A pilot has vowed to spread awareness about the novel coronavirus&nbsp;and thank the efforts of the frontline workers who have been&nbsp;working round the clock to help the world battle COVID-19 pandemic.

Samy Kramer, a trained pilot, took to the skies to form the shape of a syringe to celebrate the first day of European Union's vaccination drive for the masses.

Kramer said he hoped his aerial stunt will be&nbsp;"a fun and unconventional way to raise awareness" about the coronavirus and vaccines being made available to the masses in several European countries from today.

By performing this stunt, he became one of the four pilots who have summarized 2020 — the pandemic year — in four of such routes. The other pilots drew a 'thumbs up' with the medical plus sign, a 'stay at home' warning' and 'NHS' in the skies.

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The year 2020 summarized by 4 pilots.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flightradar24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flightradar24</a> <a href="https://t.co/LTNP0OAO9m">pic.twitter.com/LTNP0OAO9m</a>
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) <a href="https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1342423262102491138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kramer flew&nbsp;in a Diamond DA20 single-propeller plane and traced the shape of the syringe above&nbsp;Friedrichshafen, a German town 126km (78miles) from Stuttgart.

"It was to set sort of a reminder to people and raise awareness that the vaccine will be available," Kramer said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-european-union-nations-to-start-vaccination-process-together-352646">WATCH|</a>&nbsp;

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The European countries have started mass vaccination drive a day after the&nbsp;European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen announced that the vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries.

The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

A pilot has vowed to spread awareness about the novel coronavirus and thank the efforts of the frontline workers who have been working round the clock to help the world battle COVID-19 pandemic.

A pilot has vowed to spread awareness about the novel coronavirus and thank the efforts of the frontline workers who have been working round the clock to help the world battle COVID-19 pandemic. Samy Kramer, a trained pilot, took to the skies to form the shape of a syringe to celebrate the first day of European Union's vaccination drive for the masses. Kramer said he hoped his aerial stunt will be "a fun and unconventional way to raise awareness" about the coronavirus and vaccines being made available to the masses in several European countries from today. By performing this stunt, he became one of the four pilots who have summarized 2020 — the pandemic year — in four of such routes. The other pilots drew a 'thumbs up' with the medical plus sign, a 'stay at home' warning' and 'NHS' in the skies. The year 2020 summarized by 4 pilots.#Covid19 #Flightradar24 pic.twitter.com/LTNP0OAO9m — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) December 25, 2020 × Kramer flew in a Diamond DA20 single-propeller plane and traced the shape of the syringe above Friedrichshafen, a German town 126km (78miles) from Stuttgart. "It was to set sort of a reminder to people and raise awareness that the vaccine will be available," Kramer said. WATCH| × The European countries have started mass vaccination drive a day after the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen announced that the vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

Pilot draws syringe in sky as COVID-19 vaccination drive begins

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA),&nbsp;approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine</a>

The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said.

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Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. 
 
Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EUvaccinationdays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EUvaccinationdays</a> are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/pYOj5vS2gV">pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1342751465274806273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576" hreflang="en">Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations</a>

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway."

Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and&nbsp;approved by the experts.

Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe.

A few days after the EU regulator, European Medicines Agency (EMA), approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen has said the vaccination drive will begin tomorrow across Europe. Ursula had earlier set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU, and keeping her promise to the masses, the leader announced on Saturday that the vaccine has been successfully delivered to all EU countries. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine The leader took to Twitter to make the announcement. "The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic," she said. Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The #COVID19 vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 26, 2020 × "We are starting to turn the page on a difficult year. Today is delivery day and tomorrow vaccination against COVID-19 is beginning across the European Union," she said in a video message. Also read| Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been made available to all the EU countries at the same time. Calling it a 'European success story', she reported that the EU has enough doses for everyone. "The European Union has secured enough doses of vaccines for our whole population of 450 million people," she said. "We also secured vaccines for our EEA neighbours like Iceland or Norway." Ursula also assured that other coronavirus vaccines will be made available as soon as they are tested and approved by the experts. Acknowledging the grim and socially distanced holiday season this year, she assured the world can return back to normal once the majority of the population is vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. She also urged people to stay cautious till then and follow the basic guidelines laid down by the health experts.

EU Chief says vaccine delivered to all EU countries; vaccination drive to start tomorrow

A number of Indian states and cities have re-imposed some lockdown restrictions amid year-end festivities to ensure that infections remain in check.

The number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,01,46,845 on Friday with 23,067 new infections being reported in a day, while total recoveries crossed 97 lakh, according to Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll increased to 1,47,092 with 336 new fatalities, the data at 8 am showed.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 97,17,834 during the same period, pushing the national recovery rate to 95.77 per cent.

The case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent.

The active caseload remained below three lakh for the fourth consecutive day.

There are 2,81,919 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 2.78 per cent of the total caseload, the data showed.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28 and crossed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 16,63,05,762 samples have been tested for detection of COVID-19 up to December 24 with 9,97,396 samples being tested on Thursday itself.

Of the 336 new fatalities, 89 were reported from Maharashtra, 37 from Delhi, 32 from West Bengal, and 22 each from Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.

Of the total deaths reported in the country so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest 49,058 fatalities, followed by 12,039 from Karnataka, 12,036 from Tamil Nadu, 10,384 from Delhi, 9,505 from West Bengal, 8,267 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,089 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,260 from Punjab.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

(With inputs from agencies)

A number of Indian states and cities have re-imposed some lockdown restrictions amid year-end festivities to ensure that infections remain in check. The number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,01,46,845 on Friday with 23,067 new infections being reported in a day, while total recoveries crossed 97 lakh, according to Union Health Ministry data.

A number of Indian states and cities have re-imposed some lockdown restrictions amid year-end festivities to ensure that infections remain in check. The number of coronavirus cases rose to 1,01,46,845 on Friday with 23,067 new infections being reported in a day, while total recoveries crossed 97 lakh, according to Union Health Ministry data. The death toll increased to 1,47,092 with 336 new fatalities, the data at 8 am showed. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 97,17,834 during the same period, pushing the national recovery rate to 95.77 per cent. The case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent. The active caseload remained below three lakh for the fourth consecutive day. There are 2,81,919 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 2.78 per cent of the total caseload, the data showed. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28 and crossed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 16,63,05,762 samples have been tested for detection of COVID-19 up to December 24 with 9,97,396 samples being tested on Thursday itself. Of the 336 new fatalities, 89 were reported from Maharashtra, 37 from Delhi, 32 from West Bengal, and 22 each from Kerala, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. Of the total deaths reported in the country so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest 49,058 fatalities, followed by 12,039 from Karnataka, 12,036 from Tamil Nadu, 10,384 from Delhi, 9,505 from West Bengal, 8,267 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,089 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,260 from Punjab. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 23,068 new coronavirus cases, 336 deaths in last 24 hours

The district health department said on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to around 35,000 health workers of government and private hospitals in the district. 
 
Also, apart from the government facilities, COVID vaccine centres will also be set up at private hospitals across the district. 
 
