In order to ease vaccine rollout across&nbsp;Europe, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) has approved more flexible storage conditions for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-dose-of-covid-vaccines-created-antibodies-in-over-96-people-in-uk-new-study-finds-385833">vaccine</a>.

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"Increased flexibility in the storage and handling of the vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on planning and logistics of vaccine rollout in EU member states," EMA said, adding, "this change extends the approved storage period of the unopened thawed vial at two-eight degrees Celsius (35 to 46 Fahrenheit) [i.e. in a normal fridge after taking out of deep-freeze conditions] from five days to one month (31 days),"&nbsp;

The move is expected to ease logistical challenges during rollouts, however, the change is applicable to only unopened vials.&nbsp;

German developer BioNTech said the EMA had made the decision based on new information it had supplied.

The European Union has allowed for ramped-up production of the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-despite-getting-both-vaccine-shots-over-130-people-contract-covid-19-385826">vaccine </a>in the region and is eyeing a new deal to secure more doses.

US authorities in February had approved storage of the Pfizer shots at standard freezer temperatures of -15 to -25 degrees celsius for up to two weeks instead of the ultra-cold temperatures it required earlier

The EU storage change comes at the as Pfizer seeks European regulator's approval to start vaccinating adolescents. US and Canada have already started vaccinating them with Pfizer shots.

The US &nbsp;Food and Drug Administration(FDA) had earlier authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12-15 as President Biden noted: "This is a promising development in our fight against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-urges-covid-19-vaccine-makers-to-advance-doses-for-covax-385692">virus</a>."

The EMA added that it could also authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the 12-15 age group.

In order to ease vaccine rollout across Europe, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) has approved more flexible storage conditions for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine.

In order to ease vaccine rollout across Europe, the European Medicines Agency(EMA) has approved more flexible storage conditions for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. Watch: "Increased flexibility in the storage and handling of the vaccine is expected to have a significant impact on planning and logistics of vaccine rollout in EU member states," EMA said, adding, "this change extends the approved storage period of the unopened thawed vial at two-eight degrees Celsius (35 to 46 Fahrenheit) [i.e. in a normal fridge after taking out of deep-freeze conditions] from five days to one month (31 days)," The move is expected to ease logistical challenges during rollouts, however, the change is applicable to only unopened vials. German developer BioNTech said the EMA had made the decision based on new information it had supplied. The European Union has allowed for ramped-up production of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the region and is eyeing a new deal to secure more doses. US authorities in February had approved storage of the Pfizer shots at standard freezer temperatures of -15 to -25 degrees celsius for up to two weeks instead of the ultra-cold temperatures it required earlier The EU storage change comes at the as Pfizer seeks European regulator's approval to start vaccinating adolescents. US and Canada have already started vaccinating them with Pfizer shots. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) had earlier authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12-15 as President Biden noted: "This is a promising development in our fight against the virus." The EMA added that it could also authorise the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the 12-15 age group.

'In normal fridge': European regulator allows flexible storage conditions for Pfizer vaccine

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/version-of-covid-variant-first-detected-in-india-spreading-rapidly-in-uk-report-383422">UK </a>government regulators, under-40s in the country are being offered&nbsp;an alternative to AstraZeneca jabs amid concern over rare blood clots.

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The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI) had reviewed the AstraZeneca<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-rift-on-covid-vaccine-waiver-endangers-fight-against-deadly-virus-383349"> vaccine </a>after the first shots were administered to the people, reports said the UK government advisers want citizens to take <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decision-about-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-approval-for-teens-in-us-coming-soon-fauci-383153">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> or Moderna due to "abundance of caution".

The JCVI said it was taking the "precautionary approach" for adults aged 30-39.

Britain's Health Department had said earlier that "medicines regulator MHRA continues to be that the benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of adults," while adding that, "The JCVI keep their recommendations under review in line with the latest scientific advice."

Last month, the committee had advised alternatives to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/american-civil-rights-activist-urges-biden-to-give-astrazeneca-vaccine-to-india-383443">AstraZeneca's</a> vaccine for those under-30 and added that pregnant women should get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine due to a "vanishingly" rare side effect of blood clots in the brain.

"We are advising a preference for one vaccine over another vaccine for a particular age group, really out of the utmost caution, rather than because we have any serious safety concerns, "Wei Shen Lim, chair of Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) had informed.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had earlier cautioned that there was a "remote possibility" of rare blood clots occurring, asserting that "a causal link with the vaccine is not proven but is possible and further analysis is continuing" while repeating that the vaccine's benefits outweigh the risks.

