Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly.

Data showed that the durability of immune response for recipients of its vaccine lasted at least eight months, the healthcare company said, adding that its vaccine was 85% effective and could also help prevent hospitalization and death.

First identified in India, Delta is becoming the globally dominant variant of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-report-of-china-building-more-than-100-nuclear-missile-silos-concerning-395234">Also Read |&nbsp;US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning'</a>

"Current data for the eight months studied so far shows that the single-shot&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane; rather, we observe an improvement over time," Mathai Mammen, head of research &amp; development at J&amp;J's drugs business, said in the statement.

Recipients of the vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibodies against all variants including the Delta, the U.S.-based company said.

The Delta variant contributed to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India that resulted in the highest daily death tally in the world, and also prompted the UK to delay its reopening by one month in June.

Johnson & Johnson said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly.

Johnson & Johnson said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly. Data showed that the durability of immune response for recipients of its vaccine lasted at least eight months, the healthcare company said, adding that its vaccine was 85% effective and could also help prevent hospitalization and death. First identified in India, Delta is becoming the globally dominant variant of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' "Current data for the eight months studied so far shows that the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane; rather, we observe an improvement over time," Mathai Mammen, head of research & development at J&J's drugs business, said in the statement. Recipients of the vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibodies against all variants including the Delta, the U.S.-based company said. The Delta variant contributed to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India that resulted in the highest daily death tally in the world, and also prompted the UK to delay its reopening by one month in June.

J&J's COVID-19 vaccine shows promise against Delta variant

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

Guatemalan Health Minister Amelia Flores said on Tuesday that the government had asked Russia to return money already paid for doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine because of non-delivery. 
 
The government of President Alejandro Giammattei paid some $80 million in early April for a supply of 8 million doses of the vaccine. So far, it has received just 150,000 of those, the government said, while COVID-19 infections in the Central American country have risen to a peak. 
 
The minister said Guatemala had given the Russian direct investment fund (RDIF), which is responsible for marketing the vaccine abroad, 20 days to deliver the promised doses. 
 
A spokesman for the RDIF said additional supplies of the vaccine would reach Guatemala soon. 
 
"Another plane with Sputnik V is scheduled to arrive in Guatemala this week, with the next one coming already early next week to keep fulfilling obligations regarding the contract," Gleb Bryanski, director for special projects at RDIF, said in an emailed statement. 
 
Russia President Vladimir Putin has trumpeted the Sputnik V vaccine around the world. He said in March that the country had signed agreements for the production of hundreds of millions of doses abroad. 
 
But Russia had produced only a fraction of those and its output is much lower than those manufactured each month by Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

(With inputs from agencies)

Guatemalan Health Minister Amelia Flores said on Tuesday that the government had asked Russia to return money already paid for doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine because of non-delivery.

Guatemalan Health Minister Amelia Flores said on Tuesday that the government had asked Russia to return money already paid for doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine because of non-delivery. The government of President Alejandro Giammattei paid some $80 million in early April for a supply of 8 million doses of the vaccine. So far, it has received just 150,000 of those, the government said, while COVID-19 infections in the Central American country have risen to a peak. The minister said Guatemala had given the Russian direct investment fund (RDIF), which is responsible for marketing the vaccine abroad, 20 days to deliver the promised doses. A spokesman for the RDIF said additional supplies of the vaccine would reach Guatemala soon. "Another plane with Sputnik V is scheduled to arrive in Guatemala this week, with the next one coming already early next week to keep fulfilling obligations regarding the contract," Gleb Bryanski, director for special projects at RDIF, said in an emailed statement. Russia President Vladimir Putin has trumpeted the Sputnik V vaccine around the world. He said in March that the country had signed agreements for the production of hundreds of millions of doses abroad. But Russia had produced only a fraction of those and its output is much lower than those manufactured each month by Pfizer and AstraZeneca. (With inputs from agencies)

Guatemala asks Russia to return money over failure to deliver Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine

Brazil will suspend a $324 million Indian COVID-19 vaccine contract that has mired President Jair Bolsonaro in accusations of irregularities, the health minister said on Tuesday, following the guidance of the federal comptroller, the CGU. 
 
The deal to buy 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot has become a headache for Bolsonaro after whistleblowers went public, alleging irregularities. One Health Ministry official said he alerted the president about his concerns. 
 
Bolsonaro, whose popularity has faded as Brazil's COVID-19 death toll climbed past 500,000, has denied any wrongdoing.

On Monday, he said he was not aware of any irregularities. But thorny questions refuse to go away, and may pose problems for him ahead of next year's presidential vote. 
 
Brazil Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said at a news conference, his team would probe the allegations during the suspension. 
 
"According to the preliminary analysis of the CGU, there are no irregularities in the contract but, for compliance, the Health Ministry chose to suspend the contract," the ministry said in a statement. 
 
Earlier on Thursday, CNN Brasil reported that the ministry had decided to cancel the contract. 
 
Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the deal, citing comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags. It is also being probed by a Senate panel investigating the government's handling of the pandemic. 
 
One of the leading opposition senators on that panel filed a formal criminal complaint against Bolsonaro at the Supreme Court on Monday. Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said he wanted the court to investigate 'the serious allegations' and to find out why Bolsonaro 'did not take any action after being notified of the existence of a giant corruption scheme in the Health Ministry'. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Brazil will suspend a $324 million Indian COVID-19 vaccine contract that has mired President Jair Bolsonaro in accusations of irregularities, the health minister said on Tuesday, following the guidance of the federal comptroller, the CGU.

Brazil will suspend a $324 million Indian COVID-19 vaccine contract that has mired President Jair Bolsonaro in accusations of irregularities, the health minister said on Tuesday, following the guidance of the federal comptroller, the CGU. The deal to buy 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot has become a headache for Bolsonaro after whistleblowers went public, alleging irregularities. One Health Ministry official said he alerted the president about his concerns. Bolsonaro, whose popularity has faded as Brazil's COVID-19 death toll climbed past 500,000, has denied any wrongdoing. On Monday, he said he was not aware of any irregularities. But thorny questions refuse to go away, and may pose problems for him ahead of next year's presidential vote. Brazil Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said at a news conference, his team would probe the allegations during the suspension. "According to the preliminary analysis of the CGU, there are no irregularities in the contract but, for compliance, the Health Ministry chose to suspend the contract," the ministry said in a statement. Earlier on Thursday, CNN Brasil reported that the ministry had decided to cancel the contract. Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into the deal, citing comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags. It is also being probed by a Senate panel investigating the government's handling of the pandemic. One of the leading opposition senators on that panel filed a formal criminal complaint against Bolsonaro at the Supreme Court on Monday. Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said he wanted the court to investigate 'the serious allegations' and to find out why Bolsonaro 'did not take any action after being notified of the existence of a giant corruption scheme in the Health Ministry'. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil to suspend Indian COVID-19 vaccine deal as graft allegations probed

The African Union has warned that the European Union's non-recognition of AstraZeneca Covid vaccines manufactured in India will impose major disadvantages for people who received the jabs in Africa.

The African Union has warned that the European Union's non-recognition of AstraZeneca Covid vaccines manufactured in India will impose major disadvantages for people who received the jabs in Africa. As per the new rules, the EU will do away with the need for quarantines and further testing for travellers immunised with Covid vaccines recognised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These travellers will receive a digital Covid certificate showing their vaccination status. The EU digital Covid certificate is meant to facilitate safe movement during the pandemic within the European Union. It will serve as proof that the person was vaccinated against the virus or received a negative result or recovered from COVID-19. Read | Covishield becomes collateral damage in the inter EU tussle over Chinese vaccines In a joint statement released Monday, the African Union (AU) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the rules "put at risk the equitable treatment" of people vaccinated in Africa. "These developments are concerning given that the Covishield vaccine has been the backbone of the EU-supported Covax contributions to the AU Member States’ vaccination programmes," the statement added. The European Commission spokesman Adalbert Jahnz said that individual EU governments may decide to allow entry to travellers who have received jabs recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), which includes Covishield. He further added that Covishield "is an issue that we are looking at in more detail". Covishield, while on WHO's authorized list, is not listed by the European Medicines Agency. EMA supervises medicinal products for marketing authorisation in the block. The EU green pass that comes into effect from July 1 and eases travel movement in the block uses the EMA list. In a statement to WION, on Monday, European Medicines Agency said Covishield does not currently have a marketing authorisation in the bloc, pointing out that "should we receive a marketing authorization application for Covishield ...we would communicate about it." Each member country is also allowed to use any vaccine that it is okay with. Switzerland has made it clear that anyone who has been vaccinated or who have recovered do not have to produce a negative test even when travelling from countries where the Delta variant is widespread such as India or the United Kingdom. Ireland has listed Covishield as one of the vaccines for travellers coming to the country. Meanwhile, France is "actively working" on allowing Covishield after India raised the matter. Watch | Covishield excluded from EU's COVID 'Green Pass'

African Union warns EU over vaccine certificate 'inequality'

An opposition senator filed a formal criminal complaint at the Supreme Court on Monday against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a COVID-19 vaccine deal that is under investigation for alleged irregularities. 
 
Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing in the deal to buy vaccines developed by India's Bharat Biotech, saying on Monday that he was not aware of any irregularities. A health ministry whistleblower had&nbsp;said he personally alerted the president to being pressured by his superiors to buy the shots. 
 
In a video released by his office, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said he had filed a request for the Supreme Court to probe the president 'on account of the serious allegations' and because Bolsonaro 'did not take any action after being notified of the existence of a giant corruption scheme in the health ministry'. 
 
