both countries to conduct unarmed surveillance flights over military installations.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unpatriotic-nigeria-government-orders-media-houses-to-stop-using-twitter-389980">'Unpatriotic': Nigeria government orders media houses to stop using Twitter</a>

<img alt="Twitter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a26e4858-5b44-4ccb-af77-cdac26ed37f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/T1.jpg" />

The order has come a few days after the Nigerian government suspended Twitter from the country ‘indefinitely’ after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an 'abusive' civil war tweet.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-borders-to-vaccinated-travellers-as-tourists-begin-arriving-389994">Spain opens borders to vaccinated travellers as tourists begin arriving</a>

<img alt="Spain" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3d3e6a3c-ac5e-438d-abcb-1fa83688b52b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tourists1.jpg" />

Spain had earlier allowed tourists from ten non-EU countries to enter without a negative COVID-19 PCR test which included Britain, &nbsp;Australia, New Zealand and Israel.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-awaiting-approval-of-coronavirus-vaccine-for-teens-in-eu-canada-389997">Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada</a>

<img alt="Moderna" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77d4c742-d3e6-43e8-a5d8-9a5e20f57a84" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/MM.jpg" />

The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-chief-jeff-bezos-his-brother-to-fly-to-space-on-blue-origin-flight-389985">Amazon chief Jeff Bezos &amp; his brother to fly to space on Blue Origin flight</a>

<img alt="Bezos" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="354e866e-39de-47df-930e-f21249ddb1dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Amazon11.jpg" />

Bezos will be stepping down from&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;next month, the company he built from scratch into a retail giant.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-police-using-drones-to-check-body-temperature-in-public-places-389944">Malaysia: Police using drones to check body temperature in public places</a>

<img alt="Drones" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8e69f491-cf02-4584-bfda-84c9841e4730" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/DD1.jpg" />

The drones can detect high temperatures as high as 20 metres above ground.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-with-kamala-harris-on-board-forced-to-turn-around-after-technical-issue-389840">Plane with Kamala Harris on board forced to turn around after 'technical issue'</a>

<img alt="Kamala Harris" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8bf805-fbc5-4c5b-9727-7837e8719d0e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Harris1.jpg" />

US Vice President Kamala Harris, after exiting the plane when it returned to Joint Base Andrews on the outskirts of Washington, said: "We all said a little prayer, but we're good."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-accusations-of-genocide-from-the-west-china-policies-could-cut-millions-of-uyghur-births-in-xinjiang-report-389838">&nbsp;China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report</a> 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Uyghur" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5afd00f7-7e9a-48a9-8bd7-5eff7b059363" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/U.jpg" />

The Chinese government has not made public any official target for reducing the proportion of Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-killed-50-injured-as-passenger-trains-collide-in-pakistans-sindh-province-389852">30 killed, 50 injured as passenger trains collide in Pakistan's Sindh province</a>

<img alt="Sindh train accident" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="10ca1920-34b7-434b-bb22-29f62531bd5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20.jpg" />

Sir Syed Express train, which was heading towards Lahore collided with the Millat Express which was derailed on the way to Sargodha from Karachi.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-oli-says-misunderstandings-with-india-resolved-389932">Nepal PM Oli says 'misunderstandings' with India resolved</a>

<img alt="PM Oli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92c7817d-56cd-4de4-b370-e1c36318446c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Oli1.jpg" />

Oli, in a televised address to the nation last month, said that the outstanding issues relating to the border issue with India will be resolved through diplomatic channels.&nbsp;

Russia on Moday formally quit the Open Skies treaty with the US after the legislation was passed by both houses of the Russian parliament and the formal stamp of approval was given by President Putin.