A meeting of the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) committee was conducted on Friday under the chairmanship of Virender Yadav, civil surgeon, Gurugram. The meeting was also attended by the representative of the World Health Organization, Bindu Yadav, officials of all private hospitals and the Indian Medical Association. 
 
Elaborating the COVID-19 vaccination process, deputy civil surgeon M.P. Singh said that the COVID-19 vaccination drive may start in the district by January. 
 
"For this, a training programme was organised at the mini secretariat recently about the procedure of giving vaccines and preparations related to it. Initially, this vaccine will be given to corona warriors in a phased manner. The vaccine will be first given to health workers, officials and employees associated with health services," Singh said. 
 
Singh also informed that the vaccination process would be monitored through the COVID portal. 
 
"The process of preparing data of COVID warriors has started on this portal," Singh said. 
 
According to the instructions of the government, the vaccine has been planned to be given in different stages so that it can be administered in a systematic manner. Also, the vaccine storage transmission work will be done under the observation of the government. 
 
"A team of five vaccinators will provide vaccines to a group of 100 people. Particular attention will be given to social distancing during this process. The person who is vaccinated will be informed through SMS on his mobile in advance so that this work can be done in a planned manner. After vaccination, the person will have to stay in the centre for 30 minutes so that any reaction can be cured immediately," he said. 
 
The official further stated that at the time of vaccination, the person`s information who came for the vaccination will be matched with the online Covid portal. 
 
"Vaccination will be given on getting the correct information and the person will be kept in the observation room for some time. We will soon start a campaign to give information about the process," he added.

The district health department said on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to around 35,000 health workers of government and private hospitals in the district.

The district health department said on Friday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to around 35,000 health workers of government and private hospitals in the district. Also, apart from the government facilities, COVID vaccine centres will also be set up at private hospitals across the district. A meeting of the Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) committee was conducted on Friday under the chairmanship of Virender Yadav, civil surgeon, Gurugram. The meeting was also attended by the representative of the World Health Organization, Bindu Yadav, officials of all private hospitals and the Indian Medical Association. Elaborating the COVID-19 vaccination process, deputy civil surgeon M.P. Singh said that the COVID-19 vaccination drive may start in the district by January. "For this, a training programme was organised at the mini secretariat recently about the procedure of giving vaccines and preparations related to it. Initially, this vaccine will be given to corona warriors in a phased manner. The vaccine will be first given to health workers, officials and employees associated with health services," Singh said. Singh also informed that the vaccination process would be monitored through the COVID portal. "The process of preparing data of COVID warriors has started on this portal," Singh said. According to the instructions of the government, the vaccine has been planned to be given in different stages so that it can be administered in a systematic manner. Also, the vaccine storage transmission work will be done under the observation of the government. "A team of five vaccinators will provide vaccines to a group of 100 people. Particular attention will be given to social distancing during this process. The person who is vaccinated will be informed through SMS on his mobile in advance so that this work can be done in a planned manner. After vaccination, the person will have to stay in the centre for 30 minutes so that any reaction can be cured immediately," he said. The official further stated that at the time of vaccination, the person`s information who came for the vaccination will be matched with the online Covid portal. "Vaccination will be given on getting the correct information and the person will be kept in the observation room for some time. We will soon start a campaign to give information about the process," he added.

COVID-19 vaccine will be available to 35,000 health workers in Gurugram

As U.S. industries push for their workers to receive early access to COVID-19 vaccines, local health departments and pharmacies face the challenge of verifying the identity of essential workers to ensure no one cuts the line.

US vaccine rollout's next challenge: How to verify an 'essential' worker?

A parliamentary panel on Thursday recommended putting athletes, coaches and support staff going for the 2021 Japan Olympics in the priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination process.

The committee also voiced concern over a large number of vacancies of coaches, saying they should be filled up in a time-bound manner so that Olympic preparations do not suffer.

The Japan Olympics are slated to be held from July next year.

The panel has also recommended identifying training facilities, stadia and sports centres for Olympic qualified athletes which have not opened yet.

It said the closed centres should be reopened "at the earliest" or the athletes should be relocated to alternate centres which have opened.

The department-related parliamentary standing committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports headed by Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe submitted its report on "Preparation for Olympics 2021" to Rajya Sabha Chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu through virtual mode.

The report said medical staff and other medical equipment such as X-Ray and MRI machines should be made available within select Sports Authority of India and other training centres.

"This will ensure that athletes do not lose any time for treatment and recovery. This will also keep them from travelling to hospitals where the chances of contracting COVID are the highest," it observed.

The panel pointed out that due to coronavirus-triggered lockdown and travel restrictions, there was loss of international and national competition exposure which has hugely affected the training of the athletes.

"The department and National Sports Federations must ensure that players get an opportunity to play maximum international tournaments before the 2021 Olympic games."

"International competitions should be accorded priority as they prepare athletes for pressure situations they may find themselves in during actual Olympics," it said.

The committee observed that travelling to faraway tournaments is a big challenge for athletes.

Countries such as &nbsp;France and Germany that host tournaments at home, have produced more champions, it pointed out.

"India should host more international tournaments so that players can reduce travel to collect more points and move up the ranking ladder.

Also, a larger number of athletes can benefit from the same amount that India spends on sending athletes abroad for exposure," the report observed.

The standing committee also recommended the creation of "bio-bubbles" in training facilities so that "athletes can be isolated in a secure environment and train with minimal possibility of being infected."

It proposed giving individualised programmes to athletes capable of reaching finals or medal hopefuls and also providing for sending them abroad as soon as possible in a "bubble environment" where top scientific infrastructure is available.

It also noted that several foreign coaches resigned and returned to their respective countries in the course of the pandemic.

Besides, most sporting disciplines have foreign experts who are either 65 or above.

Those above 65 were asked by the bodies of their respective sports to not visit training venues.

"About 561 vacancies exist of coaches. This is unacceptable. These should be filled up within a specific time-bound manner so that Olympic preparations don't suffer," it said.

On the COVID-19 vaccination, it said athletes, as well as coaches and support staff going for the Olympics, should be put in the priority group for the vaccination process.

A parliamentary panel on Thursday recommended putting athletes, coaches and support staff going for the 2021 Japan Olympics in the priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination process.