The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
The Bharat contract is being probed by federal prosecutors and lawmakers to see why the government struck a speedy agreement with an intermediary for the company after COVID-19 vaccine offers from Pfizer Inc at a lower price were ignored. 
 
Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into a contract worth 1.6 billion reais ($320 million) for 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech's vaccine. Prosecutors cited comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags for the contract signed in February. 
 
Rodrigues, who represents the opposition Rede Sustentabilidade party, is a senior member of a Senate committee probing the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
More than 500,000 people have died from the virus in Brazil, and Bolsonaro has seen his popularity fade after playing down its severity, shunning lockdowns and touting unproven miracle cures. 
 
It remains to be seen if Rodrigues' request will be accepted by the Supreme Court, but the seriousness of the allegations is likely to pose a headache for the president ahead of next year's election where is almost certain to seek re-election. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

An opposition senator filed a formal criminal complaint at the Supreme Court on Monday against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a COVID-19 vaccine deal that is under investigation for alleged irregularities.

An opposition senator filed a formal criminal complaint at the Supreme Court on Monday against Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a COVID-19 vaccine deal that is under investigation for alleged irregularities. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing in the deal to buy vaccines developed by India's Bharat Biotech, saying on Monday that he was not aware of any irregularities. A health ministry whistleblower had said he personally alerted the president to being pressured by his superiors to buy the shots. In a video released by his office, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues said he had filed a request for the Supreme Court to probe the president 'on account of the serious allegations' and because Bolsonaro 'did not take any action after being notified of the existence of a giant corruption scheme in the health ministry'. The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Bharat contract is being probed by federal prosecutors and lawmakers to see why the government struck a speedy agreement with an intermediary for the company after COVID-19 vaccine offers from Pfizer Inc at a lower price were ignored. Brazilian federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into a contract worth 1.6 billion reais ($320 million) for 20 million doses of Bharat Biotech's vaccine. Prosecutors cited comparatively high prices, quick talks and pending regulatory approvals as red flags for the contract signed in February. Rodrigues, who represents the opposition Rede Sustentabilidade party, is a senior member of a Senate committee probing the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 500,000 people have died from the virus in Brazil, and Bolsonaro has seen his popularity fade after playing down its severity, shunning lockdowns and touting unproven miracle cures. It remains to be seen if Rodrigues' request will be accepted by the Supreme Court, but the seriousness of the allegations is likely to pose a headache for the president ahead of next year's election where is almost certain to seek re-election. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil senator files criminal complaint against Bolsonaro over vaccine deal with India's Bharat Biotech

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

Johnson &amp; Johnson will not be undertaking local trials for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine in India and is looking at ways to accelerate its availability in the country, the Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson. 
 
J&amp;J said in April it was in talks with India's government to begin a bridging clinical study of its Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the country. 
 
In late May, India said it would scrap local trials altogether for 'well-established' vaccines manufactured in other countries. 
 
The US-based drugmaker is exploring how to accelerate the availability of its vaccine in India, the Economic Times report said.&nbsp; 
 
Over 41 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered across India last week, with pandemic-induced restrictions being eased further. 
 
Experts have said widespread vaccination remains one of the best tools to avoid the kind of devastation India saw during its second wave of the pandemic. 
 
J&amp;J did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Johnson & Johnson will not be undertaking local trials for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine in India and is looking at ways to accelerate its availability in the country, the Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson.

Johnson & Johnson will not be undertaking local trials for its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine in India and is looking at ways to accelerate its availability in the country, the Economic Times reported on Tuesday, citing a company spokesperson. J&J said in April it was in talks with India's government to begin a bridging clinical study of its Janssen COVID-19 vaccine candidate in the country. In late May, India said it would scrap local trials altogether for 'well-established' vaccines manufactured in other countries. The US-based drugmaker is exploring how to accelerate the availability of its vaccine in India, the Economic Times report said. Over 41 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered across India last week, with pandemic-induced restrictions being eased further. Experts have said widespread vaccination remains one of the best tools to avoid the kind of devastation India saw during its second wave of the pandemic. J&J did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J scraps India Covid vaccine trial, aims to accelerate availability: Report

The world stopped in 2020 when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> hit,&nbsp;and many countries went into total or partial lockdowns. However, that led to disruption of lives and the downfall of the economy. To&nbsp;restart the economies, governments soon realised that travelling was an important process that needed to be kickstarted.

Governments all over the world came up with the idea of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/covid-19-vaccine?page=3">vaccine certificate</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" hreflang="en">COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

<h3>What is vaccine certificate?</h3>

These certificates are government-authorised documents that have become proof of whether or not a person has been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. In India, people get a temporary certificate after the first dose which also mentions the date of the first dose and the expected date range of the second dose.

Once the second dose is also administered, a new certificate is made available to the individual.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-vaccines-lets-help-in-breaking-myths-for-new-mothers-390613" hreflang="en">Covid, pregnancy, breastfeeding and vaccines: Let's help in breaking myths for new mothers</a>

This certificate can be downloaded by people through the Co-WIN portal. This certificate is extremely important as it not only serves as proof of vaccination but can also, in near future, act as a ticket to travelling abroad.

<h3>How to link vaccine certificate with passports?</h3>

The majority of the people may not have used a passport as a photo ID proof. For such cases, simply visit the official CoWIN website (<a href="http://www.cowin.gov.in">www.cowin.gov.in</a>) and click on “Raise Issue” from the "Account details" section.

After that, choose 'Add passport details' and wait till you are redirected to the page which will let you choose which member do you want to make changes for, and then choose the name. After that, carefully add the passport number in the “Enter beneficiary’s passport number’ column and tick the confirmation box before clicking on 'submit request'.

Immediately, you will receive a message on the registered mobile number and then you can go to the 'Account details' option, click on "Certificate" and download the new and updated vaccine certificate.

For those who have not yet registered themselves on the Co-WIN portal, you can simply choose passport as a 'photo ID' option.

The world stopped in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic hit, and many countries went into total or partial lockdowns. However, that led to disruption of lives and the downfall of the economy.

The world stopped in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic hit, and many countries went into total or partial lockdowns. However, that led to disruption of lives and the downfall of the economy. To restart the economies, governments soon realised that travelling was an important process that needed to be kickstarted. Governments all over the world came up with the idea of a vaccine certificate. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant What is vaccine certificate? These certificates are government-authorised documents that have become proof of whether or not a person has been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. In India, people get a temporary certificate after the first dose which also mentions the date of the first dose and the expected date range of the second dose. Once the second dose is also administered, a new certificate is made available to the individual. Also read | Covid, pregnancy, breastfeeding and vaccines: Let's help in breaking myths for new mothers This certificate can be downloaded by people through the Co-WIN portal. This certificate is extremely important as it not only serves as proof of vaccination but can also, in near future, act as a ticket to travelling abroad. How to link vaccine certificate with passports? The majority of the people may not have used a passport as a photo ID proof. For such cases, simply visit the official CoWIN website (www.cowin.gov.in) and click on “Raise Issue” from the "Account details" section. After that, choose 'Add passport details' and wait till you are redirected to the page which will let you choose which member do you want to make changes for, and then choose the name. After that, carefully add the passport number in the “Enter beneficiary’s passport number’ column and tick the confirmation box before clicking on 'submit request'. Immediately, you will receive a message on the registered mobile number and then you can go to the 'Account details' option, click on "Certificate" and download the new and updated vaccine certificate. For those who have not yet registered themselves on the Co-WIN portal, you can simply choose passport as a 'photo ID' option.

How to link vaccine certificate to passport? WION explains

Guam, a US territory in the Pacific is offering visitors a vacation and vaccination programme in hopes to revitalising its struggling tourism industry.

Now, visitors may get vaccination while they vacation. Dubbed as “Air V&amp;V” (a play on AirBnB), the vacation and vaccination programme is currently aimed at Americans living in the Asia-Pacific, but is open to people of other nationalities.

Over the course of the pandemic, Guam has seen relatively low cases and a high rate of vaccination among its population owing to what is being called one of the most effective inoculation drives in the region. Guam’s Visitors Bureau President Carl Gutierrez told AFP that the high vaccination rates make the island the perfect vacation spot.

"This programme captures a unique demographic of travellers around the world that are tired of waiting to get vaccinated in this pandemic," he claimed.

The initiative received approval from Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero last week. In preparation, the country will relax quarantine rules early in July to begin the programme. Upon arrival, all visitors will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine at a self-paid facility in Guam, in line with health protocols.

On the sixth day, they will be tested for the virus. If the result comes out negative, they will be allowed to enjoy their vacations. All participants in the programme will have three options of vaccines to choose from - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

Gutierrez predicts that over 30,000 people would take advantage of the programme by the end of 2021, with the first charter flight from Taiwan expected to arrive on July 6.

In the tourist district of Tumon, many hotels have begun booking Air V&amp;V packages. The jabs will be administered by local medical clinics. In the absence of tourism, Guam’s economy has taken a major hit. Tourism is the territory’s second-largest economic driver after the US military bases situated on the island. A study by the University of Guam estimated that tourist arrivals declined by 76 per cent in 2020 compared to 2019.

Guam, a US territory in the Pacific is offering visitors a vacation and vaccination programme in hopes to revitalising its struggling tourism industry. Now, visitors may get vaccination while they vacation.