Russia on Moday formally quit the Open Skies treaty with the US after the legislation was passed by both houses of the Russian parliament and the formal stamp of approval was given by President Putin. In Nigeria, the government ordered all TV and radio stations to immediately stop using Twitter just days after the government suspended the micro-blogging site from the country "indefinitely" after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an "abusive" civil war tweet. Meanwhile, Spain welcomed vaccinated foreign tourists from across the world as it opened its borders in a bid to boost the tourism sector hit hard due to the pandemic. Click on headlines to read more Russia formally exits from Open Skies pact with US after Putin's approval The Open Skies treaty which had come into effect on January 1, 2002, allowed both countries to conduct unarmed surveillance flights over military installations. 'Unpatriotic': Nigeria government orders media houses to stop using Twitter The order has come a few days after the Nigerian government suspended Twitter from the country ‘indefinitely’ after the platform suspended President Muhammadu Buhari’s account following an 'abusive' civil war tweet. Spain opens borders to vaccinated travellers as tourists begin arriving Spain had earlier allowed tourists from ten non-EU countries to enter without a negative COVID-19 PCR test which included Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Israel. Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration. Amazon chief Jeff Bezos & his brother to fly to space on Blue Origin flight Bezos will be stepping down from Amazon next month, the company he built from scratch into a retail giant. Malaysia: Police using drones to check body temperature in public places The drones can detect high temperatures as high as 20 metres above ground. Plane with Kamala Harris on board forced to turn around after 'technical issue' US Vice President Kamala Harris, after exiting the plane when it returned to Joint Base Andrews on the outskirts of Washington, said: "We all said a little prayer, but we're good." China policies could cut millions of Uyghur births in Xinjiang: Report The Chinese government has not made public any official target for reducing the proportion of Uyghur and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. 30 killed, 50 injured as passenger trains collide in Pakistan's Sindh province Sir Syed Express train, which was heading towards Lahore collided with the Millat Express which was derailed on the way to Sargodha from Karachi. Nepal PM Oli says 'misunderstandings' with India resolved Oli, in a televised address to the nation last month, said that the outstanding issues relating to the border issue with India will be resolved through diplomatic channels.

Top 10 world news: Russia exits from Open Skies; Spain opens borders to vaccinated tourists & more

Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla has said that India is in talks with global <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> manufacturers such as Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson, and Moderna for local manufacturing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> vaccines.

This&nbsp;development has come even as India has been trying to increase the production of vaccines for its population and for export.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-serum-institute-of-india-seeks-approval-to-make-russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-389175" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Serum Institute of India seeks approval to make Russia's Sputnik V vaccine</a>

"We are also part of the discussions with major vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson, and Moderna about sourcing and possible local manufacturing of their vaccines in India. We have also helped to expedite the introduction of Sputnik-V vaccines," Shringla said while&nbsp;speaking at World Health Organization's "South-East Asia Regional Health Partners' Forum on COVID-19".

As of now only three vaccines have been given authorisation in India, namely Covishield (produced by Serum Institute of India), Covaxin&nbsp;(produced by Bharat Biotech) and Russia's Sputnik V. Last month, India received the first few batches of Suptink V vaccines — which will be also produced by Indian companies.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explainer-inside-pfizers-demands-for-vaccine-indemnity-and-indian-governments-next-move-389072" hreflang="en">Explainer: Inside Pfizer's demands for vaccine 'indemnity' and Indian government's next move</a>

He also mentioned that India is "working with several other countries in the WTO on a targeted and temporary waiver under TRIPS to ensure timely and secure access to vaccines for all".

India and South Africa had given a proposal for wavier on Covid vaccine patent at the WTO which will help in mass production of the vaccines for the world. After the US extended its support to the vaccine waiver, the West has been able to fight its hesitations against this. Earlier in the week, BRICS became the first multilateral block to extend support to the proposal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-vaccination-no-salary-for-government-employees-in-this-indian-state-388942" hreflang="en">'No vaccination, no salary' for government employees in this Indian state</a>

Shringla also said that New Delhi looks forward to the World Health Organization (WHO) giving approval to India's indigenous vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech, Covaxin. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech submitted an application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) on April 19 and a pre-submission meeting will take place in June.

He highlighted how amid the pandemic, which he termed as a "Black Swan event", the ministry of external affairs "had to innovate, to repurpose and to re-engineer and create an entirely new vertical for pandemic diplomacy." He explained that the "Ministry and our network of diplomatic posts played a key role in organising the 'Vande Bharat Mission' — the largest logistical exercise of its kind ever undertaken." The Vande Bharat Mission facilitated the movement of seven million people through lockdown and post-lockdown periods.&nbsp;

The ministry as the "global arm of the Government of India’s Empowered Group" procured raw materials during the crisis. During the April to August 2020 period, 91 cargo flights brought in ventilators, PPE kits, test kits, etc. from across the globe to meet the domestic demand.

Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla has said that India is in talks with global vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna for local manufacturing of coronavirus vaccines.

Foreign secretary Harsh V Shringla has said that India is in talks with global vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna for local manufacturing of coronavirus vaccines. This development has come even as India has been trying to increase the production of vaccines for its population and for export. Also read | COVID-19: Serum Institute of India seeks approval to make Russia's Sputnik V vaccine "We are also part of the discussions with major vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna about sourcing and possible local manufacturing of their vaccines in India. We have also helped to expedite the introduction of Sputnik-V vaccines," Shringla said while speaking at World Health Organization's "South-East Asia Regional Health Partners' Forum on COVID-19". As of now only three vaccines have been given authorisation in India, namely Covishield (produced by Serum Institute of India), Covaxin (produced by Bharat Biotech) and Russia's Sputnik V. Last month, India received the first few batches of Suptink V vaccines — which will be also produced by Indian companies. Also read | Explainer: Inside Pfizer's demands for vaccine 'indemnity' and Indian government's next move He also mentioned that India is "working with several other countries in the WTO on a targeted and temporary waiver under TRIPS to ensure timely and secure access to vaccines for all". India and South Africa had given a proposal for wavier on Covid vaccine patent at the WTO which will help in mass production of the vaccines for the world. After the US extended its support to the vaccine waiver, the West has been able to fight its hesitations against this. Earlier in the week, BRICS became the first multilateral block to extend support to the proposal. Also read | 'No vaccination, no salary' for government employees in this Indian state Shringla also said that New Delhi looks forward to the World Health Organization (WHO) giving approval to India's indigenous vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech, Covaxin. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech submitted an application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) on April 19 and a pre-submission meeting will take place in June. He highlighted how amid the pandemic, which he termed as a "Black Swan event", the ministry of external affairs "had to innovate, to repurpose and to re-engineer and create an entirely new vertical for pandemic diplomacy." He explained that the "Ministry and our network of diplomatic posts played a key role in organising the 'Vande Bharat Mission' — the largest logistical exercise of its kind ever undertaken." The Vande Bharat Mission facilitated the movement of seven million people through lockdown and post-lockdown periods. The ministry as the "global arm of the Government of India’s Empowered Group" procured raw materials during the crisis. During the April to August 2020 period, 91 cargo flights brought in ventilators, PPE kits, test kits, etc. from across the globe to meet the domestic demand.

India in talks with Pfizer, J&J, Moderna for local manufacturing of covid vaccines: FS Harsh Shringla

India’s apex drug regulator has announced that foreign vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna will no longer have to clear India-specific trials. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has done away with such requirements in order to speed up vaccine imports.

DCGI relaxes norms for clearing foreign vaccines, no local trials for Pfizer and Moderna

Moderna on Tuesday said that it was applying for full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 18 and above. With this application, Moderna joins Pfizer which had made the same request in May.

Currently, the vaccine is available under “emergency use authorization” in the US which allows life-saving medications to be made available for public use as quickly as possible.

It was given the emergency use authorisation on December 18, 2020. So far, 124 million doses of the anti-Covid Moderna vaccine have been administered in the United States.

"We are pleased to announce this important step in the US regulatory process for a Biologics License Application (BLA) of our COVID-19 vaccine," Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO was cited as saying by AFP.

"We look forward to working with the FDA and will continue to submit data from our Phase 3 study and complete the rolling submission”, Bancel added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/new-coronavirus-variants-are-coming-warn-scientists-behind-modernas-covid-vaccine-388394" hreflang="en">'New coronavirus variants are coming', warn scientists behind Moderna's Covid vaccine</a>

Last week, the company announced that its vaccine was highly effective among adolescents, while adding that it would seek authorisation among 12-to-17 year-olds soon.

Moderna’s two-shot vaccine is around 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infections and over 95 per cent effective against severe cases of Covid.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/modernas-single-dose-vaccine-in-india-likely-next-year-pfizer-ready-with-50-mn-doses-for-2021-387438" hreflang="en">Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021</a>

During a virtual investor event on Thursday, Moderna scientists and executives carved out plans to combat new strains. Company representatives claimed that they’re constantly undertaking testing of new variants and vaccines to keep up with mutants, while shedding light on the complexity of the process.