A parliamentary panel on Thursday recommended putting athletes, coaches and support staff going for the 2021 Japan Olympics in the priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination process. The committee also voiced concern over a large number of vacancies of coaches, saying they should be filled up in a time-bound manner so that Olympic preparations do not suffer. The Japan Olympics are slated to be held from July next year. The panel has also recommended identifying training facilities, stadia and sports centres for Olympic qualified athletes which have not opened yet. It said the closed centres should be reopened "at the earliest" or the athletes should be relocated to alternate centres which have opened. The department-related parliamentary standing committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports headed by Vinay P Sahasrabuddhe submitted its report on "Preparation for Olympics 2021" to Rajya Sabha Chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu through virtual mode. The report said medical staff and other medical equipment such as X-Ray and MRI machines should be made available within select Sports Authority of India and other training centres. "This will ensure that athletes do not lose any time for treatment and recovery. This will also keep them from travelling to hospitals where the chances of contracting COVID are the highest," it observed. The panel pointed out that due to coronavirus-triggered lockdown and travel restrictions, there was loss of international and national competition exposure which has hugely affected the training of the athletes. "The department and National Sports Federations must ensure that players get an opportunity to play maximum international tournaments before the 2021 Olympic games." "International competitions should be accorded priority as they prepare athletes for pressure situations they may find themselves in during actual Olympics," it said. The committee observed that travelling to faraway tournaments is a big challenge for athletes. Countries such as France and Germany that host tournaments at home, have produced more champions, it pointed out. "India should host more international tournaments so that players can reduce travel to collect more points and move up the ranking ladder. Also, a larger number of athletes can benefit from the same amount that India spends on sending athletes abroad for exposure," the report observed. The standing committee also recommended the creation of "bio-bubbles" in training facilities so that "athletes can be isolated in a secure environment and train with minimal possibility of being infected." It proposed giving individualised programmes to athletes capable of reaching finals or medal hopefuls and also providing for sending them abroad as soon as possible in a "bubble environment" where top scientific infrastructure is available. It also noted that several foreign coaches resigned and returned to their respective countries in the course of the pandemic. Besides, most sporting disciplines have foreign experts who are either 65 or above. Those above 65 were asked by the bodies of their respective sports to not visit training venues. "About 561 vacancies exist of coaches. This is unacceptable. These should be filled up within a specific time-bound manner so that Olympic preparations don't suffer," it said. On the COVID-19 vaccination, it said athletes, as well as coaches and support staff going for the Olympics, should be put in the priority group for the vaccination process.

Athletes, coaches going for Olympics should be in a priority group for COVID-19 vaccine: Panel

Brazil is facing a dire situation as President Jair Bolsonaro continues to make bizarre claims & statements. When countries are rushing to innoculate their citizens, Brazilians are left with chaos & confusion. Molly Gambhir tells you why.

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Gravitas: Bolsonaro sceptic on Vaccine side-effects

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday.

In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-detects-new-fast-spreading-coronavirus-strain-351398">After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain</a>

"At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said in a press conference.

"EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations," she further said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-flights-from-uk-over-new-covid-19-variant-spread-351346">India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread</a>

Thanking the efforts of numerous scientists and health experts from around the world, Cooke said, "I am delighted to announce that the EMA scientific committee met today and recommended a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech."

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Emer Cooke, EMA's Exec. Director: EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19vaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19vaccine</a> in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations.
— EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/EMA_News/status/1341022012916051969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She added, "EMA’s scientific assessment is based on the strength of the scientific evidence on the vaccine’s safety, quality and efficacy, and nothing else. The evidence convincingly shows that benefits are greater than the risks of this COVID-19 vaccine."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/covid-20-twitter-abuzz-with-conspiracy-theories-after-discovery-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351388" hreflang="en">COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus</a>

Harald Enzmann, head of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also revealed that the clinical trial&nbsp;conducted for this vaccine has been one of the biggest in the history of EMA. "The main clinical trial for this vaccine, which enrolled over 43,000 people, is one of the largest we have ever evaluated for a vaccine," he claimed.

The new decision taken by the EU regulator will cover all the 27 countries.&nbsp;

Cooke called it a historic moment for the world, especially the EU, as "within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-blocked-travel-from-uk-after-the-emergence-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351376" hreflang="en">Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus</a>

The decision came a few days after the European Union leader&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU. Ursula also took to Twitter to express her happiness over the decision taken by EMA. "It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe &amp; effective vaccines to Europeans!The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine.Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commissiondecision by this evening," she tweeted.

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It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe &amp; effective vaccines to Europeans! 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/EMA_News?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EMA_News</a> just issued a positive scientific opinion on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BioNTech?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BioNTech</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pfizer</a> vaccine. 
 
Now we will act fast. I expect a <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> decision by this evening.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1341022130591440896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, BioNTech and Pfizer said they were "standing by ready" to deliver the vaccine across the continent once they receive the orders. "We are standing by ready to start the delivery of initial vaccine doses across the EU as soon as we get the green light," said&nbsp;the German company's co-founder Ugur Sahin.

"Today is a particularly personal and emotional day for us at BioNTech. Being in the heart of the EU, we are thrilled to be one step closer to potentially delivering the first vaccine in Europe to help combat this devastating pandemic," he expressed his happiness over the EMA's approval for usage of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-eu-regulator-clears-way-for-use-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-in-europe-351434">Also watch|</a>

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EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday. In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now.

EU regulator has finally approved the coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech for usage in the European Union countries, EMA chief reported on Monday. In a breakthrough statement, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) chief Emer Cooke also reassured people that the existing vaccine can work against the new variant of the novel coronavirus — a claim nobody had made till now. Also read| After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain "At this moment there is no evidence to suggest this vaccine will not work against the new variant," Cooke said in a press conference. "EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations," she further said. Also read| India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread Thanking the efforts of numerous scientists and health experts from around the world, Cooke said, "I am delighted to announce that the EMA scientific committee met today and recommended a conditional marketing authorisation in the EU for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech." Emer Cooke, EMA's Exec. Director: EMA's scientific opinion paves the way for the first marketing authorisation of a #COVID19vaccine in the EU with the corresponding safeguards, controls and obligations. — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) December 21, 2020 × She added, "EMA’s scientific assessment is based on the strength of the scientific evidence on the vaccine’s safety, quality and efficacy, and nothing else. The evidence convincingly shows that benefits are greater than the risks of this COVID-19 vaccine." Also read| COVID-20? Twitter abuzz with conspiracy theories after discovery of new strain of coronavirus Harald Enzmann, head of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also revealed that the clinical trial conducted for this vaccine has been one of the biggest in the history of EMA. "The main clinical trial for this vaccine, which enrolled over 43,000 people, is one of the largest we have ever evaluated for a vaccine," he claimed. The new decision taken by the EU regulator will cover all the 27 countries. Cooke called it a historic moment for the world, especially the EU, as "within less than a year a vaccine will have been developed and authorised against this disease." Also read| Countries that have blocked travel from UK after the emergence of new strain of coronavirus The decision came a few days after the European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen set a target start date of December 27-29 to vaccinate the masses in the EU. Ursula also took to Twitter to express her happiness over the decision taken by EMA. "It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe & effective vaccines to Europeans!The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine.Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commissiondecision by this evening," she tweeted. It’s a decisive moment in our efforts to deliver safe & effective vaccines to Europeans! The @EMA_News just issued a positive scientific opinion on the #BioNTech / @pfizer vaccine. Now we will act fast. I expect a @EU_Commission decision by this evening. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 21, 2020 × Meanwhile, BioNTech and Pfizer said they were "standing by ready" to deliver the vaccine across the continent once they receive the orders. "We are standing by ready to start the delivery of initial vaccine doses across the EU as soon as we get the green light," said the German company's co-founder Ugur Sahin. "Today is a particularly personal and emotional day for us at BioNTech. Being in the heart of the EU, we are thrilled to be one step closer to potentially delivering the first vaccine in Europe to help combat this devastating pandemic," he expressed his happiness over the EMA's approval for usage of the coronavirus vaccine in the EU. Also watch| ×

'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

Europe's medicines regulator on Monday approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by U.S. company Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, putting Europe on course to start inoculations within a week.