Guam, a US territory in the Pacific is offering visitors a vacation and vaccination programme in hopes to revitalising its struggling tourism industry. Now, visitors may get vaccination while they vacation. Dubbed as “Air V&V” (a play on AirBnB), the vacation and vaccination programme is currently aimed at Americans living in the Asia-Pacific, but is open to people of other nationalities. Over the course of the pandemic, Guam has seen relatively low cases and a high rate of vaccination among its population owing to what is being called one of the most effective inoculation drives in the region. Guam’s Visitors Bureau President Carl Gutierrez told AFP that the high vaccination rates make the island the perfect vacation spot. "This programme captures a unique demographic of travellers around the world that are tired of waiting to get vaccinated in this pandemic," he claimed. The initiative received approval from Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero last week. In preparation, the country will relax quarantine rules early in July to begin the programme. Upon arrival, all visitors will have to undergo a seven-day quarantine at a self-paid facility in Guam, in line with health protocols. On the sixth day, they will be tested for the virus. If the result comes out negative, they will be allowed to enjoy their vacations. All participants in the programme will have three options of vaccines to choose from - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Gutierrez predicts that over 30,000 people would take advantage of the programme by the end of 2021, with the first charter flight from Taiwan expected to arrive on July 6. In the tourist district of Tumon, many hotels have begun booking Air V&V packages. The jabs will be administered by local medical clinics. In the absence of tourism, Guam’s economy has taken a major hit. Tourism is the territory’s second-largest economic driver after the US military bases situated on the island. A study by the University of Guam estimated that tourist arrivals declined by 76 per cent in 2020 compared to 2019.

'Air VNV': Guam launches vacation & vaccination programme to revive tourism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week.He stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward.The Prime Minister was informed that 3.77 crore doses have been administered in the last six days which is more than the entire population of countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

It was also discussed that 128 districts in the country have vaccinated more than 50 per cent of the 45+ population and 16 districts have vaccinated more than 90 per cent of the 45+ population.The officers told the Prime Minister that they are in touch with state governments to explore and implement innovative methods to reach people for vaccination.PM Modi spoke about the need to involve NGOs and other organisations in such efforts.

He directed officers to work with the states to ensure that the pace of testing does not go down as testing remains a very important weapon to track and contain rising infections in any region.A PMO release said officials apprised PM Modi about the vaccine supply in the upcoming months and efforts being made to increase production.

"PM expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations in this week and stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward," the release said.

The government`s centralised free vaccination policy came into effect from June 21 under which the Centre is providing free vaccines to states for inoculating all above 18 years. The Centre has decided to procure 75 per cent of vaccines from manufacturers.&nbsp;

At the meeting, officers also apprised the Prime Minister about the rising interest in the Cowin platform globally.He said that efforts should be made to help all countries, who have expressed interest, in India`s rich tech expertise in the form of the Cowin platform.

Officials gave a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister on the progress of vaccination in the country. He was briefed about the age-wise vaccination coverage.He was briefed about the vaccine coverage among healthcare workers, frontline workers and the general population in various states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week.He stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward.The Prime Minister was informed that 3.77 crore doses have been administered in the last six days which is more than the entire population of countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Canada. It was also discussed that 128 districts in the country have vaccinated more than 50 per cent of the 45+ population and 16 districts have vaccinated more than 90 per cent of the 45+ population.The officers told the Prime Minister that they are in touch with state governments to explore and implement innovative methods to reach people for vaccination.PM Modi spoke about the need to involve NGOs and other organisations in such efforts. He directed officers to work with the states to ensure that the pace of testing does not go down as testing remains a very important weapon to track and contain rising infections in any region.A PMO release said officials apprised PM Modi about the vaccine supply in the upcoming months and efforts being made to increase production. "PM expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations in this week and stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward," the release said. The government`s centralised free vaccination policy came into effect from June 21 under which the Centre is providing free vaccines to states for inoculating all above 18 years. The Centre has decided to procure 75 per cent of vaccines from manufacturers. At the meeting, officers also apprised the Prime Minister about the rising interest in the Cowin platform globally.He said that efforts should be made to help all countries, who have expressed interest, in India`s rich tech expertise in the form of the Cowin platform. Officials gave a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister on the progress of vaccination in the country. He was briefed about the age-wise vaccination coverage.He was briefed about the vaccine coverage among healthcare workers, frontline workers and the general population in various states.

PM Modi reviews progress of COVID-19 vaccination

The city of&nbsp;San&nbsp;Francisco&nbsp;has announced it will require all municipal employees&nbsp;to be vaccinated against Covid-19, or they could face penalties up to and including dismissal.

The new rule, announced Wednesday, will not take effect until the vaccines have received full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, which has so far green-lit their use on an emergency basis due to the pandemic.

San&nbsp;Francisco&nbsp;will then require its 35,000 employees, including police and firefighters, to be vaccinated. Those who fail to comply and do not receive an exemption for medical or religious reasons will be punished or could even be fired.

"It's really a decision for the health and safety of our employees and our public that we serve," said Carol Isen, the city's director of human resources.

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"It's about protecting the city as an employer from what we deem to be unacceptable risk."

The local branch of the Service Employees International Union, which represents around 20,000 city employees, called the move a "threatening mandate" and said such a requirement must be negotiated and not imposed.

This week, more than 150 employees at one of Texas's largest hospitals were fired or resigned after refusing to comply with a Covid vaccination requirement.

Officials at Houston Methodist had told its staff they needed to have received a Covid vaccination by June 7.

Some staff members had filed a lawsuit against the hospital, accusing it of "forcing its employees to be human 'guinea pigs' as a condition for continued employment."

The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge who said the vaccines' safety was not at issue.

The city of&nbsp;San&nbsp;Francisco, which adopted measures early on in the US coronavirus outbreak to stop its spread, has one of the highest vaccination rates in California: about 80 percent of residents 12 and over have received at least one dose.

The city of San Francisco has announced it will require all municipal employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19, or they could face penalties up to and including dismissal.

The city of San Francisco has announced it will require all municipal employees to be vaccinated against Covid-19, or they could face penalties up to and including dismissal. The new rule, announced Wednesday, will not take effect until the vaccines have received full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, which has so far green-lit their use on an emergency basis due to the pandemic. San Francisco will then require its 35,000 employees, including police and firefighters, to be vaccinated. Those who fail to comply and do not receive an exemption for medical or religious reasons will be punished or could even be fired. "It's really a decision for the health and safety of our employees and our public that we serve," said Carol Isen, the city's director of human resources. Also Read | Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death "It's about protecting the city as an employer from what we deem to be unacceptable risk." The local branch of the Service Employees International Union, which represents around 20,000 city employees, called the move a "threatening mandate" and said such a requirement must be negotiated and not imposed. This week, more than 150 employees at one of Texas's largest hospitals were fired or resigned after refusing to comply with a Covid vaccination requirement. Officials at Houston Methodist had told its staff they needed to have received a Covid vaccination by June 7. Some staff members had filed a lawsuit against the hospital, accusing it of "forcing its employees to be human 'guinea pigs' as a condition for continued employment." The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge who said the vaccines' safety was not at issue. The city of San Francisco, which adopted measures early on in the US coronavirus outbreak to stop its spread, has one of the highest vaccination rates in California: about 80 percent of residents 12 and over have received at least one dose.

San Francisco to require city employees to get Covid vaccine

Britain will next month&nbsp;publish&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to allow&nbsp;fully&nbsp;vaccinated&nbsp;people to&nbsp;travel&nbsp;unrestricted to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, in a boost for a&nbsp;travel&nbsp;industry wrecked by the pandemic.

Airlines welcomed the move and they were further cheered by news late on Thursday that Britain will add Malta, Spain's Balearic Islands and the Portuguese island of Madeira to its "green list" for safe&nbsp;travel&nbsp;spots from June 30.

"Thanks to our successful vaccination programme, our intention is that later in the summer&nbsp;UK&nbsp;residents who are&nbsp;fully&nbsp;vaccinated&nbsp;will not have to isolate when&nbsp;travelling from amber list countries," Transport Minister Grant Shapps said.

"We'll set out further details next month," he tweeted.

"The Department for Transport declined to say if the easing of restrictions for&nbsp;fully&nbsp;vaccinated&nbsp;travellers would take place in a matter of weeks or months.

British Airways and Jet2.com welcomed the news.

"We cannot afford another missed summer," said BA chairman and chief executive officer Sean Doyle in a statement.

"There are jobs at stake, Britons separated from family members and we cannot afford to allow the success of our vaccine programme to be wasted."

EasyJet said the reopening fell short of a safe and sustainable easing of restrictions promised by Britain's government.

"The science shows that&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to many European countries would have very little impact on hospitalisation and this is, even more, the case now given that COVID cases in Europe have declined," said EasyJet chief executive officer Johan Lundgren.

The government has come under increasing pressure to ease restrictions as the peak July and August holiday season approaches.

Pilots, cabin crew,&nbsp;travel&nbsp;agents and other workers from the&nbsp;travel&nbsp;industry held protests on Wednesday, calling on the government to open up more routes, while BA, EasyJet and TUI backed a court case questioning the government's&nbsp;travel&nbsp;rules.

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Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to most countries through quarantine and testing rules, prompting the industry to warn of multiple business failures and job losses.

RED LIST

"We celebrate that the government's work has borne fruit and Britain has valued the Balearics' excellent health situation to open it as a safe destination for its citizens," Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto tweeted.

Eritrea, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Tunisia and Uganda will be added to Britain's red list for the most severe&nbsp;travel&nbsp;restrictions, Shapps said.

Israel will be added to the green watchlist - meaning it could be downgraded to an amber list country that means&nbsp;travellers must isolate on return.

Any wider reopening of&nbsp;travel&nbsp;from the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;faces a new challenge as European destinations could start to restrict entry.

German chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday she would like European countries to require people entering from Britain to go into quarantine, as is the case in Germany, citing the high prevalence of the more infectious Delta variant in the&nbsp;UK.

Britain will next month publish plans to allow fully vaccinated people to travel unrestricted to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, in a boost for a travel industry wrecked by the pandemic.

Britain will next month publish plans to allow fully vaccinated people to travel unrestricted to all countries except those with the highest COVID-19 risk, in a boost for a travel industry wrecked by the pandemic. Airlines welcomed the move and they were further cheered by news late on Thursday that Britain will add Malta, Spain's Balearic Islands and the Portuguese island of Madeira to its "green list" for safe travel spots from June 30. "Thanks to our successful vaccination programme, our intention is that later in the summer UK residents who are fully vaccinated will not have to isolate when travelling from amber list countries," Transport Minister Grant Shapps said. "We'll set out further details next month," he tweeted. "The Department for Transport declined to say if the easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers would take place in a matter of weeks or months. British Airways and Jet2.com welcomed the news. "We cannot afford another missed summer," said BA chairman and chief executive officer Sean Doyle in a statement. "There are jobs at stake, Britons separated from family members and we cannot afford to allow the success of our vaccine programme to be wasted." EasyJet said the reopening fell short of a safe and sustainable easing of restrictions promised by Britain's government. "The science shows that travel to many European countries would have very little impact on hospitalisation and this is, even more, the case now given that COVID cases in Europe have declined," said EasyJet chief executive officer Johan Lundgren. The government has come under increasing pressure to ease restrictions as the peak July and August holiday season approaches. Pilots, cabin crew, travel agents and other workers from the travel industry held protests on Wednesday, calling on the government to open up more routes, while BA, EasyJet and TUI backed a court case questioning the government's travel rules. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel Britain has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world but so far the government has effectively prevented travel to most countries through quarantine and testing rules, prompting the industry to warn of multiple business failures and job losses. RED LIST "We celebrate that the government's work has borne fruit and Britain has valued the Balearics' excellent health situation to open it as a safe destination for its citizens," Spanish Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto tweeted. Eritrea, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Tunisia and Uganda will be added to Britain's red list for the most severe travel restrictions, Shapps said. Israel will be added to the green watchlist - meaning it could be downgraded to an amber list country that means travellers must isolate on return. Any wider reopening of travel from the UK faces a new challenge as European destinations could start to restrict entry. German chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday she would like European countries to require people entering from Britain to go into quarantine, as is the case in Germany, citing the high prevalence of the more infectious Delta variant in the UK.

UK to publish plans to lift travel curbs for fully vaccinated

President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;on Thursday said Brazil never paid for or received any doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech, in response to allegations of irregularities in a deal that is under investigation.

Federal prosecutors and a special Senate committee are investigating the deal for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot, citing the fact that the government struck a speedy agreement when offers from Pfizer in 2020 at a lower price were ignored at the time.

"We didn't spend one cent on Covaxin. We didn't receive one dose of Covaxin. What sort of corruption is this?"&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said.

The president pledged to take action if any corruption was discovered in his government.&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;said the price for the Bharat vaccines was broadly in line with other countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-is-infecting-vaccinated-people-says-israel-393811">Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel</a>

He said the government's position has always been to only carry out purchases of vaccines after they are approved for use by federal health authority Anvisa.

Covaxin has yet to receive approval for public use, although it has received permission to conduct a phase 3 clinical trial via a Brazilian partner company.

On Wednesday, Bharat Biotech said in a statement that it had yet to provide vaccine supplies to Brazil and that it has been consistent and transparent in its pricing with all governments.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said Brazil never paid for or received any doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech, in response to allegations of irregularities in a deal that is under investigation.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said Brazil never paid for or received any doses of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech, in response to allegations of irregularities in a deal that is under investigation. Federal prosecutors and a special Senate committee are investigating the deal for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin shot, citing the fact that the government struck a speedy agreement when offers from Pfizer in 2020 at a lower price were ignored at the time. "We didn't spend one cent on Covaxin. We didn't receive one dose of Covaxin. What sort of corruption is this?" Bolsonaro said. The president pledged to take action if any corruption was discovered in his government. Bolsonaro said the price for the Bharat vaccines was broadly in line with other countries. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel He said the government's position has always been to only carry out purchases of vaccines after they are approved for use by federal health authority Anvisa. Covaxin has yet to receive approval for public use, although it has received permission to conduct a phase 3 clinical trial via a Brazilian partner company. On Wednesday, Bharat Biotech said in a statement that it had yet to provide vaccine supplies to Brazil and that it has been consistent and transparent in its pricing with all governments.

Bolsonaro says Brazil didn't spend a cent on Bharat vaccine deal under probe

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

Two crore vaccine doses have been administered in the first 72 hours of the implementation of the newly revised guidelines of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the ministry said.

More than 300 million (30,33,27,440) vaccine doses have been provided by the Centre to states/UTs so far, through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category.

Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 28,43,40,936 doses (according to the data available at 8 am on Thursday), the ministry said.

"More than 19 million (1, 89,86,504) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

"Furthermore, more than 21, 05,010 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days," the ministry said.

The Union government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21.

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said.

Under the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre has been supporting the states/UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country to states/UTs, it added.

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday. Two crore vaccine doses have been administered in the first 72 hours of the implementation of the newly revised guidelines of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the ministry said. More than 300 million (30,33,27,440) vaccine doses have been provided by the Centre to states/UTs so far, through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category. Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 28,43,40,936 doses (according to the data available at 8 am on Thursday), the ministry said. "More than 19 million (1, 89,86,504) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 21, 05,010 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days," the ministry said. The Union government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said. Under the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre has been supporting the states/UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country to states/UTs, it added.

More than 19 million unutilised Covid vaccine doses available with states, UTs: Union Health Ministry

AstraZeneca&nbsp;Plc's&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;is&nbsp;effective&nbsp;against&nbsp;Delta and Kappa&nbsp;variants, which were first&nbsp;identified&nbsp;in&nbsp;India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study.

The study by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from recovered people and from those vaccinated to neutralize the Delta and Kappa&nbsp;variants, the statement said.

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Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that&nbsp;vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;offer high protection of more than 90%&nbsp;against&nbsp;hospitalization from the Delta variant.

The latest Oxford study results are built on the recent analysis by PHE, the company said.

The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Friday.

AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants, which were first identified in India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study.

AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants, which were first identified in India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study. The study by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from recovered people and from those vaccinated to neutralize the Delta and Kappa variants, the statement said. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca offer high protection of more than 90% against hospitalization from the Delta variant. The latest Oxford study results are built on the recent analysis by PHE, the company said. The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Friday.

AstraZeneca vaccine effective against COVID-19 variants identified in India

More than 150 employees at the Houston Methodist hospital in&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;were fired or resigned after failing to comply with orders to get a Covid-19 vaccination to continue working there, a hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Officials Houston Methodist told its staff they needed to have received a Covid vaccination by June 7 or be suspended for two weeks.

Hospital spokeswoman Gale Smith told AFP that 153 employees "either resigned in the two-week suspension period or were terminated today.

"The employees who became compliant during the suspension period returned to work the day after they became compliant," she said.

Nearly 200 staff had been suspended, the New York Times reported, and protests were staged against the mandatory vaccine rule.

Last month, 117 staff members&nbsp;filed a lawsuit against the hospital, accusing it of "forcing its employees to be human 'guinea pigs' as a condition for continued employment."

The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge who said the vaccines' safety was not at issue, and that&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;law only protects employees from refusing to commit a crime.

"Receiving a Covid-19 vaccination is not an illegal act, and it carries no criminal penalties," Judge Lynn Hughes wrote.

The judge also reprimanded one of the main plaintiffs behind the lawsuit, nurse Jennifer Bridges, for the analogy that the threat of being fired for not getting vaccinated was like "forced medical experimentation during the Holocaust."

"Equating the injection requirement to medical experimentation in concentration camps is reprehensible," Hughes wrote.

But Bridges, who was one of the staff to have lost their job in the protest, told AFP Tuesday their legal push was receiving more support.

"117 people joined us initially. Now we're about to add another 70. We want Methodist to be held accountable for their actions. We want the public to see that we should not have lost our jobs and that Methodist is not properly giving people informed consent or talking about adverse reactions," the 39-year-old said.&nbsp;

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"I&nbsp;chose not to get this shot because the risks for me are too great. I've personally seen adverse reactions within employees and patients. Everything from severe headaches to blood clots, to paralysis, to even death," she said.

"At my age, my benefits from getting this vaccine aren't much at all because I only have a one per cent chance of dying from the virus anyways."

Houston houses the world's largest medical complex, the&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;Medical Center, a sprawling district that includes hospitals and research universities.&nbsp;

The Medical Center employs more than 106,000 health care workers in all and sees some 10 million patients a year.

As of Tuesday, 65.4 per cent of adults in the United States had received one or more doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson shots.

And yet, surveys show that health care workers have been among the greatest vaccine sceptics.

More than 150 employees at the Houston Methodist hospital in Texas were fired or resigned after failing to comply with orders to get a Covid-19 vaccination to continue working there, a hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday.