“New viral variants are coming, emerging constantly in real time” Guillaume Stewat-Jones, a scientist at Moderna was cited as saying by Barron’s.

Moderna on Tuesday said that it was applying for full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 18 and above. With this application, Moderna joins Pfizer which had made the same request in May.

Moderna on Tuesday said that it was applying for full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 18 and above. With this application, Moderna joins Pfizer which had made the same request in May. Currently, the vaccine is available under “emergency use authorization” in the US which allows life-saving medications to be made available for public use as quickly as possible. It was given the emergency use authorisation on December 18, 2020. So far, 124 million doses of the anti-Covid Moderna vaccine have been administered in the United States. "We are pleased to announce this important step in the US regulatory process for a Biologics License Application (BLA) of our COVID-19 vaccine," Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO was cited as saying by AFP. "We look forward to working with the FDA and will continue to submit data from our Phase 3 study and complete the rolling submission”, Bancel added. Also read: 'New coronavirus variants are coming', warn scientists behind Moderna's Covid vaccine Last week, the company announced that its vaccine was highly effective among adolescents, while adding that it would seek authorisation among 12-to-17 year-olds soon. Moderna’s two-shot vaccine is around 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infections and over 95 per cent effective against severe cases of Covid. Also read: Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021 During a virtual investor event on Thursday, Moderna scientists and executives carved out plans to combat new strains. Company representatives claimed that they’re constantly undertaking testing of new variants and vaccines to keep up with mutants, while shedding light on the complexity of the process. “New viral variants are coming, emerging constantly in real time” Guillaume Stewat-Jones, a scientist at Moderna was cited as saying by Barron’s.

Moderna applies for full approval of its Covid vaccine in US

Scientists across the world have expressed concern&nbsp;over COVID-19 developing lethal mutations which could bypass the protection offered by current vaccines.&nbsp; Recently, more infectious variants first reported in the United Kingdom and India have stirred a wave of fear worldwide. A highly mutated strain has higher chances of crossing the threshold of protection offered by vaccines.

Now, Moderna officials have warned against new variants sprouting up globally. During a virtual investor event on Thursday, scientists and executives carved out plans to combat new strains.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ema-pfizer-moderna-vaccines-effective-against-covid-19-variants-385894/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“As the virus spreads, it is rapidly mutating,” the company’s chief scientific officer, Melissa Moore, was quoted as saying by Barron’s.

“Some of these new viral strains appear to be even more transmissible than the original strain… We already know that some of these new strains are less susceptible to neutralization by our current vaccine”, Moore added.

Even then, company representatives claimed that they’re constantly undertaking testing of new variants and vaccines to keep up with mutants, while shedding light on the complexity of the process.

“New viral variants are coming, emerging constantly in real time” Guillaume Stewat-Jones, a scientist at Moderna was cited as saying by Barron’s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/two-doses-of-covid-vaccines-offer-significant-protection-against-b16172-variant-study-finds-386812" hreflang="en">Two doses of Covid vaccines offer significant protection against B.1.617.2 variant, study finds</a>

Moderna and Pfizer have the highest rates of protection against Covid among its recipients. But the efficacy could drop as mutations surface globally. A recent UK study shed light on how effective current vaccines are against the more infectious strains detected globally.

The study undertaken by Public Health England found that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s efficacy dropped to 88 per cent two weeks after the second dose against symptomatic disease from the variant first found in India. Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (also known as Covishield)&nbsp;provided 60 per cent protection against the&nbsp; B.1.617.2 variant while offering 66 per cent protection against the B.1.1.7 variant, which was first found in UK.

Both Pfizer and Moderna claim to have efficacy rates over 90 per cent against COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pfizer-less-effective-astrazeneca-even-worse-against-variant-first-detected-in-india-study-388279" hreflang="en">Pfizer less effective, AstraZeneca even worse against variant first detected in India: Study</a>

Scientists across the world have expressed concern over COVID-19 developing lethal mutations which could bypass the protection offered by current vaccines. Recently, more infectious variants first reported in the United Kingdom and India have stirred a wave of fear worldwide.