Fineprint: EU regulator clears way for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Europe

World Health Organization (W.H.O) will dispatch about 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to poor countries. Watch this video to know more.

W.H.O creates COVAX program for all poor countries

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as U.S. authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic.

Joe Biden to get COVID-19 vaccine next week

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence receives the COVID-19 vaccine at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 18, 2020.

US Vice President Mike Pence gets vaccinated

Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine on Friday (December 18) became the second to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, welcome news to a nation with a staggering COVID-19 death toll of over 307,000 lives lost.

US FDA authorizes Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

Nearly half the French population does not trust the Covid-19 vaccination, making Pasteur's country one of the most anti-vaccine countries in the world

Medical historian puts phenomenon of anti-vaccine movement into perspective

China is planning to vaccinate 50 million people in the high-priority group against the coronavirus before the start of the peak Lunar New Year travel season early next year, the South China Morning Post reported on Friday.

China to vaccinate 50 million people for Lunar New Year

People in France could start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech in the last week of December if European Union authorities approve it next week, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Wednesday.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Europe pushes for COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with the visiting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday called for an "ambitious and outcome-oriented 360-degree roadmap" as part of the 10-year plan. The roadmap will focus on collaboration in all sectors--from defense to trade to education to energy to climate.

The Indian PM stressed on an&nbsp;India-UK partnership in a post-Covid world even as both sides announced a new virtual hub on the covid vaccine. On his part, the UK Foreign secretary "signalled his ambition for a closer UK-India relationship as part of a wider UK focus on our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific", a statement by UK foreign office said.

The virtual hub that has been announced will have experts from both countries sharing best practices, regulatory approvals, efficient distribution of vaccines, and clinical trials. When it comes to the Covid crisis, India's Serum Institute will be producing over a billion doses of the&nbsp;vaccine developed by&nbsp;UK's Oxford University and AstraZeneca. The UK Foreign secretary during his 2nd day of 4 day-long India visit went to a Delhi health clinic where Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered.

The Foreign Secretary&nbsp;said, "A global pandemic requires a global solution. Scientific cooperation has made breakthroughs on coronavirus vaccines at record-breaking pace and the UK-India Vaccine Hub will now build on these innovations, to bring this crisis to an end and protect us all against future pandemics."

A million doses of vaccines made by India's Serum Institute will be distributed across the world under the global COVAX initiative, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. Amid the pandemic, India has been able to reaffirm its position as the pharmacy of the world and while it supplies 50% of the world's vaccine, it supplies 25% of the UK's National health service's generic drugs.

The FS also met as India's Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and called India’s National Education Policy 2020 as visionary. Both sides are working on an agreement for mutual recognition of academic qualifications that will help in the internationalization of India's higher education. An agreement has been signed between the University of Edinburgh and Gujarat to open a new biotechnology university in Gujarat in July 2021.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with the visiting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday called for an "ambitious and outcome-oriented 360-degree roadmap" as part of the 10-year plan.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with the visiting UK Foreign secretary Dominic Raab on Wednesday called for an "ambitious and outcome-oriented 360-degree roadmap" as part of the 10-year plan. The roadmap will focus on collaboration in all sectors--from defense to trade to education to energy to climate. The Indian PM stressed on an India-UK partnership in a post-Covid world even as both sides announced a new virtual hub on the covid vaccine. On his part, the UK Foreign secretary "signalled his ambition for a closer UK-India relationship as part of a wider UK focus on our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific", a statement by UK foreign office said. The virtual hub that has been announced will have experts from both countries sharing best practices, regulatory approvals, efficient distribution of vaccines, and clinical trials. When it comes to the Covid crisis, India's Serum Institute will be producing over a billion doses of the vaccine developed by UK's Oxford University and AstraZeneca. The UK Foreign secretary during his 2nd day of 4 day-long India visit went to a Delhi health clinic where Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines will be administered. The Foreign Secretary said, "A global pandemic requires a global solution. Scientific cooperation has made breakthroughs on coronavirus vaccines at record-breaking pace and the UK-India Vaccine Hub will now build on these innovations, to bring this crisis to an end and protect us all against future pandemics." A million doses of vaccines made by India's Serum Institute will be distributed across the world under the global COVAX initiative, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the vaccine alliance. Amid the pandemic, India has been able to reaffirm its position as the pharmacy of the world and while it supplies 50% of the world's vaccine, it supplies 25% of the UK's National health service's generic drugs. The FS also met as India's Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and called India’s National Education Policy 2020 as visionary. Both sides are working on an agreement for mutual recognition of academic qualifications that will help in the internationalization of India's higher education. An agreement has been signed between the University of Edinburgh and Gujarat to open a new biotechnology university in Gujarat in July 2021.

PM Modi calls for outcome oriented roadmap with UK, virtual vaccine hub announced

South American Nation Peru has temporarily suspended the clinical trials of the Chinese COVID-19 Vaccine Sinopharm. This after Peru detected a Neurological problems in one of its test volunteer.

Peru temporarily suspends Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine

The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine left on trucks and planes early on Sunday, kicking off a historic effort to stop a surging pandemic that is claiming more than 2,400 lives a day in the United States.

Historic US vaccine campaign begins, US to distribute 40 mn doses by end of 2020

UPS and FedEx usually compete fiercely for business. Now, the rivals are working closely together to ship the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the first of the vaccines to win U.S. government approval.

The two shipping companies said they have put the plans they have been working on for months into action after the Food and Drug Administration gave the vaccine emergency authorization late Friday.

In a statement Saturday, UPS said it would transport doses of the vaccine from storage sites in Michigan and Wisconsin to its air cargo hub in Louisville, Kentucky. From there, the doses will be distributed to hospitals and other medical facilities across the country using its Next Day Air service, arriving the day after leaving the Pfizer facilities.

“This is the moment of truth we’ve been waiting for,” Wes Wheeler, president of the company’s health care division, said in a statement. “The time has arrived to put the plan into action.”

Even before the vaccine was approved, UPS had started shipping out kits with the medical supplies needed to administer it, such as alcohol wipes and syringes, Wheeler recently told a Senate subcommittee. UPS and FedEx will split distribution of the vaccine throughout the country, he said. After those shipments arrive, all Pfizer dosing sites will receive another shipment from UPS of 40 pounds of extra dry ice to keep the vaccines at a frigid temperature.

“You have two fierce rivals here, and competitors, in FedEx and UPS, who literally are teaming up to get this delivered,” Richard Smith, a FedEx executive, told the Senate’s Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety on Thursday.

Both companies said the shipments will be closely tracked and monitored and will be given priority over other packages. To ship its vaccine, Pfizer designed specialized containers packed with enough dry ice to keep a minimum of 975 doses cool for up to 10 days. Each comes with a tracking device.

