Coronavirus vaccine news highlights: Serum moves 56 lakh Covishield doses; Bharat Biotech transports Covaxin 16.5 lakh doses

The Centre expects to receive all 1.65 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine it had ordered from two manufacturers by Thursday, well in time to start the massive vaccination drive on Saturday, Jan 16. The Centre has ordered 1.1 crore doses of Covishield from the Serum Institute and 55 lakh doses of Covaxin developed by homegrown vaccine maker Bharat Biotech. Meanwhile, Chinese vaccine Coronavac has shown 50% efficacy in Brazil and the US has ramped up its vaccination drive after cases and toll mounted.

Track latest updates on Covid-19 vaccines here.

Five hurdles in the global Covid-19 vaccine rollout

The unprecedented push to inoculate the world's population against Covid-19 has got off to a sluggish start, triggering a storm of criticism.

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India wants Pfizer to do local study for approval

Any vaccine maker, including Pfizer Inc, which has sought emergency-use authorisation for its Covid-19 shot in India, must conduct a local "bridging" safety and immunogenicity study to be considered for the country's immunisation programme, a senior government official told Reuters.

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This is the initial lot of supply of vaccine doses and would be continuously replenished in the weeks to come. Therefore, any apprehension being expressed on account of deficient supply is totally baseless and unfounded: Ministry of Health

(ANI)

Full initial procurement amount of 1.65 cr doses of Covishield & Covaxin vaccines allocated to all States/UTs in the proportion of health care workers database. There is no question of discrimination against any State in the allocation of vaccine doses: Ministry of Health

(ANI)

Coronavirus vaccine drive accelerates, doses reach far corners of India

India’s drive against Covid-19 gathered momentum on Wednesday with planes carrying vaccines flying into airports across the country from where the precious cargo was dispatched to small cities and towns in readiness for the inoculation exercise beginning January 16.

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First batch of Covid-19 vaccine reaches Srinagar

Ahead of the world’s biggest vaccination drive, the first batch of Covid-19 vaccine reached Srinagar on Wednesday with the first dose to be given to health care workers from Saturday.

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The vaccine that India has developed (Covaxin) presents to the immune system a wide array of antigens, so the immunity which will be produced after vaccination is expected to address the mutants as well: Dr Samiran Panda, Scientist G & Head of ECD division, ICMR

Herd immunity produced by vaccination is a good idea but when virus mutates, immunity might not be working against it even if it is a drift. Indian program has taken smart vaccination approach, rather than mass vaccination approach,Panda added.

(ANI)

In older days, it would take 20-30 yrs to get a vaccine or medicine out in the market. Since knowledge about the whole genome of virus, within 10-12 months the vaccine (Covaxin) has come out & it underlines the superiority, ability & commitment of Indian scientists: Dr Samiran Panda, ICMR

Indians are not guinea pigs: Manish Tewari on rollout of Covaxin

Both Covishield and Covaxin are safe and there should not be an iota of apprehension about its safety. We should all try to dispel the myths & misconceptions around both vaccines: Dr Samiran Panda, Scientist G & Head of Epidemiology & Communicable Diseases Division, ICMR

(ANI)

Two districts of Karnataka receive over two lakh doses of Covishield

Two districts of Karnataka on Wednesday received 2.52 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccine, Covishield, as Health Minister K Sudhakar said the state would soon also get 20,000 doses of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

According to the minister, the only difference between the two vaccines is Covishield has five ml of vaccine in a vial and Covaxin has 10 ml. One vial can vaccinate 20 people. Both the vaccines will be given in the state, he said, adding that the vaccination drive will start from January 16 in line with the Centre's guidelines. Frontline workers will get the vaccine first.

(PTI)

Putin says Russia to start mass vaccinations next week

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday tasked officials with launching mass coronavirus vaccinations from next week, touting Russia's homemade jab as the world's best.

"I ask you to begin the mass vaccination of the entire population next week," Putin told officials at a government meeting. "The Russian vaccine is the best in the world."

(AFP)

Survey finds global mistrust could weigh on Covid-19 vaccine rollout

Waning trust in governments and all types of media is threatening to limit the rollout of coronavirus vaccines around the world, particularly in the US, according to a survey conducted by communications firm Edelman.

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There are 1.60 lakh health care workers in Punjab, clarifies Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu.

We have received 2.04 lakh doses of the vaccine. All those who register on our portal will be given the vaccine for free, he added.

(ANI)

Kerala: The first batch of Covid-19 vaccine arrives at Kochi.

We have received 1.80 lakh doses. We have reserved about 73,000 doses for Ernakulam, rest of the doses will be distributed to Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Kottayam, says S Suhas, Ernakulam District Collector

(ANI)

Will provide Covid-19 vaccine free to people of Delhi if Centre fails to do so: Arvind Kejriwal

The AAP government will provide coronavirus vaccine free to the people of Delhi if the Centre fails to do so, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday.

