<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday (December 25) as concerns over the new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) is gripping India. Experts have warned that a new virus wave might come in the upcoming months, probably February and March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi talked about a range of topics, here are the key takeaways from the address:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1) </strong>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens to be careful while engaging in festivities amid concerns over the Omicron outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>2)</strong> He announced Covid vaccination for children of 15-18 age group, which will start from January 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3)</strong> 'Precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine to be given to frontline and health care workers from January 10, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>4)</strong> He said that those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities can also avail of a 'precaution dose' of the Covid vaccine on doctor's advice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-registers-249-new-covid-cases-witnesses-biggest-single-day-spike-since-june-13-439956">Indian capital registers 249 new Covid cases, witnesses biggest single-day spike since June 13</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>5)</strong> Nasal vaccine, the world's first DNA vaccine against Covid will soon start in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>6) </strong>PM Modi said that it is not the time to panic, but asked the citizens to be careful. He said to use face masks, hand sanitisation, and other prescribed Covid measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>7) </strong>He said that over 90 per cent of the eligible adult population got the first dose and over 61 per cent have got both doses of the Covid vaccine.</p>

<p><strong>8)&nbsp;</strong>He added that it is the collective effort and collective will of all the citizens of the country that India has crossed the unprecedented and very difficult target of 141 crore vaccine doses.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713">IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My address to the nation. <a href="https://t.co/dBQKvHXPtv">https://t.co/dBQKvHXPtv</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1474775804336697345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's Union Health Ministry informed that the country has reported 7,189 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the nationwide case tally of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has reached 415.</p>

<p>Amid the Omicron scare and surge in cases in various parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that multi-disciplinary Central teams would be deployed in ten identified states.</p>

<p>"A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary Central teams to 10 identified States some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace," says Union Health Ministry in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday (December 25) as concerns over the new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) is gripping India. Experts have warned that a new virus wave might come in the upcoming months, probably February and March.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday (December 25) as concerns over the new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) is gripping India. Experts have warned that a new virus wave might come in the upcoming months, probably February and March. PM Modi talked about a range of topics, here are the key takeaways from the address: 1) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens to be careful while engaging in festivities amid concerns over the Omicron outbreak. 2) He announced Covid vaccination for children of 15-18 age group, which will start from January 3. 3) 'Precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine to be given to frontline and health care workers from January 10, 2022. 4) He said that those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities can also avail of a 'precaution dose' of the Covid vaccine on doctor's advice. ALSO READ | Indian capital registers 249 new Covid cases, witnesses biggest single-day spike since June 13 5) Nasal vaccine, the world's first DNA vaccine against Covid will soon start in India. 6) PM Modi said that it is not the time to panic, but asked the citizens to be careful. He said to use face masks, hand sanitisation, and other prescribed Covid measures. 7) He said that over 90 per cent of the eligible adult population got the first dose and over 61 per cent have got both doses of the Covid vaccine. 8) He added that it is the collective effort and collective will of all the citizens of the country that India has crossed the unprecedented and very difficult target of 141 crore vaccine doses. ALSO READ | IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak My address to the nation. https://t.co/dBQKvHXPtv — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2021 × India's Union Health Ministry informed that the country has reported 7,189 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the nationwide case tally of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has reached 415. Amid the Omicron scare and surge in cases in various parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that multi-disciplinary Central teams would be deployed in ten identified states. "A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary Central teams to 10 identified States some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace," says Union Health Ministry in an official statement. × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: From vaccination for children to DNA jabs - key takeaways from PM Modi's address

<p class="MsoNormal">Pfizer’s kid-size Covid vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">A new study has revealed that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11. This study has come at a time when the US health experts have been mulling starting vaccine campaigns for younger children of the age group 5 to 11 years.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Researchers collected data from 2,268 kids in that age group who had received two shots of this kid-sized dose at an interval of three weeks.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-nih-admits-to-us-funding-of-gain-of-function-research-in-wuhan-lab-423010">Covid: NIH admits US funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan lab</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">These kid size doses are one-third of the amount that is injected to adults and teenagers.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While the study has come as a ray of hope, a debate on the evidence cited will be held next week in the US. The experts of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also conduct and post an independent review of Pfizer’s effectiveness for kids.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This study has given a boost to the chances of the vaccine campaigns for kids. If the regulators give a green light to Pfizer on time, the US authorities are hoping to fully vaccinate children in line by Christmas.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">As of now, the US is already administering full-strength Pfizer shots to children aged 12 and above. However, experts and parents are anxiously awaiting kid-size doses.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This will help provide safety to children, especially as schools have started reopening and children are back in classrooms with their peers.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-new-infection-is-spreading-from-hong-kongs-wet-markets-422778"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></o:p></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal">Parents have been worried about children getting infected by the Delta variant, which has been termed as one of the most contagious variants of the deadly coronavirus. Some schools in the country have made face masks mandatory, while others have not imposed the restriction — making this a point of debate all around the country.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Joe Biden’s administration has already purchased enough kid-size doses of Pfizer’s Covid vaccines. These shots have been packed in orange-capped vials, to make sure they are not mixed with adult shots. As soon as the regulator approves, the US will roll out its plan to start administering these doses to nearly 28 million eligible population.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, Moderna is also conducting a similar study. In addition to this, the two companies are also planning to study effects of doses for children as young as six months old.<o:p></o:p></p>


Pfizer’s kid-size Covid vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe. A new study has revealed that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11.