UPS and FedEx said they will also affix their own tracking tags to vaccine shipments. And Wheeler told senators that each UPS truck carrying the doses will have a device that tracks its location, temperature, light exposure and motion. The company’s trucks will have escorts, too, he said. It is not clear whether he meant the local police or other government officials, or possibly private guards, and the company declined to specify.

The vaccine administration kits were assembled by McKesson, a medical supplier that was asked by federal authorities to act as a centralized distributor of the vaccines and supplies, such as syringes and alcohol wipes. Unlike Pfizer, Moderna, whose vaccine could be approved soon, plans to have McKesson package its vaccines alongside the supplies, Smith said.

In the case of Pfizer, UPS plans to deliver the kits — from a McKesson site in Kentucky — in advance of the vaccine, allowing it to identify any errors with addresses in its system, Wheeler said. The kits contain a syringe, a substance used to dilute the vaccines, personal protective equipment, instructions and mixing vials, he said.

Shippers have spent months upgrading cold storage infrastructure for the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. UPS, for example, has been installing ultralow-temperature freezer farms that are able to keep goods as cold as minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit near its air cargo hubs in the United States and Europe. It also plans to produce more than 24,000 pounds of dry ice per day at its hub in Louisville. FedEx has added ultracold freezers throughout its U.S. network, too.

Airlines have also been preparing to transport the vaccines, working with plane manufacturers and the Federal Aviation Administration to safely carry more dry ice than is typically allowed. UPS is also sending the agency a daily file of its flights so it can help prioritize them over others, Wheeler said. The company, he said, is in daily contact with officials involved in Operation Warp Speed, the federal effort to accelerate vaccine development.

UPS and FedEx usually compete fiercely for business. Now, the rivals are working closely together to ship the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the first of the vaccines to win U.

UPS and FedEx usually compete fiercely for business. Now, the rivals are working closely together to ship the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, the first of the vaccines to win U.S. government approval. The two shipping companies said they have put the plans they have been working on for months into action after the Food and Drug Administration gave the vaccine emergency authorization late Friday. In a statement Saturday, UPS said it would transport doses of the vaccine from storage sites in Michigan and Wisconsin to its air cargo hub in Louisville, Kentucky. From there, the doses will be distributed to hospitals and other medical facilities across the country using its Next Day Air service, arriving the day after leaving the Pfizer facilities. “This is the moment of truth we’ve been waiting for,” Wes Wheeler, president of the company’s health care division, said in a statement. “The time has arrived to put the plan into action.” Even before the vaccine was approved, UPS had started shipping out kits with the medical supplies needed to administer it, such as alcohol wipes and syringes, Wheeler recently told a Senate subcommittee. UPS and FedEx will split distribution of the vaccine throughout the country, he said. After those shipments arrive, all Pfizer dosing sites will receive another shipment from UPS of 40 pounds of extra dry ice to keep the vaccines at a frigid temperature. “You have two fierce rivals here, and competitors, in FedEx and UPS, who literally are teaming up to get this delivered,” Richard Smith, a FedEx executive, told the Senate’s Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety on Thursday. Both companies said the shipments will be closely tracked and monitored and will be given priority over other packages. To ship its vaccine, Pfizer designed specialized containers packed with enough dry ice to keep a minimum of 975 doses cool for up to 10 days. Each comes with a tracking device. UPS and FedEx said they will also affix their own tracking tags to vaccine shipments. And Wheeler told senators that each UPS truck carrying the doses will have a device that tracks its location, temperature, light exposure and motion. The company’s trucks will have escorts, too, he said. It is not clear whether he meant the local police or other government officials, or possibly private guards, and the company declined to specify. The vaccine administration kits were assembled by McKesson, a medical supplier that was asked by federal authorities to act as a centralized distributor of the vaccines and supplies, such as syringes and alcohol wipes. Unlike Pfizer, Moderna, whose vaccine could be approved soon, plans to have McKesson package its vaccines alongside the supplies, Smith said. In the case of Pfizer, UPS plans to deliver the kits — from a McKesson site in Kentucky — in advance of the vaccine, allowing it to identify any errors with addresses in its system, Wheeler said. The kits contain a syringe, a substance used to dilute the vaccines, personal protective equipment, instructions and mixing vials, he said. Shippers have spent months upgrading cold storage infrastructure for the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. UPS, for example, has been installing ultralow-temperature freezer farms that are able to keep goods as cold as minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit near its air cargo hubs in the United States and Europe. It also plans to produce more than 24,000 pounds of dry ice per day at its hub in Louisville. FedEx has added ultracold freezers throughout its U.S. network, too. Airlines have also been preparing to transport the vaccines, working with plane manufacturers and the Federal Aviation Administration to safely carry more dry ice than is typically allowed. UPS is also sending the agency a daily file of its flights so it can help prioritize them over others, Wheeler said. The company, he said, is in daily contact with officials involved in Operation Warp Speed, the federal effort to accelerate vaccine development.

UPS and FedEx say vaccine shipment plans are underway

With the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of a coronavirus vaccine on Friday, the United States became the third highly developed Western country — after Britain and Canada — to approve such a shot and is expected to start inoculating people within days.

But the three countries have very different health care systems. And they face different challenges in the race to get the vaccine to millions of people.

Here are some similarities and contrasts.

Is it the same vaccine?

For now, yes.

The first vaccine authorized by U.S. regulators, and the first approved by their British and Canadian counterparts, is the one developed by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and a small company, BioNTech. It could gain European Union approval within weeks.

But several others are close behind, particularly a vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health, and another from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. It could well be that half a dozen or more vaccines are approved in the coming months.

So as 2021 unfolds, which shots (most of the inoculations would require two injections, weeks apart) someone gets could vary widely by country, depending on the speed of regulatory approvals, what deals governments have made to buy supplies and how much the vaccines cost. Even within a country, there could be differences based on how easy it is to distribute and use a particular vaccine.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna-NIH vaccines are of a new type never used before; they require ultracold storage and are more expensive than the likely competitors. The Pfizer shot has to be kept especially cold, at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, which most health care facilities aren’t equipped to handle.

How centralized is the rollout?

In Britain, very. In the United States, not. In Canada, somewhere in between.

With a strong central government and a National Health Service that covers all of its people, Britain, which began giving the vaccine this past week, is directing the process from London. The national government chose the 50 hospitals that would initially get the vaccine and made sure they were prepared; decided how much each one would receive; and drafted the rules determining in what order people would be eligible to get it.

The Trump administration has deferred much of the decision-making to the states. The federal government will have the vaccine distributed to each state based on population, not need, but some states have complained that they do not know enough about the arrangements.

It will be up to the states to decide how to divide the doses among hospitals, clinics and, ultimately, drugstores and doctors’ offices, but at first, at least, the vaccine will go to hospitals with ultracold storage.

A committee advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is drawing up a priority list, starting with medical workers. But that work is still underway, and the guidelines are nonbinding. States are expected to differ somewhat in their approach.

Like Britain, Canada has a universal health care system, but like the United States, it has a federal government. The Canadian health care system is decentralized, administered by the provinces and territories.