More than 150 employees at the Houston Methodist hospital in Texas were fired or resigned after failing to comply with orders to get a Covid-19 vaccination to continue working there, a hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday. Officials Houston Methodist told its staff they needed to have received a Covid vaccination by June 7 or be suspended for two weeks. Hospital spokeswoman Gale Smith told AFP that 153 employees "either resigned in the two-week suspension period or were terminated today. "The employees who became compliant during the suspension period returned to work the day after they became compliant," she said. Nearly 200 staff had been suspended, the New York Times reported, and protests were staged against the mandatory vaccine rule. Last month, 117 staff members filed a lawsuit against the hospital, accusing it of "forcing its employees to be human 'guinea pigs' as a condition for continued employment." The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge who said the vaccines' safety was not at issue, and that Texas law only protects employees from refusing to commit a crime. "Receiving a Covid-19 vaccination is not an illegal act, and it carries no criminal penalties," Judge Lynn Hughes wrote. The judge also reprimanded one of the main plaintiffs behind the lawsuit, nurse Jennifer Bridges, for the analogy that the threat of being fired for not getting vaccinated was like "forced medical experimentation during the Holocaust." "Equating the injection requirement to medical experimentation in concentration camps is reprehensible," Hughes wrote. But Bridges, who was one of the staff to have lost their job in the protest, told AFP Tuesday their legal push was receiving more support. "117 people joined us initially. Now we're about to add another 70. We want Methodist to be held accountable for their actions. We want the public to see that we should not have lost our jobs and that Methodist is not properly giving people informed consent or talking about adverse reactions," the 39-year-old said. Also Read | Under pressure, Hong Kong's pro-democracy publication Apple Daily announces closure "I chose not to get this shot because the risks for me are too great. I've personally seen adverse reactions within employees and patients. Everything from severe headaches to blood clots, to paralysis, to even death," she said. "At my age, my benefits from getting this vaccine aren't much at all because I only have a one per cent chance of dying from the virus anyways." Houston houses the world's largest medical complex, the Texas Medical Center, a sprawling district that includes hospitals and research universities. The Medical Center employs more than 106,000 health care workers in all and sees some 10 million patients a year. As of Tuesday, 65.4 per cent of adults in the United States had received one or more doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson shots. And yet, surveys show that health care workers have been among the greatest vaccine sceptics.

More than 150 Texas hospital staff fired or quit over vaccine ruling

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine&nbsp;'technology transfer hub’ in the country.&nbsp;

The World Health&nbsp;Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the full extent of the vaccine gap between developed and developing economies, and how that gap can severely undermine global health security. This landmark initiative is a major advancement in the international effort to develop vaccines and manufacturing capacity that will put Africa on a path to&nbsp;self-determination,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

“South Africa welcomes the opportunity to host a vaccine technology transfer hub and to build on the capacity and expertise that already exists on the continent to contribute to this effort,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The technology transfer hub will be located in South Africa and this initiative will not just benefit South Africa, but working together with the Africa CDC and the WHO,&nbsp;we will make sure that it benefits the entire African continent," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron,&nbsp;who visited South Africa&nbsp;in&nbsp;May&nbsp;end,&nbsp;had also committed supporting efforts in Africa to scale up local manufacturing capacity.&nbsp;

“Today is a great day for Africa. It is also a great day for all those who work towards a more equitable access to health products. I am proud of Biovac&nbsp;and our South African partners to have been selected by WHO&nbsp;as France has been supporting them for years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This announcement comes at a time when&nbsp;South Africa and India have&nbsp;been at the forefront of a campaign at the World Trade&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine manufacturing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that relying on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting&nbsp;and&nbsp;dangerous. To boost manufacturing, WHO has continued to call for the sharing of know-how, technology &amp; licenses, &amp; the waiving of intellectual property rights,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-General of the WHO said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, South Africa is seeing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases as the country is battling third wave. So far, the country has only vaccinated 1% of its population.&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine 'technology transfer hub’ in the country. The World Health Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced that WHO is set to establish its first Covid mRNA vaccine 'technology transfer hub’ in the country. The World Health Organization, French President Emmanuel Macron and President Ramaphosa jointly held a media briefing on Monday. “The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the full extent of the vaccine gap between developed and developing economies, and how that gap can severely undermine global health security. This landmark initiative is a major advancement in the international effort to develop vaccines and manufacturing capacity that will put Africa on a path to self-determination,” Ramaphosa said. “South Africa welcomes the opportunity to host a vaccine technology transfer hub and to build on the capacity and expertise that already exists on the continent to contribute to this effort,” he added. "The technology transfer hub will be located in South Africa and this initiative will not just benefit South Africa, but working together with the Africa CDC and the WHO, we will make sure that it benefits the entire African continent," Ramaphosa said. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited South Africa in May end, had also committed supporting efforts in Africa to scale up local manufacturing capacity. “Today is a great day for Africa. It is also a great day for all those who work towards a more equitable access to health products. I am proud of Biovac and our South African partners to have been selected by WHO as France has been supporting them for years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. This announcement comes at a time when South Africa and India have been at the forefront of a campaign at the World Trade Organisation to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine manufacturing. "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that relying on a few companies to supply global public goods is limiting and dangerous. To boost manufacturing, WHO has continued to call for the sharing of know-how, technology & licenses, & the waiving of intellectual property rights,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-General of the WHO said. Currently, South Africa is seeing a huge surge in COVID-19 cases as the country is battling third wave. So far, the country has only vaccinated 1% of its population.

WHO to set up vaccine tech transfer hub in South Africa  

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting a South African consortium in establishing the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub. President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the WHO and French President Emmanuel Macron in announcing the new hub for Messenger RNA coronavirus vaccine technology.

WHO supports South African consortium to establish first mRNA vaccine tech transfer hub

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 a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday. 
 
In its latest provisional report till 7 a.m. on Monday, the Ministry said a total of 28,00,36,898 vaccine doses have been administered through 38,24,408 sessions, however, 30,39,996 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. 
 
Of the total vaccination, 1,01,25,143 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have received their first dose while 70,72,595 have been administered the second dose. Similarly, 1,71,73,646 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have been inoculated with the first dose while 90,51,173 have received their second dose. 
 
People aged between 18 and 44 years who received their first dose are 5,59,54,551 while 12,63,242 have been inoculated the second dose. A total of 8,07,11,132 people aged between 45 and 59 have received their first dose and 1,27,56,299 have been administered the second dose. 
 
A total of 6,47,77,302 people aged over 60 years have received their first dose while 2,11,51,815 have been inoculated with the second dose. 
 
The inputs came when India started free coronavirus vaccines to states for vaccination of all above the age of 18 from today (June 21), as per the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move to provide free vaccines against Covid-19 to all adults in India is expected to give a boost to the vaccination drive. 
 
The government pushing vaccination which is an integral pillar of its comprehensive strategy for containment and management of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday.

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday. In its latest provisional report till 7 a.m. on Monday, the Ministry said a total of 28,00,36,898 vaccine doses have been administered through 38,24,408 sessions, however, 30,39,996 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. Of the total vaccination, 1,01,25,143 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have received their first dose while 70,72,595 have been administered the second dose. Similarly, 1,71,73,646 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have been inoculated with the first dose while 90,51,173 have received their second dose. People aged between 18 and 44 years who received their first dose are 5,59,54,551 while 12,63,242 have been inoculated the second dose. A total of 8,07,11,132 people aged between 45 and 59 have received their first dose and 1,27,56,299 have been administered the second dose. A total of 6,47,77,302 people aged over 60 years have received their first dose while 2,11,51,815 have been inoculated with the second dose. The inputs came when India started free coronavirus vaccines to states for vaccination of all above the age of 18 from today (June 21), as per the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move to provide free vaccines against Covid-19 to all adults in India is expected to give a boost to the vaccination drive. The government pushing vaccination which is an integral pillar of its comprehensive strategy for containment and management of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crosses 280 million mark

Cuba's Soberana 2 vaccine candidate has shown 62% efficacy with just two of its three doses, state-run biopharmaceutical corporation BioCubaFarma said on Saturday, citing preliminary data from late phase trials. 
 
Cuba, whose biotech sector has exported vaccines for decades, has five vaccine candidates in clinical trials, of which two - Soberana 2 and Abdala - are in late phase trials. 
 
"In a few weeks, we should have the results for the efficacy with three doses which we expect will be superior," said Vicente Vérez, director of the state-run Finlay Vaccine Institute, which developed Soberana 2. 
 
The news comes as the Caribbean's largest island is facing its worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic in the wake of the arrival of more contagious variants, setting new records of daily coronavirus cases. 
 
The Communist-run country has opted not to import foreign vaccines but rather to rely on its own. Experts say it is a risky bet but if it pays off, Cuba could burnish its scientific reputation, generate much-needed hard currency through exports and strengthen the vaccination drive worldwide. 
 
"We know our government has not been able to provide this project all the funding it required, and nonetheless this is a result of global standing," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said at the presentation of the results on state-run television. 
 
Several countries from Argentina and Jamaica to Mexico and Venezuela have expressed an interest in buying Cuba's vaccines. Iran started producing Soberana 2 earlier this year as part of late-phase clinical trials. 
 
Cuba's authorities have started administering the experimental vaccines en masse&nbsp;as part of 'intervention studies' they hope will slow the spread of the virus. 
 
Daily cases have halved in the capital since the start of this vaccination campaign, according to official data, although that may also be due to stricter lockdown measures. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Cuba's Soberana 2 vaccine candidate has shown 62% efficacy with just two of its three doses, state-run biopharmaceutical corporation BioCubaFarma said on Saturday, citing preliminary data from late phase trials.