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Tracking Covid-19 vaccine movement: States that have received Covid-19 vaccine

On Tuesday morning, trucks with boxes of 'Covishield' Covid-19 vaccine vials left the Serum Institute of India (SII) premises for the Pune Airport.

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70% data has been uploaded on CoWIN portal: Muktesh Chander, Special CP operations

We've the strength of over 80,000 Delhi Police personnel. 70% data has been uploaded on CoWIN portal, rest will be uploaded today. People over 50 yrs of age will be given priority. They'd receive Covid-19 vaccination date, time & centre via SMS: Muktesh Chander, Special CP operations

(ANI)

The first batch of Covishield vaccine from Serum Institute of India, Pune has arrived at Dehradun airport.

Kerala receives first Covishield consignment

The first consignment of Covidshield vaccine from Pune-based Serum Insititute of India arrived at the Cochin international airport here on Wednesday morning to combat Covid-19, official sources said.

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Covaxin shipped to 11 cities in India: Bharat Biotech

Bharat Biotech said on Wednesday that it has successfully air-shipped its Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin to 11 cities in India in the early hours and that it has donated 16.5 lakh doses to the centre.

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You can't use roll out Covaxin as phase 3 trial, Indians are not guinea pigs: Manish Tewari

Covaxin was licensed by thegovernmentfor emergency use. Now governmentis saying that the recipient won't be able to pick and choose the vaccine which he's administered to. When phase 3 trials of Covaxin is not complete, it raises various concerns on its efficacy, says Manish Tewari, Congress MP

Either govt shouldn't roll out Covaxin till its efficacy & reliability is completely established & phase 3 trials are over. It should act in a manner whereby there's complete confidence in people. You can't use rollout as phase 3 trial, Indians are not guinea pigs: Manish Tewari

ANI

One must get registered to CoWIN app to get vaccinated in the 1st phase

During vaccination in the 1st phase, the frontline workers must carry either Aadhar card, Voter ID card, Pan card or passbook with their photo printed on it as an identity proof. One must first get registered on CoWIN app and then carry these IDs: BMC Additional Commissioner

Madhya Pradesh receives 5.06 lakh coronavirus vaccine

We have received 5.06 lakh doses of vaccine. We have made 1,200 storage systems at the state level. Now the vaccine will go to 8 zillas after the quantity has been decided: Dr Santosh Shukla, State immunisation officer, Madhya Pradesh

11 Indian cities received Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN in the early hours of Wednesday. The Hyderabad-based company said it has donated 16.5 lakh doses to the Government of India.

Credit: DH Photo/By arrangement

Mumbai receives over 1.39 lakh Covishield vaccine doses: BMC

Mumbai received over 1.39 lakh doses of the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, Covishield, from the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) early Wednesday morning, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.

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38.5 lakh Covaxin doses to cost Rs 295 each (sans taxes). Bharat Biotech providing 16.5 lakh doses free, bringing price to Rs 206 each: Govt

Maharashtra govt has so far received 9.83 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccines out of total requirement of 17.5 lakh for inoculation in first phase: State Health Minister Rajesh Tope

Goa receives 2350 vials of Covid-19 vaccine

Goa has received 2350 vials with 10 doses each, totaling 23500 shots of Covid-19 vaccine, today morning. The vaccines are being stored appropriately by the authorities and would be distributed to all centres 24 hours prior to vaccination day: Goa CM Dr Pramod Sawant

Tamil Nadu receives 5 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccine

Tamil Nadu on Tuesday received 5.36 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccines from Serum Institute of India (SII) and they will be sent to districts across the state before January 16 when the vaccination drive will be launched.

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Mumbai airport begins Covid-19 vaccine transportation; 2,400 vials airlifted to Goa

Covid-19 vaccine transportation from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) commenced on Wednesday with budget carrier GoAir airlifting 2,400 vials of Covishield to Goa.

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Mumbai receives over 1.39 lakh Covishield vaccine doses: BMC

Mumbai received over 1.39 lakh doses of the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine, Covishield, from the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) early Wednesday morning, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.

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Google launches $3 million fund to fight vaccine misinformation

The Google News Initiative on Tuesday launched a global open fund to fight misinformation about Covid-19 vaccines, worth up to $3 million.

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First consignment of Covishield vaccine arrived at F/s ward from Pune to Mumbai at Parel, in Mumbai

Covid-19 vaccine arrives in Belagavi

Covid-19 vaccine shots arrived by road in Belagavi on Wednesday.

A total of 13 boxes carrying 1.47 lakh doses arrived in the Vaccine Depot premises where the District Health Office is located and has cold storage facilities.

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Three boxes of Covaxin being taken to Kurukshetra in Haryana.

Delhi: The first consignment of Covaxin by Hyderabad based Bharat Biotech, arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The first consignment of Covaxin by Bharat Biotech, being brought from Hyderabad to Delhi on an Air India flight.