For vaccine distribution, the central government plans to work through those regional governments. Ottawa will play a large role in directing the process.

How many people will get it at first?

That remains a bit murky.

Canada had ordered enough of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for all of its people, Britain enough for 30% and the United States enough for 15%.

But those numbers reflect deliveries that are expected to take months to complete, and Pfizer, like other companies, has hit snags in ramping up production. In addition, all three countries have made advance purchases from other companies, as well, so the pace of vaccine approval could significantly affect the speed of the rollout.

That speed will also be affected by the need for vaccination sites to be equipped with the right freezers, the staff to prepare the shots, and enough syringes and protective gear.

The initial shipments are a small fraction of the pre-purchases — 800,000 doses to Britain and an expected 249,000 this month to Canada.

U.S. officials have said they hope to have 40 million doses of the vaccine by the end of the month, which may be optimistic. That would be enough to inoculate 20 million people.

Rural areas where hospitals are not equipped to keep the vaccines at the right temperatures, or do not have the staff to prepare them for injection, will not receive the Pfizer shots. That is more of an obstacle in the United States and Canada, huge countries with vast, sparsely populated regions, than in Britain, which is much more compact.

In Canada, where the military is playing a central role in vaccine distribution, the government is sending shipments to all 10 provinces. The three northern territories will have to wait.

In the United States, FedEx and UPS will ship vaccines from distribution centers to every part of the country. But the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for delivery services, which could slow things down.

How fast will most people get vaccines?

That is even murkier.

Britain, Canada, the United States and the European Union have all followed similar strategies, preordering huge numbers of doses — more than enough to inoculate everyone — from multiple makers, hedging their bets in case some of the vaccines are not approved or some manufacturers have production breakdowns.

Relative to their populations, the United States has ordered far fewer doses than Canada or Britain, and last summer it passed up an offer to increase its advance order from Pfizer. Administration officials say the numbers are misleading, because the government has signed options to buy far more of the vaccine if it sees the need.

But in the face of intense global demand, it is not clear how fast pharmaceutical companies will be able to fulfill the orders they have, much less any additional orders.

And again, the speed of development, approval and production will affect how quickly supplies reach people. A country that places a bigger bet on one vaccine could be much better off than one that relies more heavily on another.

With the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of a coronavirus vaccine on Friday, the United States became the third highly developed Western country — after Britain and Canada — to approve such a shot and is expected to start inoculating people within days.

With the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of a coronavirus vaccine on Friday, the United States became the third highly developed Western country — after Britain and Canada — to approve such a shot and is expected to start inoculating people within days. But the three countries have very different health care systems. And they face different challenges in the race to get the vaccine to millions of people. Here are some similarities and contrasts. Is it the same vaccine? For now, yes. The first vaccine authorized by U.S. regulators, and the first approved by their British and Canadian counterparts, is the one developed by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and a small company, BioNTech. It could gain European Union approval within weeks. But several others are close behind, particularly a vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health, and another from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. It could well be that half a dozen or more vaccines are approved in the coming months. So as 2021 unfolds, which shots (most of the inoculations would require two injections, weeks apart) someone gets could vary widely by country, depending on the speed of regulatory approvals, what deals governments have made to buy supplies and how much the vaccines cost. Even within a country, there could be differences based on how easy it is to distribute and use a particular vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna-NIH vaccines are of a new type never used before; they require ultracold storage and are more expensive than the likely competitors. The Pfizer shot has to be kept especially cold, at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit, which most health care facilities aren’t equipped to handle. How centralized is the rollout? In Britain, very. In the United States, not. In Canada, somewhere in between. With a strong central government and a National Health Service that covers all of its people, Britain, which began giving the vaccine this past week, is directing the process from London. The national government chose the 50 hospitals that would initially get the vaccine and made sure they were prepared; decided how much each one would receive; and drafted the rules determining in what order people would be eligible to get it. The Trump administration has deferred much of the decision-making to the states. The federal government will have the vaccine distributed to each state based on population, not need, but some states have complained that they do not know enough about the arrangements. It will be up to the states to decide how to divide the doses among hospitals, clinics and, ultimately, drugstores and doctors’ offices, but at first, at least, the vaccine will go to hospitals with ultracold storage. A committee advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is drawing up a priority list, starting with medical workers. But that work is still underway, and the guidelines are nonbinding. States are expected to differ somewhat in their approach. Like Britain, Canada has a universal health care system, but like the United States, it has a federal government. The Canadian health care system is decentralized, administered by the provinces and territories. For vaccine distribution, the central government plans to work through those regional governments. Ottawa will play a large role in directing the process. How many people will get it at first? That remains a bit murky. Canada had ordered enough of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for all of its people, Britain enough for 30% and the United States enough for 15%. But those numbers reflect deliveries that are expected to take months to complete, and Pfizer, like other companies, has hit snags in ramping up production. In addition, all three countries have made advance purchases from other companies, as well, so the pace of vaccine approval could significantly affect the speed of the rollout. That speed will also be affected by the need for vaccination sites to be equipped with the right freezers, the staff to prepare the shots, and enough syringes and protective gear. The initial shipments are a small fraction of the pre-purchases — 800,000 doses to Britain and an expected 249,000 this month to Canada. U.S. officials have said they hope to have 40 million doses of the vaccine by the end of the month, which may be optimistic. That would be enough to inoculate 20 million people. Rural areas where hospitals are not equipped to keep the vaccines at the right temperatures, or do not have the staff to prepare them for injection, will not receive the Pfizer shots. That is more of an obstacle in the United States and Canada, huge countries with vast, sparsely populated regions, than in Britain, which is much more compact. In Canada, where the military is playing a central role in vaccine distribution, the government is sending shipments to all 10 provinces. The three northern territories will have to wait. In the United States, FedEx and UPS will ship vaccines from distribution centers to every part of the country. But the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for delivery services, which could slow things down. How fast will most people get vaccines? That is even murkier. Britain, Canada, the United States and the European Union have all followed similar strategies, preordering huge numbers of doses — more than enough to inoculate everyone — from multiple makers, hedging their bets in case some of the vaccines are not approved or some manufacturers have production breakdowns. Relative to their populations, the United States has ordered far fewer doses than Canada or Britain, and last summer it passed up an offer to increase its advance order from Pfizer. Administration officials say the numbers are misleading, because the government has signed options to buy far more of the vaccine if it sees the need. But in the face of intense global demand, it is not clear how fast pharmaceutical companies will be able to fulfill the orders they have, much less any additional orders. And again, the speed of development, approval and production will affect how quickly supplies reach people. A country that places a bigger bet on one vaccine could be much better off than one that relies more heavily on another.

How the vaccine rollout will compare in Britain, Canada and the US

The US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration authorised the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE, making it available for emergency use to patients aged 16 and older. 
 
In clinical trials, the vaccine was 95% effective at preventing illness and showed no short-term safety issues. 
 
The following is an outline of vaccine distribution plans. 
 
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? 
 