Germany, Canada, Spain and France had earlier limited the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over reports of blood clotting after the jabs.

According to the UK government regulators, under-40s in the country are being offered an alternative to AstraZeneca jabs amid concern over rare blood clots. Watch: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI) had reviewed the AstraZeneca vaccine after the first shots were administered to the people, reports said the UK government advisers want citizens to take Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna due to "abundance of caution".

According to the UK government regulators, under-40s in the country are being offered an alternative to AstraZeneca jabs amid concern over rare blood clots. Watch: The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI) had reviewed the AstraZeneca vaccine after the first shots were administered to the people, reports said the UK government advisers want citizens to take Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna due to "abundance of caution". The JCVI said it was taking the "precautionary approach" for adults aged 30-39. Britain's Health Department had said earlier that "medicines regulator MHRA continues to be that the benefits of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks for the vast majority of adults," while adding that, "The JCVI keep their recommendations under review in line with the latest scientific advice." Last month, the committee had advised alternatives to AstraZeneca's vaccine for those under-30 and added that pregnant women should get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine due to a "vanishingly" rare side effect of blood clots in the brain. "We are advising a preference for one vaccine over another vaccine for a particular age group, really out of the utmost caution, rather than because we have any serious safety concerns, "Wei Shen Lim, chair of Britain's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) had informed. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had earlier cautioned that there was a "remote possibility" of rare blood clots occurring, asserting that "a causal link with the vaccine is not proven but is possible and further analysis is continuing" while repeating that the vaccine's benefits outweigh the risks. Germany, Canada, Spain and France had earlier limited the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine over reports of blood clotting after the jabs.

UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine

Singapore has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, and expects to receive the first shipments of the shots by the end of December, the prime minister said Monday.

The city-state joins a handful of other countries around the world, including Britain and the United States, which have approved the jab.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-releases-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccination-check-out-all-the-details-349741" hreflang="en">Indian govt releases guidelines for Covid-19 vaccination: Check out all the details</a>

Singapore hopes to have enough vaccines for its 5.7 million population by the third quarter of 2021, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a televised address.

Priority will be given to those at most risk, such as health care workers, the elderly and vulnerable.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593" hreflang="en">Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

Vaccination would be voluntary, Lee said, but he was "strongly" encouraging people to get the shot.

"Because when you get yourself vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself. You are also doing your part to protect others, especially your loved ones," he said.

Lee also announced a further easing of virus curbs from December 28 as Singapore's outbreak slows markedly, with weeks of barely any local transmissions.

The maximum number of people who can gather outside their homes and the number of visitors a household can host will be raised from five to eight, he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-distribute-40-million-vaccine-doses-by-2020-end-349713">WATCH|</a>

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The number of people allowed in shopping malls, places of worship and attractions such as museums will also be raised.

Singapore initially kept Covid-19 in check through rigorous contact tracing but the virus later swept through dormitories housing low-paid migrant workers, prompting authorities to implement a partial lockdown.

Many businesses and schools were allowed re-open in June but Monday's announcement is the biggest easing of curbs for months.

But Lee warned the situation was volatile and urged residents to continue to keep their guard up.

"This is absolutely not the time to relax and let our guard down, or to hold a big party imagining the problem has disappeared," he said.

Singapore has reported more than 58,000 cases and 29 deaths.

While the city-state's borders remain closed to most international visitors, life has slowly been returning to normal for many.&nbsp;

Singapore has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, and expects to receive the first shipments of the shots by the end of December, the prime minister said Monday.

Singapore has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, and expects to receive the first shipments of the shots by the end of December, the prime minister said Monday. The city-state joins a handful of other countries around the world, including Britain and the United States, which have approved the jab. Also read| Indian govt releases guidelines for Covid-19 vaccination: Check out all the details Singapore hopes to have enough vaccines for its 5.7 million population by the third quarter of 2021, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a televised address. Priority will be given to those at most risk, such as health care workers, the elderly and vulnerable. Also read| Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Vaccination would be voluntary, Lee said, but he was "strongly" encouraging people to get the shot. "Because when you get yourself vaccinated, you are not just protecting yourself. You are also doing your part to protect others, especially your loved ones," he said. Lee also announced a further easing of virus curbs from December 28 as Singapore's outbreak slows markedly, with weeks of barely any local transmissions. The maximum number of people who can gather outside their homes and the number of visitors a household can host will be raised from five to eight, he said. WATCH| × The number of people allowed in shopping malls, places of worship and attractions such as museums will also be raised. Singapore initially kept Covid-19 in check through rigorous contact tracing but the virus later swept through dormitories housing low-paid migrant workers, prompting authorities to implement a partial lockdown. Many businesses and schools were allowed re-open in June but Monday's announcement is the biggest easing of curbs for months. But Lee warned the situation was volatile and urged residents to continue to keep their guard up. "This is absolutely not the time to relax and let our guard down, or to hold a big party imagining the problem has disappeared," he said. Singapore has reported more than 58,000 cases and 29 deaths. While the city-state's borders remain closed to most international visitors, life has slowly been returning to normal for many.

Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech virus vaccine

The New England Journal of Medicine&nbsp;of Medicine&nbsp;on Thursday published the full results of the Pfizer-BioNTech(BNT162b2) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-tally-rises-to-9764-lakh-with-31521-fresh-cases-348829">coronavirus</a> vaccine trial declaring that it was "95 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19".

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The journal said the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-saudi-arabia-approves-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-348889">&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech </a>vaccine efficacy was "(generally 90 to 100%) was observed across subgroups defined by age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline body-mass index, and the presence of coexisting conditions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-medicines-agency-hacking-pfizer-biontech-confirm-vaccine-documents-unlawfully-accessed-348845">Also Read:&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech confirm vaccine documents 'unlawfully accessed'</a>

"The safety profile of the vaccine was characterized by short-term, mild-to-moderate pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache," it said, adding,"the incidence of serious adverse events was low and was similar in the vaccine and placebo groups."

The medical journals said that vaccine ensured "protection" for persons 16 years of age or older. &nbsp;"Safety over a median of 2 months was similar to that of other viral vaccines," it informed.

Pfizer-BioNTech had declared last month that its vaccine was 95 per cent effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose. It had evaluated 170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 while asserting that "safety data milestone" required by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) was achieved as it was "well tolerated across all populations with over 43,000 participants enrolled."

The report comes as US FDA officials are set to begin the process of approval from today as the United States which is the worst-hit country grapples with the virus. The UK began administering doses on Tuesday across the country starting with the elderly population and health workers.

According to the company, during the trial, there were 42 per cent global participants and 30 per cent US participants with racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and 41 per cent global and 45 per cent US participants who were 56-85 years of age.

"These results met our prespecified success criteria, which were to establish a probability above 98.6 per cent of true vaccine efficacy," the New England Journal said, adding, "two-dose regimen of BNT162b2 (30 μg per dose, given 21 days apart) was found to be safe and 95 per cent effective against COVID-19."

The report comes as the virus continues to ravage people's lives and destroy economies worldwide recording over 65 million infected cases and more than 1.5 million fatalities.

The New England Journal of Medicine of Medicine on Thursday published the full results of the Pfizer-BioNTech(BNT162b2) coronavirus vaccine trial declaring that it was "95 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19".

The New England Journal of Medicine of Medicine on Thursday published the full results of the Pfizer-BioNTech(BNT162b2) coronavirus vaccine trial declaring that it was "95 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19". Watch: The journal said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine efficacy was "(generally 90 to 100%) was observed across subgroups defined by age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline body-mass index, and the presence of coexisting conditions." Also Read: Pfizer-BioNTech confirm vaccine documents 'unlawfully accessed' "The safety profile of the vaccine was characterized by short-term, mild-to-moderate pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache," it said, adding,"the incidence of serious adverse events was low and was similar in the vaccine and placebo groups." The medical journals said that vaccine ensured "protection" for persons 16 years of age or older. "Safety over a median of 2 months was similar to that of other viral vaccines," it informed. Pfizer-BioNTech had declared last month that its vaccine was 95 per cent effective against COVID-19 beginning 28 days after the first dose. It had evaluated 170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 while asserting that "safety data milestone" required by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) was achieved as it was "well tolerated across all populations with over 43,000 participants enrolled." The report comes as US FDA officials are set to begin the process of approval from today as the United States which is the worst-hit country grapples with the virus. The UK began administering doses on Tuesday across the country starting with the elderly population and health workers. According to the company, during the trial, there were 42 per cent global participants and 30 per cent US participants with racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, and 41 per cent global and 45 per cent US participants who were 56-85 years of age. "These results met our prespecified success criteria, which were to establish a probability above 98.6 per cent of true vaccine efficacy," the New England Journal said, adding, "two-dose regimen of BNT162b2 (30 μg per dose, given 21 days apart) was found to be safe and 95 per cent effective against COVID-19." The report comes as the virus continues to ravage people's lives and destroy economies worldwide recording over 65 million infected cases and more than 1.5 million fatalities.

Pfizer-BioNTech 'full results' appear in New England Journal of Medicine