Cuba's Soberana 2 vaccine candidate has shown 62% efficacy with just two of its three doses, state-run biopharmaceutical corporation BioCubaFarma said on Saturday, citing preliminary data from late phase trials. Cuba, whose biotech sector has exported vaccines for decades, has five vaccine candidates in clinical trials, of which two - Soberana 2 and Abdala - are in late phase trials. "In a few weeks, we should have the results for the efficacy with three doses which we expect will be superior," said Vicente Vérez, director of the state-run Finlay Vaccine Institute, which developed Soberana 2. The news comes as the Caribbean's largest island is facing its worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic in the wake of the arrival of more contagious variants, setting new records of daily coronavirus cases. The Communist-run country has opted not to import foreign vaccines but rather to rely on its own. Experts say it is a risky bet but if it pays off, Cuba could burnish its scientific reputation, generate much-needed hard currency through exports and strengthen the vaccination drive worldwide. "We know our government has not been able to provide this project all the funding it required, and nonetheless this is a result of global standing," President Miguel Diaz-Canel said at the presentation of the results on state-run television. Several countries from Argentina and Jamaica to Mexico and Venezuela have expressed an interest in buying Cuba's vaccines. Iran started producing Soberana 2 earlier this year as part of late-phase clinical trials. Cuba's authorities have started administering the experimental vaccines en masse as part of 'intervention studies' they hope will slow the spread of the virus. Daily cases have halved in the capital since the start of this vaccination campaign, according to official data, although that may also be due to stricter lockdown measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Cuba encouraged by early efficacy results of homegrown COVID-19 vaccine

Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections.

Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through "vaccine diplomacy," initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses but increased that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million U.S.-made shots around the world.

"What a sight! What a gesture!" Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted in thanks late on Saturday, linking to pictures of the vaccines being loaded onto a China Airlines Boeing 777 freighter at Memphis airport.

"The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is rock solid, &amp; we'll keep cooperating closely in combating COVID19. Forces for goodwill prevail!"

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted she was touched by the U.S. move.

"Thank you to the U.S. for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping Taiwan safe &amp; healthy."

The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is its most important international backer, to China's anger.

The 2.5 million Moderna Inc doses, due to arrive at Taiwan's main international airport late Sunday afternoon, will more than double the number of vaccines that have already arrived on the island, including 1.24 million AstraZeneca Plc shots donated by Japan earlier this month.

China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has offered Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety and efficacy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elects-new-president-mixed-reactions-across-world-392652">Also Read |&nbsp;Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world</a>

Taiwan has accused China of blocking at least one foreign vaccine deal with the island. Beijing denies that.

Despite the pandemic, China has continued to pressure Taiwan militarily.

Last week, 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone, the largest reported incursion to date.

Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order as it deals with a rise in domestic cases, although infections remain comparatively low. Only around 6% of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one of the two-shot coronavirus vaccine regimen.

Tsai has come under pressure domestically to get vaccines faster.

On Friday the government said it would allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) to negotiate on Taipei's behalf for vaccines.

Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections.

Taiwan reacted with an outpouring of thanks to the United States for shipping 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to the major semiconductor-producing island, more than doubling its arsenal as it deals with a rise in domestic infections. Washington, competing with Beijing to deepen geopolitical clout through "vaccine diplomacy," initially had promised to donate 750,000 doses but increased that number as President Joe Biden's administration advances its pledge to send 80 million U.S.-made shots around the world. "What a sight! What a gesture!" Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted in thanks late on Saturday, linking to pictures of the vaccines being loaded onto a China Airlines Boeing 777 freighter at Memphis airport. "The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is rock solid, & we'll keep cooperating closely in combating COVID19. Forces for goodwill prevail!" Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted she was touched by the U.S. move. "Thank you to the U.S. for this moving gesture of friendship. These vaccines will go a long way toward keeping Taiwan safe & healthy." The United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is its most important international backer, to China's anger. The 2.5 million Moderna Inc doses, due to arrive at Taiwan's main international airport late Sunday afternoon, will more than double the number of vaccines that have already arrived on the island, including 1.24 million AstraZeneca Plc shots donated by Japan earlier this month. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as an integral part of its territory, has offered Chinese-made vaccines, but the government in Taipei has repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety and efficacy. Also Read | Iran elects new president, mixed reactions across world Taiwan has accused China of blocking at least one foreign vaccine deal with the island. Beijing denies that. Despite the pandemic, China has continued to pressure Taiwan militarily. Last week, 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone, the largest reported incursion to date. Taiwan is trying to speed up the arrival of the millions of vaccines it has on order as it deals with a rise in domestic cases, although infections remain comparatively low. Only around 6% of Taiwan's 23.5 million people have received at least one of the two-shot coronavirus vaccine regimen. Tsai has come under pressure domestically to get vaccines faster. On Friday the government said it would allow Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) to negotiate on Taipei's behalf for vaccines.

'Forces for good will prevail' - Taiwan welcomes massive US vaccine aid

Israel's health ministry on Saturday insisted that Covid-19 vaccine doses the Palestinians rejected as about to expire were "completely valid".

On Friday, Palestinian authority called off a deal according to which Israel would provide it 1 million vaccine jabs in exchange for doses from Pfizer that Palestinians are scheduled to receive later this year

PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said an initial delivery of some 90,000 Pfizer doses failed to conform "to the specifications contained in the agreement, and accordingly prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh instructed the minister of health to cancel the agreement".

"The government refuses to receive vaccines that are about to expire," Melhem said, in a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency.

Israeli health ministry said that the vaccines were "completely valid" although the prime minister's office acknowledged Friday that they were "about to expire", without specifying the use-by date

"The Palestinian health ministry received Pfizer vaccines that were valid, with expiration dates that were known, agreed on and that matched the agreement between the two sides," the ministry said.&nbsp;

Israel has launched a sweeping vaccination campaign after obtaining millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine. 
More than 55 percent of Israel's population -- some 5.1 million people -- have received both doses of the vaccine.

Far fewer Palestinians -- just over 270,000 people -- have received their two doses in the West Bank and Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's health ministry on Saturday insisted that Covid-19 vaccine doses the Palestinians rejected as about to expire were "completely valid". On Friday, Palestinian authority called off a deal according to which Israel would provide it 1 million vaccine jabs in exchange for doses from Pfizer that Palestinians are scheduled to receive later this year PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said an initial delivery of some 90,000 Pfizer doses failed to conform "to the specifications contained in the agreement, and accordingly prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh instructed the minister of health to cancel the agreement".

Israel's health ministry on Saturday insisted that Covid-19 vaccine doses the Palestinians rejected as about to expire were "completely valid". On Friday, Palestinian authority called off a deal according to which Israel would provide it 1 million vaccine jabs in exchange for doses from Pfizer that Palestinians are scheduled to receive later this year PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said an initial delivery of some 90,000 Pfizer doses failed to conform "to the specifications contained in the agreement, and accordingly prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh instructed the minister of health to cancel the agreement". "The government refuses to receive vaccines that are about to expire," Melhem said, in a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency. Israeli health ministry said that the vaccines were "completely valid" although the prime minister's office acknowledged Friday that they were "about to expire", without specifying the use-by date "The Palestinian health ministry received Pfizer vaccines that were valid, with expiration dates that were known, agreed on and that matched the agreement between the two sides," the ministry said. Israel has launched a sweeping vaccination campaign after obtaining millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine. More than 55 percent of Israel's population -- some 5.1 million people -- have received both doses of the vaccine. Far fewer Palestinians -- just over 270,000 people -- have received their two doses in the West Bank and Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine doses Palestinians rejected were 'completely valid': Israel

A millionaire Canadian couple had chartered a private plane to an island to skip coronavirus vaccine queue. The vaccine they were injected was meant for elderly indigenous people. Now they have been fined C$2,300, which is being seen as a lesser punishment.

The offenders were former casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife, the actor Ekaterina Baker.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-just-34-for-two-doses-made-in-india-biological-e-vaccine-could-be-90-effective-392081">$3.4 for 2 doses: India-made Covid jab from Biological E may be 90% effective</a>

The famous couple had chartered a bush plane to the tiny island called Beaver Creek, where they manipulated the locals into giving them a vaccine shot on January 21 that was meant for the elderly population of the indigenous community.

They were apprehended while&nbsp;trying to board a flight out of the Yukon Territory.

While many thought they would be jailed for the offence, the couple pleaded guilty to breaking public health rules and were, therefore, fined.

<a href="UK opens vaccines for 21-22 year olds, fearing rise of Delta variant">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-leaders-pledge-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-doses-internationally-392088/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the fact that the millionaire couple was not jailed has angered many people across the globe.

What saved the couple from being jailed were their guilty plea and their two-time donation of C$5,000,&nbsp;made twice to the Covax scheme.

A millionaire Canadian couple had chartered a private plane to an island to skip coronavirus vaccine queue. The vaccine they were injected was meant for elderly indigenous people.

A millionaire Canadian couple had chartered a private plane to an island to skip coronavirus vaccine queue. The vaccine they were injected was meant for elderly indigenous people. Now they have been fined C$2,300, which is being seen as a lesser punishment. The offenders were former casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife, the actor Ekaterina Baker. Also read | $3.4 for 2 doses: India-made Covid jab from Biological E may be 90% effective The famous couple had chartered a bush plane to the tiny island called Beaver Creek, where they manipulated the locals into giving them a vaccine shot on January 21 that was meant for the elderly population of the indigenous community. They were apprehended while trying to board a flight out of the Yukon Territory. While many thought they would be jailed for the offence, the couple pleaded guilty to breaking public health rules and were, therefore, fined. WATCH | However, the fact that the millionaire couple was not jailed has angered many people across the globe. What saved the couple from being jailed were their guilty plea and their two-time donation of C$5,000, made twice to the Covax scheme.