The federal government plans to release the nation’s first 2.9 million doses within days of the authorization to 64 states, US&nbsp;territories and major cities, as well as five federal agencies. Although the federal government is coordinating distribution efforts, states have the final decision over who gets the first shots. The federal government is sending the first shipments to more than 600 locations. 
 
WHO IS FIRST IN LINE FOR A SHOT? 
 
States are prioritizing healthcare workers and elderly long-term care residents for the first vaccinations. There are about 21 million healthcare workers in the United States and 3 million nursing home residents. Most states anticipate they will be able to vaccinate only between 13% and 18% of their healthcare workers with the first distribution, a Reuters analysis found. The federal government has said it will continue to send out millions of doses each week but has not released exact figures. 
 
 
 
WHO IS NEXT IN LINE? 
 
States have broad discretion over who will get the vaccine next. So far, a panel advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has only issued the guidance that healthcare workers and nursing home residents should be first. 
 
The CDC has laid out a possible framework of three distribution phases, suggesting essential workers and people aged 65 and older as the next priority. 
 
Some states have indicated they plan to give essential workers priority after healthcare workers and nursing home residents receive the vaccine. 
 
At least 20 large industries are lobbying states to get their workers classified as essential, a Reuters analysis found, including Uber Technologies Inc, DoorDash Inc, and others. [nL1N2IO27C] 
 
WILL THERE BE ENOUGH VACCINES TO GO AROUND? 
 
Pfizer has said it would make 50 million doses this year - enough to inoculate 25 million people - about half of which would go to the United States. Pfizer has an agreement with the U.S. government to supply a total of 100 million doses, enough for 50 million people to be vaccinated. The United States has an option to buy an additional 500 million doses. 
 
An panel of expert advisers to the FDA will review a second COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc next week. If that vaccine is authorized, federal officials have said they will be able to vaccinate 20 million Americans in December, 30 million in January, and 50 million in February. 
 
Johnson &amp; Johnson and AstraZeneca Plc also have vaccines in late-stage trials. If those vaccines receive authorization early next year, officials said there would be enough doses to vaccinate about 75 million Americans a month by about March or April. 
 
Officials said by the middle of next year, the United States will have distributed enough vaccines for most Americans who want the vaccine to be inoculated. 
 
 
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I GET THE VACCINE? 
 
The vaccine is given in two shots, three weeks apart. Pfizer has said side effects in trial volunteers were mostly mild to moderate, and cleared up quickly. The most severe side effects occurred after the second dose, including flu-like symptoms, fatigue and headache. 
 
Although the vaccine was shown to be highly effective at preventing illness, there is no data yet that suggests it also prevents infection or the ability to spread the virus to others. Mask-wearing and social distancing will likely remain in place until more people are vaccinated or proof emerges that the vaccine also prevents virus transmission.

The US Food and Drug Administration authorised the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE, making it available for emergency use to patients aged 16 and older.

The US Food and Drug Administration authorised the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE, making it available for emergency use to patients aged 16 and older. In clinical trials, the vaccine was 95% effective at preventing illness and showed no short-term safety issues. The following is an outline of vaccine distribution plans. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The federal government plans to release the nation’s first 2.9 million doses within days of the authorization to 64 states, US territories and major cities, as well as five federal agencies. Although the federal government is coordinating distribution efforts, states have the final decision over who gets the first shots. The federal government is sending the first shipments to more than 600 locations. WHO IS FIRST IN LINE FOR A SHOT? States are prioritizing healthcare workers and elderly long-term care residents for the first vaccinations. There are about 21 million healthcare workers in the United States and 3 million nursing home residents. Most states anticipate they will be able to vaccinate only between 13% and 18% of their healthcare workers with the first distribution, a Reuters analysis found. The federal government has said it will continue to send out millions of doses each week but has not released exact figures. WHO IS NEXT IN LINE? States have broad discretion over who will get the vaccine next. So far, a panel advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has only issued the guidance that healthcare workers and nursing home residents should be first. The CDC has laid out a possible framework of three distribution phases, suggesting essential workers and people aged 65 and older as the next priority. Some states have indicated they plan to give essential workers priority after healthcare workers and nursing home residents receive the vaccine. At least 20 large industries are lobbying states to get their workers classified as essential, a Reuters analysis found, including Uber Technologies Inc, DoorDash Inc, and others. [nL1N2IO27C] WILL THERE BE ENOUGH VACCINES TO GO AROUND? Pfizer has said it would make 50 million doses this year - enough to inoculate 25 million people - about half of which would go to the United States. Pfizer has an agreement with the U.S. government to supply a total of 100 million doses, enough for 50 million people to be vaccinated. The United States has an option to buy an additional 500 million doses. An panel of expert advisers to the FDA will review a second COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Inc next week. If that vaccine is authorized, federal officials have said they will be able to vaccinate 20 million Americans in December, 30 million in January, and 50 million in February. Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca Plc also have vaccines in late-stage trials. If those vaccines receive authorization early next year, officials said there would be enough doses to vaccinate about 75 million Americans a month by about March or April. Officials said by the middle of next year, the United States will have distributed enough vaccines for most Americans who want the vaccine to be inoculated. WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I GET THE VACCINE? The vaccine is given in two shots, three weeks apart. Pfizer has said side effects in trial volunteers were mostly mild to moderate, and cleared up quickly. The most severe side effects occurred after the second dose, including flu-like symptoms, fatigue and headache. Although the vaccine was shown to be highly effective at preventing illness, there is no data yet that suggests it also prevents infection or the ability to spread the virus to others. Mask-wearing and social distancing will likely remain in place until more people are vaccinated or proof emerges that the vaccine also prevents virus transmission.

Explainer: US has authorised the first COVID-19 vaccine - when will you get it?

The Pfizer Inc's coronavirus vaccine has been endorsed by a panel of outside advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Thursday (December 10). And at the same time, a leading New York hospital system was standing at the ready with temperature-appropriate freezers.

New York's Mount Sinai prepares to distribute Pfizer vaccine

A panel of outside advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to endorse emergency use of Pfizer Inc's coronavirus vaccine, paving the way for the agency to authorize the shot for a nation that has lost more than 285,000 lives to COVID-19.

US FDA advisory panel votes in favor of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine

Major airlines are preparing for COVID-19 vaccine airlift, vaccine cargo could help restart flights.

Major airlines prepare for COVID-19 vaccine airlift

Canada on Wednesday approved its first COVID-19 vaccine and said initial shots will be delivered and administered across the country starting next week, while every Canadian will be able to be inoculated as early as the end of September.

Canada approves first COVID-19 vaccine, expects inoculations next week

Britain's medicine regulator said anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to a medicine or food should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, giving fuller guidance on an earlier allergy warning about the shot.

UK issues anaphylaxis warning on Pfizer vaccine after adverse reactions

Nine out of 10 people in dozens of poor nations could miss out on getting vaccinated against COVID-19 next year because rich countries have hoarded far more doses than they need, campaigners said on Wednesday.

Poor countries seen missing out as rich nations hoard COVID-19 vaccines

Israel is set to start with mass vaccination against coronavirus On December 27, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said this during a speech late Wednesday that was broadcast by Israeli TV channels. Israel got its first delivery of coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday.