Pfizer’s kid-size Covid vaccine doses are 91 per cent effective against coronavirus and have been observed to be safe. A new study has revealed that the kid-size doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are safe for children aged between 5 and 11. This study has come at a time when the US health experts have been mulling starting vaccine campaigns for younger children of the age group 5 to 11 years. Researchers collected data from 2,268 kids in that age group who had received two shots of this kid-sized dose at an interval of three weeks. Also read | Covid: NIH admits US funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan lab These kid size doses are one-third of the amount that is injected to adults and teenagers. While the study has come as a ray of hope, a debate on the evidence cited will be held next week in the US. The experts of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will also conduct and post an independent review of Pfizer’s effectiveness for kids. This study has given a boost to the chances of the vaccine campaigns for kids. If the regulators give a green light to Pfizer on time, the US authorities are hoping to fully vaccinate children in line by Christmas. As of now, the US is already administering full-strength Pfizer shots to children aged 12 and above. However, experts and parents are anxiously awaiting kid-size doses. This will help provide safety to children, especially as schools have started reopening and children are back in classrooms with their peers. WATCH | Parents have been worried about children getting infected by the Delta variant, which has been termed as one of the most contagious variants of the deadly coronavirus. Some schools in the country have made face masks mandatory, while others have not imposed the restriction — making this a point of debate all around the country. Joe Biden’s administration has already purchased enough kid-size doses of Pfizer’s Covid vaccines. These shots have been packed in orange-capped vials, to make sure they are not mixed with adult shots. As soon as the regulator approves, the US will roll out its plan to start administering these doses to nearly 28 million eligible population. Meanwhile, Moderna is also conducting a similar study. In addition to this, the two companies are also planning to study effects of doses for children as young as six months old.

Pfizer's kid-size doses 91% effective against COVID-19: Study

In India schools are open, kids are back in the schools but they are not vaccinated. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is yet to approve the Covaxin rule out for children.

India: Covaxin yet to get DCGI nod for kids

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">The pharma regulator's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended that Bharat Biotech's Covaxin be approved for emergency use in children aged 2 to 18.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">The SEC has submitted its proposal for final clearance to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of market authorization of the vaccine for the age group of 2 to 18 years for restricted use in an emergency situation," the expert panel said in a statement.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">&nbsp;WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a></strong></p>

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<h5>Covaxin is the second Covid-19 vaccine to be authorised for emergency use in children in India, following Zydus Healthcare's ZyCoV-D, which is intended for children over the age of 12.</h5>
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<p>It said that the emergency use authorisation, however, is subject to four conditions.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">"The developer of Covaxin will continue the study as per Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine the approved clinical trial protocol," SEC added.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: India administers over 900 million jabs of COVID vaccines</strong></p>

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<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11"><strong>The expert panel also mentioned the following conditions:&nbsp;</strong><br />
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The company should provide updated Prescribing Information/Package Insert (PI), Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), and Factsheet; the company should submit safety data, including AEFI and AESI data, with due analysis, every 15 days for the first two months and monthly thereafter, as required by the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019; and the company should submit risk management plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The pharma regulator's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended that Bharat Biotech's Covaxin be approved for emergency use in children aged 2 to 18. The SEC has submitted its proposal for final clearance to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

The pharma regulator's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended that Bharat Biotech's Covaxin be approved for emergency use in children aged 2 to 18. The SEC has submitted its proposal for final clearance to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). "After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of market authorization of the vaccine for the age group of 2 to 18 years for restricted use in an emergency situation," the expert panel said in a statement. Also Read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% Covaxin is the second Covid-19 vaccine to be authorised for emergency use in children in India, following Zydus Healthcare's ZyCoV-D, which is intended for children over the age of 12. × It said that the emergency use authorisation, however, is subject to four conditions. "The developer of Covaxin will continue the study as per Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus Vaccine the approved clinical trial protocol," SEC added. Watch: India administers over 900 million jabs of COVID vaccines The expert panel also mentioned the following conditions: The company should provide updated Prescribing Information/Package Insert (PI), Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), and Factsheet; the company should submit safety data, including AEFI and AESI data, with due analysis, every 15 days for the first two months and monthly thereafter, as required by the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019; and the company should submit risk management plan. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Covaxin gets emergency use nod for children aged 2-18 years

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Pfizer has asked the US government to approve the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, and if regulators agree, injections may start within weeks.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">In a trial of children, Pfizer had previously declared that a lower dose of their vaccine worked and looked to be safe.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646"><strong>Also read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</strong></a></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech officially submitted their application to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">The data will be debated by FDA advisers later this month.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-vatican-swiss-guards-resign-over-covid-vaccination-mandate-says-report-418499">Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">Until now, the vaccination was only accessible to children as young as 12, and many parents and physicians are demanding that it be made available to children as young as six.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">Last month, Pfizer submitted research to the US Food and Drug Administration on the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine in children. Pfizer says it will also submit the data to the European Medicines Agency and other regulators.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pfizer has asked the US government to approve the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, and if regulators agree, injections may start within weeks.

Pfizer has asked the US government to approve the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years old, and if regulators agree, injections may start within weeks. In a trial of children, Pfizer had previously declared that a lower dose of their vaccine worked and looked to be safe. Also read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech officially submitted their application to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday. The data will be debated by FDA advisers later this month. Also read | Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report Until now, the vaccination was only accessible to children as young as 12, and many parents and physicians are demanding that it be made available to children as young as six. Last month, Pfizer submitted research to the US Food and Drug Administration on the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine in children. Pfizer says it will also submit the data to the European Medicines Agency and other regulators. (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11

Teenagers across the United States lined up to get their jabs against COVID-19 on Thursday, a day after CDC gave its green light to the use of Pfizer vaccine for children above 12 years of age.

Children over the age of 12 get vaccinated against COVID-19 across US

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