Millionaire couple who manipulated vaccine queue fined C$2,300

After the Central government capped the price of the COVID-19 vaccine for the private sector, the National Health Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said 125 third-party entities have expressed interest in vaccine booking service, out of which 91 are in different process of approval.

While speaking to ANI, RS Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority said, "A review was done and it was seen that 125 entities have expressed their interest and out of which 91 are in the process of approval whereas some of them are already in the various process of finalization."

From June 21 onward central government will procure all the vaccines, which are to be distributed to the states.

Besides, that private sectors will also procure 25 percent vaccines directly from the manufacturer as per the new policy.

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"However, with the development of third party showing interest in roping themselves in the vaccine booking service NHA before providing the "security keys" through which the third party could connect, are going through several testing that their applications are in accordance with the privacy policy," said Sharma.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Rajnath Singh calls for 'free, open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rajnath-singh-calls-for-free-open-and-inclusive-order-in-indo-pacific-391813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further said they have created a team in NHA that checks the applications and compliance of various terms.

The exact timing for the third party to start under the umbrella of CoWin will depend on them as Sharma said, "We are going to provide them keys only after the testing. Ultimately the decision will be there's when they want to role it on."

In furtherance, Sharma said, "If the third party could cater to the surge for vaccination, vacancy, booking and certification on their apps that will extend the reach and much more people will be covered. The union of all these entities will be quite high. Moreover, their user interface will also be possibly different and improved."

However any change in the database be it cancellation, rescheduling will have to come in the CoWin database. Whenever one does a transaction that will be done on the database of CoWin platform.

"CoWin will play a central role. Some of the peripheral activities such as vacancies or booking will be given to the applications, which will ultimately come back to CoWin once the slot gets booked," concluded Sharma.

In a letter to all states and Union Territories last week, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had capped the maximum service charge per dose levied by private hospitals at Rs 150 per dose

After the Central government capped the price of the COVID-19 vaccine for the private sector, the National Health Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said 125 third-party entities have expressed interest in vaccine booking service, out of which 91 are in different process of approval.

After the Central government capped the price of the COVID-19 vaccine for the private sector, the National Health Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said 125 third-party entities have expressed interest in vaccine booking service, out of which 91 are in different process of approval. While speaking to ANI, RS Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority said, "A review was done and it was seen that 125 entities have expressed their interest and out of which 91 are in the process of approval whereas some of them are already in the various process of finalization." From June 21 onward central government will procure all the vaccines, which are to be distributed to the states. Besides, that private sectors will also procure 25 percent vaccines directly from the manufacturer as per the new policy. Also Read | US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern' "However, with the development of third party showing interest in roping themselves in the vaccine booking service NHA before providing the "security keys" through which the third party could connect, are going through several testing that their applications are in accordance with the privacy policy," said Sharma. Also Watch | Rajnath Singh calls for 'free, open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific' He further said they have created a team in NHA that checks the applications and compliance of various terms. The exact timing for the third party to start under the umbrella of CoWin will depend on them as Sharma said, "We are going to provide them keys only after the testing. Ultimately the decision will be there's when they want to role it on." In furtherance, Sharma said, "If the third party could cater to the surge for vaccination, vacancy, booking and certification on their apps that will extend the reach and much more people will be covered. The union of all these entities will be quite high. Moreover, their user interface will also be possibly different and improved." However any change in the database be it cancellation, rescheduling will have to come in the CoWin database. Whenever one does a transaction that will be done on the database of CoWin platform. "CoWin will play a central role. Some of the peripheral activities such as vacancies or booking will be given to the applications, which will ultimately come back to CoWin once the slot gets booked," concluded Sharma. In a letter to all states and Union Territories last week, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had capped the maximum service charge per dose levied by private hospitals at Rs 150 per dose

Over 120 third party entities expressed interest in COVID-19 vaccine booking

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday asked Pfizer Inc to bring forward planned delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, a government source said, aiming to speed up a slow national inoculation programme. 
 
The request is a turnaround for Bolsonaro, who last year ignored offers of vaccines from Pfizer, according to testimony to a Senate commission investigating delays in vaccinating the country with the world's second-deadliest outbreak. 
 
Bolsonaro, his chief of staff and ministers of health and foreign affairs, held a conference call with Pfizer Brasil Chief Executive Marta Diez and Pfizer Latin America Chief Executive Carlos Murillo, the president's office said on social media. 
 
Bolsonaro asked the Pfizer executives if deliveries for later this year could be brought forward to June, from the fourth quarter, a government official with knowledge of the matter said. 
 
Pfizer Brasil declined to comment on the meeting. 
 
Almost half a million Brazilians have died from COVID-19, yet only 10.3% of the country's 210 million people have received a first vaccine dose, and just 25% have been fully vaccinated, mainly with vaccines developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd and AstraZeneca Plc. 
 
Bolsonaro, a vaccine skeptic, who opposed lockdown and social distancing, has advocated the use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 patients, even though there is no evidence that it is effective. 
 
The far-right leader's government is being investigated by a Senate commission for delays in a vaccination plan that lags behind many other countries. The commission heard testimony that the government never replied to letters from Pfizer last year offering to sell vaccines. 
 
Brazil signed a deal with Pfizer in March to purchase 100 million doses, and the first doses arrived in late April. A second contract in May provided for another 100 million doses to be delivered in the fourth quarter. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday asked Pfizer Inc to bring forward planned delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, a government source said, aiming to speed up a slow national inoculation programme.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday asked Pfizer Inc to bring forward planned delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, a government source said, aiming to speed up a slow national inoculation programme. The request is a turnaround for Bolsonaro, who last year ignored offers of vaccines from Pfizer, according to testimony to a Senate commission investigating delays in vaccinating the country with the world's second-deadliest outbreak. Bolsonaro, his chief of staff and ministers of health and foreign affairs, held a conference call with Pfizer Brasil Chief Executive Marta Diez and Pfizer Latin America Chief Executive Carlos Murillo, the president's office said on social media. Bolsonaro asked the Pfizer executives if deliveries for later this year could be brought forward to June, from the fourth quarter, a government official with knowledge of the matter said. Pfizer Brasil declined to comment on the meeting. Almost half a million Brazilians have died from COVID-19, yet only 10.3% of the country's 210 million people have received a first vaccine dose, and just 25% have been fully vaccinated, mainly with vaccines developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd and AstraZeneca Plc. Bolsonaro, a vaccine skeptic, who opposed lockdown and social distancing, has advocated the use of anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 patients, even though there is no evidence that it is effective. The far-right leader's government is being investigated by a Senate commission for delays in a vaccination plan that lags behind many other countries. The commission heard testimony that the government never replied to letters from Pfizer last year offering to sell vaccines. Brazil signed a deal with Pfizer in March to purchase 100 million doses, and the first doses arrived in late April. A second contract in May provided for another 100 million doses to be delivered in the fourth quarter. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazilian President asks Pfizer to speed up COVID-19 vaccine delivery

Outgoing UN&nbsp;aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. 
 
"These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." 
 
The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. 
 
"They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. 
 
"What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. 
 
In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. 
 
"That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. 
 
UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'.

Outgoing UN aid chief Mark Lowcock slammed the Group of Seven wealthy nations on Monday for failing to come up with a plan to vaccinate the world against COVID-19, describing the G7 pledge to provide one billion doses over the next year as a 'small step'. "These sporadic, small-scale, charitable handouts from rich countries to poor countries is not a serious plan and it will not bring the pandemic to an end," Lowcock, who steps down on Friday, said. "The G7, essentially, completely failed to show the necessary urgency." The leaders of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada met in Cornwall, England over the weekend and also agreed to work with the private sector, the Group of 20 industrialised nations and other countries to increase the vaccine contribution over months to come. "They took a small step - at that very, very nice resort in Cornwall - but they shouldn't kid themselves it's more than a small step and they have still have a lot to do," Lowcock said. "What the world needed from the G7 was a plan to vaccinate the world. And what we got was a plan to vaccinate about 10% of the population of low and middle income countries, maybe by a year from now or the second half of next year," he said. In May, the International Monetary Fund unveiled a $50 billion proposal to end the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and at least 60% by the first half of 2022. "That is the deal of the century," said Lowcock, adding that the G7 could also have done a lot more to provide vital supplies, such as oxygen ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment, to countries, who are going to have to wait longer for vaccines. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday urged world leaders to act with more urgency, warning that if developing countries were not vaccinated quickly, the virus would continue to mutate and could become immune to inoculation. (With inputs from agencies)

Outgoing UN aid chief slams G7 for failing on vaccine plan

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&amp;T) welcomed the arrival of a batch of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by China's Sinopharm on Monday, the US Embassy faced a barrage of criticism and mockery after announcing the donation of 80 vials of vaccine to the nation of 1.4 million people.

The US embassy in Port of Spain, the country's capital, announced the contribution in a tweet sent late Sunday local time, stating that "every vaccine matters."

"The government of the United States of America has made a donation of COVID-19 vaccines to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The donation includes 80 vials of Pfizer vaccines. The United States is committed to assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with its vaccination efforts. We believe that every vaccine counts," the tweet read.

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USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago <a href="https://t.co/5S0OTQfJU5">pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5</a>
— U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USinTT/status/1404227576789454849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A single vial of the Pfizer vaccine generates five doses, which are given in two injections 21 days apart. As a result, America's vaccine gift is anticipated to yield 400 shots, enough to inoculate 200 people. 
 