"We will start the first vaccinations on December 27 - in two and a half weeks .... Israel is ready to make 60,000 vaccinations per day, and this is a huge figure, "Netanyahu said&nbsp;

Netanyahu added that Israeli health authorities will grant the so-called green passport for those inoculated. This will allowe them to roam freely. He said that he himself will be vaccinated.

In November, Netanyahu had announced signing of the contract with Pfizer to secure two-dose jabs for 4 million of its citizens.

Israel also has deals with US company Moderna and other vaccine manufacturers. The country also launched trials of its own vaccine in November. Phase-3 of these trials are scheduled for April-May.

Earlier, Jerusalem`s Hadassah Medical Center, one of Israel`s most authoritative medical facilities, said it had ordered 1.5 million doses of Russian-made coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, with the deliveries pending the ministry`s approval. If the ministry refuses authorization, Hadassah plans to use the vaccine in its foreign branches.&nbsp;

Israel is set to start with mass vaccination against coronavirus On December 27, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said this during a speech late Wednesday that was broadcast by Israeli TV channels.

Israel is set to start with mass vaccination against coronavirus On December 27, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said this during a speech late Wednesday that was broadcast by Israeli TV channels. Israel got its first delivery of coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday. "We will start the first vaccinations on December 27 - in two and a half weeks .... Israel is ready to make 60,000 vaccinations per day, and this is a huge figure, "Netanyahu said Netanyahu added that Israeli health authorities will grant the so-called green passport for those inoculated. This will allowe them to roam freely. He said that he himself will be vaccinated. In November, Netanyahu had announced signing of the contract with Pfizer to secure two-dose jabs for 4 million of its citizens. Israel also has deals with US company Moderna and other vaccine manufacturers. The country also launched trials of its own vaccine in November. Phase-3 of these trials are scheduled for April-May. Earlier, Jerusalem`s Hadassah Medical Center, one of Israel`s most authoritative medical facilities, said it had ordered 1.5 million doses of Russian-made coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, with the deliveries pending the ministry`s approval. If the ministry refuses authorization, Hadassah plans to use the vaccine in its foreign branches.

Israel to start mass vaccination against coronavirus this month

While the world is crippling under the COVID-19 pandemic and scientists are rushing to develop and manufacture a vaccine to fight the novel coronavirus, the politics&nbsp;around the vaccine has reached the doors of the US courts.

Dr. Jane Orient is the executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons — a group with the aim of resisting the government's involvement in medicine. Orient also believes the federal vaccine mandates are violations of human rights. She has often described vaccine mandates as "a serious intrusion into individual liberty, autonomy and parental decisions."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-ceo-not-certain-if-coronavirus-vaccine-will-prevent-transmission-347495">Pfizer CEO 'not certain' if coronavirus vaccine will prevent transmission</a>

Orient has been called to attendance in front of&nbsp;Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday. His attendance has sparked criticism from the Democratic party who have objected to Republicans giving a platform to a promoter of 'conspiracy theories'.

“A public health threat is the rationale for the policy on mandatory vaccines. But how much of a threat is required to justify forcing people to accept government-imposed risks?” Orient wrote in a statement to the Senate.

Orient claims she is unsure about the method being used by Pfizer and Moderna for the COVID-19 vaccine as both the companies are using new methods to produce the vaccine, which can be a risky move. "It seems to me reckless to be pushing people to take risks when you don’t know what the risks are," Orient told The New York Times. "People’s rights should be respected. Where is 'my body, my choice' when it comes to this?"

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volunteers-face-severe-hangover-headache-and-pain-after-getting-pfizer-vaccine-shot-342518">Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot</a>

Her selection as a witness has sparked criticism from the Democrats. "At such a crucial time, giving a platform to conspiracy theorists to spread myths and falsehoods about COVID vaccines is downright dangerous and one of the last things Senate Republicans should be doing right now," said&nbsp;Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the Senate minority leader.

This hearing has at a point in the pandemic when the American federal officers are enlisting lawmakers and personalities to reach out to the general public and encourage them to take the COVID-19 vaccine, instead of getting affected by the anti-vaxxers — a term Dr. Orient disassociates herself with.

She has also raised concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine being used for the younger generation as she claims "the effect on fertility has not been determined". However, no such report has been found that suggests the vaccine has any effect on fertility.

Orient has also taken a hit at Dr. ANthony Fauci, who has been a leading face of the White House's COVID-19 response team — and has been on the bad side of the outgoing US President Donald Trump for the last few months. "Why is he dictating care for 340 million Americans?," Orient lashed out.

While the world is crippling under the COVID-19 pandemic and scientists are rushing to develop and manufacture a vaccine to fight the novel coronavirus, the politics around the vaccine has reached the doors of the US courts.

While the world is crippling under the COVID-19 pandemic and scientists are rushing to develop and manufacture a vaccine to fight the novel coronavirus, the politics around the vaccine has reached the doors of the US courts. Dr. Jane Orient is the executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons — a group with the aim of resisting the government's involvement in medicine. Orient also believes the federal vaccine mandates are violations of human rights. She has often described vaccine mandates as "a serious intrusion into individual liberty, autonomy and parental decisions." Also read| Pfizer CEO 'not certain' if coronavirus vaccine will prevent transmission Orient has been called to attendance in front of Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday. His attendance has sparked criticism from the Democratic party who have objected to Republicans giving a platform to a promoter of 'conspiracy theories'. “A public health threat is the rationale for the policy on mandatory vaccines. But how much of a threat is required to justify forcing people to accept government-imposed risks?” Orient wrote in a statement to the Senate. Orient claims she is unsure about the method being used by Pfizer and Moderna for the COVID-19 vaccine as both the companies are using new methods to produce the vaccine, which can be a risky move. "It seems to me reckless to be pushing people to take risks when you don’t know what the risks are," Orient told The New York Times. "People’s rights should be respected. Where is 'my body, my choice' when it comes to this?" Also read: Volunteers face 'severe hangover', headache and pain after getting Pfizer vaccine shot Her selection as a witness has sparked criticism from the Democrats. "At such a crucial time, giving a platform to conspiracy theorists to spread myths and falsehoods about COVID vaccines is downright dangerous and one of the last things Senate Republicans should be doing right now," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and the Senate minority leader. This hearing has at a point in the pandemic when the American federal officers are enlisting lawmakers and personalities to reach out to the general public and encourage them to take the COVID-19 vaccine, instead of getting affected by the anti-vaxxers — a term Dr. Orient disassociates herself with. She has also raised concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine being used for the younger generation as she claims "the effect on fertility has not been determined". However, no such report has been found that suggests the vaccine has any effect on fertility. Orient has also taken a hit at Dr. ANthony Fauci, who has been a leading face of the White House's COVID-19 response team — and has been on the bad side of the outgoing US President Donald Trump for the last few months. "Why is he dictating care for 340 million Americans?," Orient lashed out.

Anti-vaccine scientist to testify before US Senate Committee

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