Scientists across the world have expressed concern over COVID-19 developing lethal mutations which could bypass the protection offered by current vaccines. Recently, more infectious variants first reported in the United Kingdom and India have stirred a wave of fear worldwide. A highly mutated strain has higher chances of crossing the threshold of protection offered by vaccines. Now, Moderna officials have warned against new variants sprouting up globally. During a virtual investor event on Thursday, scientists and executives carved out plans to combat new strains. “As the virus spreads, it is rapidly mutating,” the company’s chief scientific officer, Melissa Moore, was quoted as saying by Barron’s. “Some of these new viral strains appear to be even more transmissible than the original strain… We already know that some of these new strains are less susceptible to neutralization by our current vaccine”, Moore added. Even then, company representatives claimed that they’re constantly undertaking testing of new variants and vaccines to keep up with mutants, while shedding light on the complexity of the process. “New viral variants are coming, emerging constantly in real time” Guillaume Stewat-Jones, a scientist at Moderna was cited as saying by Barron’s. Also read: Two doses of Covid vaccines offer significant protection against B.1.617.2 variant, study finds Moderna and Pfizer have the highest rates of protection against Covid among its recipients. But the efficacy could drop as mutations surface globally. A recent UK study shed light on how effective current vaccines are against the more infectious strains detected globally. The study undertaken by Public Health England found that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s efficacy dropped to 88 per cent two weeks after the second dose against symptomatic disease from the variant first found in India. Two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (also known as Covishield) provided 60 per cent protection against the B.1.617.2 variant while offering 66 per cent protection against the B.1.1.7 variant, which was first found in UK. Both Pfizer and Moderna claim to have efficacy rates over 90 per cent against COVID-19. Also read: Pfizer less effective, AstraZeneca even worse against variant first detected in India: Study

'New coronavirus variants are coming', warn scientists behind Moderna's Covid vaccine

Pfizer is ready to send 50 million doses to India by July this year. But, it wants significant regulatory relaxations from India. What are Pfizer's demands? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: What Pfizer wants from India

Moderna is in talks with Cipla and other Indian pharma firms to launch its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India by the year 2022. Meanwhile, Pfizer has reportedly indicated that it can provide 5 crore doses of its vaccine this year.

Report: India may get single-dose Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by 2022

Moderna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 50 million shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

While Moderna has conveyed to Indian authorities that it does not have surplus vaccines to share in 2021, there are limited prospects of Johnson &amp; Johnson exporting its jabs from the US to other countries in the near future, the sources privy to discussions added.&nbsp;

Two rounds of high-level meetings chaired by the Cabinet Secretary were held last week on the availability of vaccines in the global as well as domestic markets as it was felt that there is an urgent need to procure the jabs at a time the country is reeling under an unprecedented second wave of COVID-19 and a widening gap between supply and requirement.&nbsp;

Currently, the country is using two 'Made in India' jabs, Covishield and Covaxin, to inoculate its billion-plus population and has administered numerous doses since launching the world's largest vaccination drive in mid-January. A third vaccine, Russian-made Sputnik V, has been approved by the government and is being used on a smaller scale at present.&nbsp;

In the high-level meeting officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Department of Biotechnology, Law Ministry and Health Ministry were present.&nbsp;

It was discussed that Moderna doesn't have surplus vaccines to share in 2021 and that it plans to launch its single-dose vaccine for the Indian market only in 2022, for which, they are in discussion with Cipla and other Indian companies, a source said.&nbsp;

It is learnt that Cipla has already evinced interest in procuring 50 million doses from Moderna for 2022 and has requested confirmation from the central government in respect of stability in regulatory requirements/policy regime. The Health Ministry has also been asked to take an early decision on Cipla's request regarding support required by them for procurement of Moderna vaccines.&nbsp;

In the case of Pfizer, the US pharma giant has indicated availability of 50 million vaccine doses, 10 million in July, 10 million in August, 20 million in September and 10 million in October, for supply to India in 2021 and that it will deal only with Government of India and payment for vaccines will have to be made by GOI to Pfizer India.&nbsp;

The central government will make its own arrangement for further channelization of procured vaccines in the domestic market.&nbsp;

According to another source, for the supply of vaccines to India, Pfizer has asked for indemnification from the Government of India and a document in this regard has been received from Pfizer Inc.&nbsp;