Social media users mocked the gift by sharing memes about the donation. 
&nbsp;

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Imagine bragging about sending 80 vaccines to a country with a population of 1,267,145 <a href="https://t.co/HmtRxGcZxJ">https://t.co/HmtRxGcZxJ</a>
— Left Flank Veterans (@LeftFlankVets) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeftFlankVets/status/1404468226944167939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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I really really hope they just forgot some zeroes <a href="https://t.co/CzhERkfjyH">https://t.co/CzhERkfjyH</a>
— shahenshah🌞pilsudski (सामाजिक फासीवाद युग) (@misandrogynist) <a href="https://twitter.com/misandrogynist/status/1404343151897112578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago <a href="https://t.co/5S0OTQfJU5">pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5</a>
— U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USinTT/status/1404227576789454849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) welcomed the arrival of a batch of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by China's Sinopharm on Monday, the US Embassy faced a barrage of criticism and mockery after announcing the donation of 80 vials of vaccine to the nation of 1.

While the people of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) welcomed the arrival of a batch of 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine made by China's Sinopharm on Monday, the US Embassy faced a barrage of criticism and mockery after announcing the donation of 80 vials of vaccine to the nation of 1.4 million people. The US embassy in Port of Spain, the country's capital, announced the contribution in a tweet sent late Sunday local time, stating that "every vaccine matters." "The government of the United States of America has made a donation of COVID-19 vaccines to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. The donation includes 80 vials of Pfizer vaccines. The United States is committed to assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago with its vaccination efforts. We believe that every vaccine counts," the tweet read. USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5 — U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) June 14, 2021 × A single vial of the Pfizer vaccine generates five doses, which are given in two injections 21 days apart. As a result, America's vaccine gift is anticipated to yield 400 shots, enough to inoculate 200 people. Social media users mocked the gift by sharing memes about the donation. Imagine bragging about sending 80 vaccines to a country with a population of 1,267,145 https://t.co/HmtRxGcZxJ — Left Flank Veterans (@LeftFlankVets) June 14, 2021 × I really really hope they just forgot some zeroes https://t.co/CzhERkfjyH — shahenshah🌞pilsudski (सामाजिक फासीवाद युग) (@misandrogynist) June 14, 2021 × USA Donates Vaccines to Trinidad and Tobago pic.twitter.com/5S0OTQfJU5 — U.S. Embassy POS (@USinTT) June 14, 2021 ×

US donates 80 vials of COVID-19 vaccine to a nation of 1.4 million, trolled for online post

World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday welcomed the pledge made by G7 nations to donate 870 million vaccine doses. However, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined that more help was needed.

"I welcome the support expressed by the G7 for WHO...This is a big help, but we need more and we need them faster," said Dr Ghebreyesus.

Faced with outrage over disparities in jab access, the Group of Seven industrialised powers pledged during a weekend summit in Britain to take their total dose donations to more than one billion, up from 130 million promised in February.

While people in many wealthy nations are enjoying a return to a sense of normalcy thanks to high vaccination rates, the shots remain scarce in less well-off parts of the world.

In terms of doses administered, the imbalance between the G7 and low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank, is 73 to one.

Many of the donated G7 doses will be filtered through Covax, a global body charged with ensuring equitable vaccine distribution.

Run by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, it has to date shipped more than 87 million vaccine doses to 131 countries -- far fewer than anticipated.

70% target

The WHO wants at least 70 percent of the world's population vaccinated by the next G7 meeting in Germany next year.

"To do that, we need 11 billion doses. The G7 and G20 can make this happen," said Tedros. 
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders questioned how sincere the G7 was in pursuing vaccine equity.

"We need to see more clarity around the actual number of doses donated, and exactly how long it's going to take to translate their pledges into real impact and access," the medical charity's Hu Yuanqiong told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday welcomed the pledge made by G7 nations to donate 870 million vaccine doses. However, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined that more help was needed.

World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday welcomed the pledge made by G7 nations to donate 870 million vaccine doses. However, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined that more help was needed. "I welcome the support expressed by the G7 for WHO...This is a big help, but we need more and we need them faster," said Dr Ghebreyesus. Faced with outrage over disparities in jab access, the Group of Seven industrialised powers pledged during a weekend summit in Britain to take their total dose donations to more than one billion, up from 130 million promised in February. While people in many wealthy nations are enjoying a return to a sense of normalcy thanks to high vaccination rates, the shots remain scarce in less well-off parts of the world. In terms of doses administered, the imbalance between the G7 and low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank, is 73 to one. Many of the donated G7 doses will be filtered through Covax, a global body charged with ensuring equitable vaccine distribution. Run by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, it has to date shipped more than 87 million vaccine doses to 131 countries -- far fewer than anticipated. 70% target The WHO wants at least 70 percent of the world's population vaccinated by the next G7 meeting in Germany next year. "To do that, we need 11 billion doses. The G7 and G20 can make this happen," said Tedros. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders questioned how sincere the G7 was in pursuing vaccine equity. "We need to see more clarity around the actual number of doses donated, and exactly how long it's going to take to translate their pledges into real impact and access," the medical charity's Hu Yuanqiong told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 vaccine pledge is 'big help' but 'more' is needed: WHO

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday, she hoped that members could reach an agreement by July on improving access to COVID-19 vaccines after months of talks on waiving drug firms' intellectual property rights. 
 
"It's going to be tough because there are still differences but we hope we can get to a pragmatic approach," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a virtual UN&nbsp;forum. 
 
"I'm in a hurry and I want us to get some agreement by July because lives are important."

Recently, after months of debate, WTO members took a first, small step towards a deal aimed at boosting the production of Covid vaccines and treatments through patent waivers or compulsory licensing deals.

The World Trade Organization has struggled to move forward on the hotly debated issue, since all decisions at the global trade body must be reached by consensus of all 164 member states.

But during a meeting, countries finally backed launching a process towards drafting an agreement, and 'agreed on the urgency of this discussion', a Geneva-based trade official said.

Views on the matter meanwhile remain far apart, the trade official said, adding that an initial report on progress in the text-based discussions was expected around July 21-22.

Since October, the WTO has faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such intellectual property protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries of vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and other vital medical tools needed to battle Covid.

This, they have argued, could help address the dire inequity in access to vaccines especially.

That notion long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation.

The positions seemed to shift some last month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for Covid jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

But others have stuck to their guns.

Some countries, like Switzerland, prefer a scenario in which pharmaceutical companies enter into voluntary licensing deals, as AstraZeneca has done with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to make its Covid jabs.

And the European Commission last Friday presented a counter-proposal to the WTO calling for a multilateral pact aimed at boosting production of Covid-19 vaccines, not by suspending patents but through compulsory licensing deals and by urging countries to remove export restrictions.

That text, along with a revised proposal by India and South Africa that is backed by more than 60 countries, will form the basis for the negotiations.

Addressing Wednesday's debate, US Charge d'affaires David Bisbee stressed Washington's strong belief in IP protections.

"But we must do what is necessary to accelerate manufacturing and equitable distribution of vaccines," he said, insisting that "the WTO must show that it can step up in a global crisis and act efficiently to improve the lives of ordinary people."

"We must all come together to find a solution expeditiously, especially as the pandemic continues to spread with new variants."

Bisbee said Washington was still examining the revised proposal from India and South Africa, adding though that it appeared to mark a "relatively modest change".&nbsp;

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday, she hoped that members could reach an agreement by July on improving access to COVID-19 vaccines after months of talks on waiving drug firms' intellectual property rights.

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday, she hoped that members could reach an agreement by July on improving access to COVID-19 vaccines after months of talks on waiving drug firms' intellectual property rights. "It's going to be tough because there are still differences but we hope we can get to a pragmatic approach," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a virtual UN forum. "I'm in a hurry and I want us to get some agreement by July because lives are important." Recently, after months of debate, WTO members took a first, small step towards a deal aimed at boosting the production of Covid vaccines and treatments through patent waivers or compulsory licensing deals. The World Trade Organization has struggled to move forward on the hotly debated issue, since all decisions at the global trade body must be reached by consensus of all 164 member states. But during a meeting, countries finally backed launching a process towards drafting an agreement, and 'agreed on the urgency of this discussion', a Geneva-based trade official said. Views on the matter meanwhile remain far apart, the trade official said, adding that an initial report on progress in the text-based discussions was expected around July 21-22. Since October, the WTO has faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such intellectual property protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries of vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and other vital medical tools needed to battle Covid. This, they have argued, could help address the dire inequity in access to vaccines especially. That notion long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions seemed to shift some last month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for Covid jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter. But others have stuck to their guns. Some countries, like Switzerland, prefer a scenario in which pharmaceutical companies enter into voluntary licensing deals, as AstraZeneca has done with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to make its Covid jabs. And the European Commission last Friday presented a counter-proposal to the WTO calling for a multilateral pact aimed at boosting production of Covid-19 vaccines, not by suspending patents but through compulsory licensing deals and by urging countries to remove export restrictions. That text, along with a revised proposal by India and South Africa that is backed by more than 60 countries, will form the basis for the negotiations. Addressing Wednesday's debate, US Charge d'affaires David Bisbee stressed Washington's strong belief in IP protections. "But we must do what is necessary to accelerate manufacturing and equitable distribution of vaccines," he said, insisting that "the WTO must show that it can step up in a global crisis and act efficiently to improve the lives of ordinary people." "We must all come together to find a solution expeditiously, especially as the pandemic continues to spread with new variants." Bisbee said Washington was still examining the revised proposal from India and South Africa, adding though that it appeared to mark a "relatively modest change".

WTO head hopes for deal by July on vaccine-sharing

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