COVID vaccine distribution requires funding of Rs 80,000 crore, says Serum Institute of India

UP records 404 new COVID cases, 666 recoveries in last 24 hours

Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad on January 17 informed about the current situation of the state. He said that as many as 404 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the state in past 24 hours. Whereas, 666 people have been discharged in the same duration. Active cases in the state are 8881 in which 3210 people are in home isolation.

Covid vaccine: How many Indians got jab on Day 1? Govt reveals

At least 1,65,714 healthcare beneficiaries received COVID-19 jab on Saturday across India, marking it as a historic and biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. About 16,755 total vaccinators involved across India during the COVID vaccination drive. There was no post adverse event reported after the vaccination was administered to the people. "Total vaccinators involved across India were 16,755. Total beneficiaries vaccinated across India--1,65,714. COVID19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1. No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far," said Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary of Union Health Ministry. "The Serum Institute of India (SII) produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States and Union Territories (UT). Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3,351 sessions were held across the country with both the vaccines, said Health Ministry on COVID19 vaccine roll-out," he added. Watch the full video for more details.

First feeling, side-effects, doubts: Vaccinated doctors share experience

On Day 1 of India's Covid-19 vaccination, two doctors who took the shots shared their experience. Dr Atul Peters and Anil Dhar of Max hospital were given Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and SII-made Covishield jabs respectively. Both didn't experience any side-effects and said that doubts regarding the inoculants are unfounded. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee of Apollo hospital, who is set to receive a shot soon, also weighed in on the controversy regarding Covaxin and its third phase trials. Watch the full video for more.

Nepal: People cheers after approval of Covishield vaccine manufactured in India

After Nepal government approved emergency use of Covishield vaccine, people are hoping the pandemic will falter and human lives would be back on track. Nepal's Department of Drug Administration on Friday issued a release giving information on approving Covishield developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, which will be manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII) in India. Drug regulating authority has also specified Serum Institute of India for importers provided with low cost in purchasing and delivery of vaccine to public. Approving the vaccine for conditional purpose, the department has also asked manufacturers or importers to get approval for registration in order to bring the vaccines. Nepal imposed nationwide and partial lockdown for most of 2020 with rise in imported cases which later took the form of local transmission spreading mostly in urban areas and major cities. The nationwide lockdown which started in March 2020 hampered daily life of people as well as businesses. They now expect to thrive with the approval of vaccine. Though the detailed inoculation plan of Nepal Government is yet to be disclosed, a total of 3 companies applied for approval to take steps forward with Serum Institute for import of vaccines. India has already made conditional emergency approval for Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute. Being one of the largest producers of vaccines at low cost, India has promised to provide vaccine to its neighbours in near future.

Covid: Dr VK Paul, AIIMS director urge people to trust researchers on vaccine

Urging the people to have faith in India's researchers, scientists, regulatory authorities, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Singh Guleria on Saturday reassured the nation that Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN vaccine is safe. Dr Guleria along with NITI Aayog member VK Paul were administered the COVID-19 vaccine shot at AIIMS Delhi on the inaugural day of the nationwide roll-out of vaccination on Saturday. Talking about the experience, he said, "I am humbled to get vaccinated in the first slot and feel so proud. I hope more and more people come forward when it comes to getting vaccinated so that we can reduce mortality and prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection." Dr VK Paul said that the vaccine is safe and people should trust the scientific process. Watch the full video for more details.

Phase 3 trial of Pfizer, Moderna underway, benefits are overwhelming compared to risk: VK Paul

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul said that phase 3 trial of Pfizer, Moderna is still going on but the benefits are overwhelming compared to risk. "World has decided to move forward, take benefit and ensure what's needed in this stage," he said. "Safety proven without doubt on thousands and thousands of individuals. We should respect the scientific processes that unfolded in extremely different, difficult and unusual circumstances. Today, 2 great vaccines are available. Whatever vaccine you're allotted, please take it," he added.

COVID vaccines: Six EU countries hit out at 'unacceptable' delays to deliveries of Pfizer jab

"Fewer doses will be available for European countries at the end of January and the beginning of February," said Pfizer.