Further, Pfizer has also sought certain relaxations in the regulatory regime, including relaxation in the requirement of post-approval bridging trials and dispensing the requirement of testing their vaccines in CDL (Central Drugs Laboratory).&nbsp;

Taking into consideration the track record of the company, similar arrangements done with other countries in the world and the current pandemic situation, an overall view may be taken to indemnify the company by the government, officials said but flagged that in case a view is taken to indemnify the company, similar demands may be made by other companies.&nbsp;

As per the information furnished by Pfizer, around 116 countries in the world including the USA have signed the indemnification document.&nbsp;

Further, considering that over 14.7 crore doses of Pfizer had been administered worldwide without any significant reports of adverse effects, a view needs to be taken to indemnify the company in order to supplement the availability of vaccines in India, officials discussed at one recent meeting.&nbsp;

It was suggested that a decision on the issue of Pfizer Inc may be taken at the earliest and that NEGVAC (National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19) may hold a meeting immediately on these issues.&nbsp;

At a press conference on Monday, in response to a question on states being unable to procure vaccines directly from Moderna and Pfizer, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal had said, "Whether it is Pfizer or Moderna, at the Centre-level, we have been coordinating with them."&nbsp;

"Also, the order book of both Pfizer and Moderna is full so it depends on their surplus that how much they can provide in India... They will come back to the Centre and we will help in facilitation to states," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Moderna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 50 million shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday.

Moderna is expecting to launch a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India next year and is in talks with Cipla among other Indian firms, while another US giant Pfizer is ready to offer 50 million shots in 2021 itself but it wants significant regulatory relaxations including indemnification, sources said on Tuesday. While Moderna has conveyed to Indian authorities that it does not have surplus vaccines to share in 2021, there are limited prospects of Johnson & Johnson exporting its jabs from the US to other countries in the near future, the sources privy to discussions added. Two rounds of high-level meetings chaired by the Cabinet Secretary were held last week on the availability of vaccines in the global as well as domestic markets as it was felt that there is an urgent need to procure the jabs at a time the country is reeling under an unprecedented second wave of COVID-19 and a widening gap between supply and requirement. Currently, the country is using two 'Made in India' jabs, Covishield and Covaxin, to inoculate its billion-plus population and has administered numerous doses since launching the world's largest vaccination drive in mid-January. A third vaccine, Russian-made Sputnik V, has been approved by the government and is being used on a smaller scale at present. In the high-level meeting officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, Department of Biotechnology, Law Ministry and Health Ministry were present. It was discussed that Moderna doesn't have surplus vaccines to share in 2021 and that it plans to launch its single-dose vaccine for the Indian market only in 2022, for which, they are in discussion with Cipla and other Indian companies, a source said. It is learnt that Cipla has already evinced interest in procuring 50 million doses from Moderna for 2022 and has requested confirmation from the central government in respect of stability in regulatory requirements/policy regime. The Health Ministry has also been asked to take an early decision on Cipla's request regarding support required by them for procurement of Moderna vaccines. In the case of Pfizer, the US pharma giant has indicated availability of 50 million vaccine doses, 10 million in July, 10 million in August, 20 million in September and 10 million in October, for supply to India in 2021 and that it will deal only with Government of India and payment for vaccines will have to be made by GOI to Pfizer India. The central government will make its own arrangement for further channelization of procured vaccines in the domestic market. According to another source, for the supply of vaccines to India, Pfizer has asked for indemnification from the Government of India and a document in this regard has been received from Pfizer Inc. Further, Pfizer has also sought certain relaxations in the regulatory regime, including relaxation in the requirement of post-approval bridging trials and dispensing the requirement of testing their vaccines in CDL (Central Drugs Laboratory). Taking into consideration the track record of the company, similar arrangements done with other countries in the world and the current pandemic situation, an overall view may be taken to indemnify the company by the government, officials said but flagged that in case a view is taken to indemnify the company, similar demands may be made by other companies. As per the information furnished by Pfizer, around 116 countries in the world including the USA have signed the indemnification document. Further, considering that over 14.7 crore doses of Pfizer had been administered worldwide without any significant reports of adverse effects, a view needs to be taken to indemnify the company in order to supplement the availability of vaccines in India, officials discussed at one recent meeting. It was suggested that a decision on the issue of Pfizer Inc may be taken at the earliest and that NEGVAC (National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19) may hold a meeting immediately on these issues. At a press conference on Monday, in response to a question on states being unable to procure vaccines directly from Moderna and Pfizer, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal had said, "Whether it is Pfizer or Moderna, at the Centre-level, we have been coordinating with them." "Also, the order book of both Pfizer and Moderna is full so it depends on their surplus that how much they can provide in India... They will come back to the Centre and we will help in facilitation to states," he said.

Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021

Why can't India get vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna? Big Pharma firms say they want to negotiate directly with the Central government and set the terms. Some demands go beyond money. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why can't India get COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna?

US biotech firm Moderna said Tuesday that trials had shown its Covid-19 vaccine is "highly effective" in adolescents aged 12-17 and the company would seek regulators' approval in June. 
 
"We are encouraged that mRNA-1273 was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 in adolescents," CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement. 
 
"We will submit these results to the US FDA and regulators globally in early June and request authorization." 
 
If greenlit, as expected, it would be the second Covid vaccine authorised for use in US adolescents after Pfizer's, which began rolling out this month for 12-to-15-year-olds.&nbsp; 
 
The Moderna study enrolled 3,732 adolescents aged 12 to 17 and randomised, with two-thirds receiving the two doses of the vaccine and the rest receiving a placebo. 
 
After two doses, no cases of symptomatic Covid-19 were observed in the vaccine group compared to four cases in the placebo group, meaning the shots were 100 percent effective. 
 
Adolescents are less likely than adults to contract the illness. 
 
Therefore the study also examined efficacy according to a more stringent definition of Covid, which requires just one symptom in addition to a positive test. 
 
Under this definition, the vaccine was 93 percent effective after the first dose. 
 
The vaccine, called mRNA-1273, was generally well tolerated, consistent with what has been observed in adults, with no significant safety concerns. 
 
The majority of side effects were mild or moderate and included injection site pain, headache, fatigue, muscle ache and chills. 
 
Although adolescents are much less susceptible to severe Covid than adults, experts believe they are important to reach in order to help achieve population immunity against the disease. 
 
The US has reached almost 50 percent of its population of 332 million with at least one dose, but its vaccination campaign is slowing in the face of hesitancy. 
 
President Joe Biden has set a target of having 70 percent of adults vaccinated with at least one dose by July 4. The current figure is almost 62 percent.

US biotech firm Moderna said Tuesday that trials had shown its Covid-19 vaccine is "highly effective" in adolescents aged 12-17 and the company would seek regulators' approval in June.

US biotech firm Moderna said Tuesday that trials had shown its Covid-19 vaccine is "highly effective" in adolescents aged 12-17 and the company would seek regulators' approval in June. "We are encouraged that mRNA-1273 was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 in adolescents," CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement. "We will submit these results to the US FDA and regulators globally in early June and request authorization." If greenlit, as expected, it would be the second Covid vaccine authorised for use in US adolescents after Pfizer's, which began rolling out this month for 12-to-15-year-olds. The Moderna study enrolled 3,732 adolescents aged 12 to 17 and randomised, with two-thirds receiving the two doses of the vaccine and the rest receiving a placebo. After two doses, no cases of symptomatic Covid-19 were observed in the vaccine group compared to four cases in the placebo group, meaning the shots were 100 percent effective. Adolescents are less likely than adults to contract the illness. Therefore the study also examined efficacy according to a more stringent definition of Covid, which requires just one symptom in addition to a positive test. Under this definition, the vaccine was 93 percent effective after the first dose. The vaccine, called mRNA-1273, was generally well tolerated, consistent with what has been observed in adults, with no significant safety concerns. The majority of side effects were mild or moderate and included injection site pain, headache, fatigue, muscle ache and chills. Although adolescents are much less susceptible to severe Covid than adults, experts believe they are important to reach in order to help achieve population immunity against the disease. The US has reached almost 50 percent of its population of 332 million with at least one dose, but its vaccination campaign is slowing in the face of hesitancy. President Joe Biden has set a target of having 70 percent of adults vaccinated with at least one dose by July 4. The current figure is almost 62 percent.

Moderna says Covid vaccine 'highly effective' among adolescents aged 12 and above

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

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

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

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

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