First consignment of Covishield vaccine arrived at F/s ward from Pune to Parel in Mumbai

35,000 doses of Covishield have arrived safely at State Vaccination Center, Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma

This will set in motion the world's biggest vaccination effort from 16th Jan.11 sites have been identified across Meghalaya for launch event: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma

Chinese coronavirus vaccine shows 50% efficacy in Brazil

The Chinese-developed Coronavac Covid-19 vaccine has demonstrated a 50 percent efficacy following tests in Brazil, the organization in charge of its production in the South American country said on Tuesday.

Coronavac has been given to frontline health care workers in close contact with coronavirus patients.

The Butantan Institute repeated its claim from last week that the vaccine is 78 percent effective in mild cases that needed treatment and showed 100 percent efficacy in moderate to serious cases.

"It's a safe, effective vaccine that ticks all the boxes to justify its use in an emergency," said Butantan director Dimas Covas.

The trial, which was used on 12,500 volunteers, did not produce any adverse effects or significant allergic reactions.

US Covid-19 death toll hits new daily record of nearly 4,500: Johns Hopkins

The US death toll from Covid-19 hit a new daily record of nearly 4,500, Johns Hopkins University said Tuesday evening.

As the health crisis rages out of control in the US, this was the first time the toll in the country hardest hit by the pandemic surpassed 4,000 in 24 hours.

The US recorded more than 235,000 new cases of coronavirus infection and 4,470 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins tally as of 8:30 pm (0130 GMT).

Around 131,000 people are now hospitalized in the US with Covid-19, said the Covid Tracking Project.

Bharat Biotech signs agreement to supply Covaxin to Brazil

Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) has announced an agreement with Precisa Medicamentos, a private pharma procurement firm, for the supply of Covaxin to Brazil.

BBIL sources told DH that the initial agreement is to supply 12 million doses, though not confirming the time by when the first delivery would be made.

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Gap of 28 days between two Covid-19 vaccine doses, effectiveness to begin after 14 days: Health Ministry

Days before of the nationwide vaccination drive, NITI Aayog member VK Paul has said that India's two vaccines have been tested in thousands of people, they are the safest and there is no risk of any significance.

"We should have no doubt that the two vaccines approved are the safest of the vaccines. Both the vaccines have been tested on thousands of people and side-effects are negligible. There is no risk of any significance," he said.

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For now, Covid vaccine recipients will not get to choose from 2 options: Govt

The government hinted on Tuesday that for now, the Covid vaccine recipients will not have the option to choose from the two vaccines recently approved for restricted emergency use in India.

Replying to a question at a press conference here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, "At many places in the world, more than one vaccine are being administered, but presently, in no country, vaccine recipients have the option of choosing the shots."

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West Bengal receives first consignment of Covid-19 vaccine

The first consignment of Covid-19 vaccine reached West Bengal on Tuesday in a cargo flight from Pune. The flight arrived at the Kolkata Airport at around 1.40 pm.

Sources said that the consignment comprised of 6.89 lakh doses of the Covishield vaccine. The consignment was sent to the Central Vaccines Store at Baghbazar in two insulated vans.

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Centre to get 1.65 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses by Jan 14

The Centre expects to receive all the 1.65 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine it had ordered from two manufacturers by Thursday, well in time to start the vaccination drive on Saturday.

Pune-based Serum Institute began delivering batches of its Covishield vaccine on Tuesday morning across the country with Delhi receiving its first consignment of the 2.54 lakh doses onboard a SpiceJet aircraft. By evening, 54.72 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine were delivered across various cities.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the exercise to vaccinate 30 crore persons – one crore health workers, two crore frontline workers and 27 crore above 50 years and those below 50 with co-morbidities – would continue for nearly an year.

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Maharashtra ready for vaccination, receives 9.63 lakh doses

Maharashtra has received a whopping 9.63 lakh doses of Covishield for the first phase of vaccination.

As many as 511 vaccination centres have been set up in the 36 districts of the state. The two districts of Mumbai – Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban – combined have 72 centres. As many as 7.48 lakh health workers have registered for vaccination on the Covid-19 portal of the state.

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All set for vaccine rollout

Hospitals in Bengaluru are all set to administer Covid vaccines from January 16 to their staff in one of the biggest immunisation campaigns ever.

Everyone in healthcare — from doctors to housekeeping staff — gets the shot first in Phase 1, starting on Saturday.

Five thousand staffers at St John’s Medical College Hospital, Koramangala, are getting ready for the shot, according to Dr Sanjiv Lewin, chief of medical services.

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Vaccines to be administered in 40 centres in Kodagu

With the Covid-19 vaccines reaching Bengaluru, the district administration and the Department of Health and Family Welfare have made all arrangements to store the vaccines once the district receives them and also on its distribution.

The vaccines are likely to reach Kodagu within two days. Though the government is yet to communicate on transporting vaccines to the district headquarters, the health officials are expecting them to arrive in Madikeri by Friday evening.

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Good morning, Readers, and welcome to our live coverage of the Covid-19 vaccine race