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The <keyword id="23195354" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="COVID-XEC" source="keywords">COVID XEC</keyword> variant has recently gained attention due to its <keyword id="23204106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rapid-spread" source="keywords">rapid spread</keyword> across Europe and concerns that it might soon become dominant. First identified in Germany in June 2024, the variant has since been detected in over a dozen countries, including the UK and the US. As with other variants of <keyword id="20249557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SARS-CoV-2" source="keywords">SARS-CoV-2</keyword>, <keyword id="23204107" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="xec" source="keywords">XEC</keyword> is a subvariant of <keyword id="19895062" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="omicron" source="keywords">Omicron</keyword>, and the symptoms of the disease caused by the KP.3 lineage virus largely mirror those of previous strains, including fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, and muscle aches. <h2>Is XEC more dangerous?</h2>Although the XEC has shown signs of being more contagious than other recent variants, experts do not believe it poses a greater risk of severe disease for most people. Dr Eric Topol, a leading voice in COVID research, suggests that while XEC may soon outcompete other subvariants due to its <keyword id="20551797" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="transmissibility" source="keywords">transmissibility</keyword>, <keyword id="23043733" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="existing-vaccines" source="keywords">existing vaccines</keyword> should still offer protection. This is because XEC remains an <keyword id="19919614" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Omicron-subvariant" source="keywords">Omicron subvariant</keyword>, meaning it shares enough genetic similarity for current vaccines to be effective. <h2>Should you be worried?</h2>While XEC is spreading, experts emphasise that its arrival doesn’t signal a drastic shift in the COVID landscape. It’s not a new strain requiring another Greek letter designation, and it hasn't been shown to cause more severe disease compared to other Omicron subvariants. However, with colder months approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, where <keyword id="20163355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="respiratory-infections" source="keywords">respiratory infections</keyword> typically increase, XEC’s impact might be more noticeable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113246996" title="Mpox outbreak: Understand what your insurance covers for Mpox treatment" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>While the new COVID XEC has begun to rapidly spread across Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia, fortunately, there have not yet been confirmed reports of the variant reaching India. To reduce your risk, it's essential to stay up to date with vaccinations, practise good hygiene, and remain vigilant, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. While we’re no longer in the early stages of the pandemic, <keyword id="19897423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19" source="keywords">COVID-19</keyword> remains unpredictable, and experts continue to monitor variants like XEC closely.

COVID XEC: Should you worry about the new fast-spreading Omicron subvariant?

The pharmaceutical giant <keyword id="19910149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AstraZeneca" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="AstraZeneca">AstraZeneca</keyword>'s <keyword id="20040659" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19-vaccine" source="keywords">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> is being withdrawn worldwide after the company acknowledged for the first time in court documents that it can cause a rare and dangerous side effect, according to a report in the British Newspaper 'The Telegraph'. AstraZeneca has announced that the <keyword id="19959412" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vaccine" source="keywords">vaccine</keyword> was being removed from markets for commercial reasons. It further said that the vaccine was no longer being made or supplied, having been superseded by updated vaccines that fight new variants. The application to withdraw the vaccine was made on March 5 and came into effect on May 7. The vaccine can be no longer used in the European Union following the company's decision to withdraw its "marketing authorisation." Similar applications will be submitted in the UK and other nations in the coming months that have given a go-ahead to the vaccine, known as Vaxzevria. In recent months, Vaxzevria has come under scrutiny over a very rare side effect, which causes blood clots and low blood platelet counts. In court documents, AstraZeneca in the High Court in February admitted that the vaccine "can, in very rare cases, cause <keyword id="20218859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TTS" source="keywords">TTS</keyword>". TTS which stands for <keyword id="21475609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thrombosis-with-Thrombocytopenia-Syndrome" source="keywords">Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome</keyword> has been associated with at least 81 deaths in the UK and hundreds of serious injuries. More than 50 alleged victims and grieving relatives have filed a lawsuit against AstraZeneca in a High Court case. AstraZeneca has insisted that the decision to withdraw the vaccine is not related to the case or admission that it can cause TTS and termed the timing a pure coincidence, according to The Telegraph report. "We are incredibly proud of the role Vaxzevria played in ending the global pandemic. According to independent estimates, over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of use alone and over three billion doses were supplied globally. Our efforts have been recognised by governments around the world and are widely regarded as being a critical component of ending the global pandemic," The Telegraph quoted AstraZeneca as saying. In a statement, the pharmaceutical giant said, "As multiple, variant Covid-19 vaccines have since been developed, there is a surplus of available updated vaccines", adding that it has led to a decline in demand for Vaxzevria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied, The Telegraph reported. It further announced its decision to initiate the withdrawal of the marketing authorisations for Vaxzevria within Europe. The company said, "We will now work with regulators and our partners to align on a clear path forward to conclude this chapter and significant contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic." Last week, AstraZeneca reiterated its commitment to patient safety while emphasising the vaccine's overall safety profile. An AstraZeneca spokesperson had stated, "Our sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones or reported health problems. Patient safety is our highest priority, and regulatory authorities have clear and stringent standards to ensure the safe use of all medicines, including vaccines." This comes in the wake of a recent admission by AstraZeneca, the pharmaceutical company, that its <keyword id="19896627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid" source="keywords">Covid</keyword> vaccine Covishield and Vaxzevria "can, in very rare cases, cause Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)." Despite these rare occurrences, the pharmaceutical company maintained that extensive clinical trial data and real-world evidence consistently support the vaccine's safety and efficacy. Regulatory agencies worldwide continue to assert that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of such extremely rare side effects. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109919298.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109919298.cms" target="_blank">Aadhar Housing Finance IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank">Top-selling cars in India in April 2024 – Tata Punch continues to dominate</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank">Worldwide tablet shipments grow in Q1 2024 after two years of decline</a>

AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine worldwide, cites commercial reasons

Ever since the virus reared its ugly head and briefly sent the world into despair, the coronavirus has remained a staple, albeit almost sidelined, part of the news cycle. Despite this, the topic has come to the forefront of controversy once again, with an extremely popular <keyword id="20040659" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19-vaccine" source="keywords">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> now under scrutiny. Considering that the world is still healing from the scars left behind by the coronavirus tragedy, it is imperative that we gauge the situation to avoid any unwarranted public paranoia. Let’s look at the facts behind the ongoing <keyword id="19910149" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="AstraZeneca" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="AstraZeneca">AstraZeneca</keyword> (or <keyword id="19960109" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covishield" source="keywords">Covishield</keyword>, as it is known in India) vaccine controversy, and determine if there really is a cause for worry. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What happened?" comment="subhead" text="What happened?">What happened?</cmsannotation> Shortly after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, UK-based <keyword id="21472612" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jamie-scott" source="keywords">Jamie Scott</keyword> experienced a harrowing ordeal. He developed a brain clot and severe bleeding, resulting in permanent brain injury. This condition, known as <keyword id="21475609" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thrombosis-with-Thrombocytopenia-Syndrome" source="keywords">Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome</keyword> (<keyword id="20218859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tts" source="keywords">TTS</keyword>), can lead to dangerously low blood clot and platelet levels, posing a grave risk to those affected. Jamie's struggles with memory loss, impaired vision, and diminished cognitive abilities compelled him to seek legal recourse against the pharmaceutical company in 2023. Jamie's legal representative contends that AstraZeneca minimized the potential risks linked to their vaccines. Moreover, reports indicate that over 50 vaccinated individuals experienced similar adverse conditions, with numerous cases resulting in fatalities or severe injuries. Despite these assertions, the pharmaceutical company refutes the allegations, stating that they do not acknowledge a causal relationship between the vaccine and Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) on a generic level. However, a year of court wrangling later, legal documents submitted by AstraZeneca have now admitted that their vaccine can cause TTS in very rare cases, although the causal mechanism is still not well known. This revelation has led to renewed uproar against the vaccine’s side-effects. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is there cause for worry?" comment="subhead" text="Is there cause for worry?">Is there cause for worry?</cmsannotation> In short words, not really. Links between the <keyword id="21483117" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AstraZeneca-vaccine" source="keywords">AstraZeneca vaccine</keyword> and vaccine-induced immune TTS have been scientifically identified since early 2021, soon after the first COVID-19 vaccines had come out. However, it is so very rare — a few dozen reported cases among the millions administered — that even the World Health Organisation has deemed the vaccine “safe and effective” for all individuals aged 18 and above. Moreover, even influenza, H1N1 and rabies vaccines can cause TTS in very rare instances. Further, it is important to note that an infection with COVID-19 is itself a major cause for clot, heart attacks and strokes. Being vaccinated actually lowers these risks. There is also the fact that all vaccines or drugs carry potential side-effects, and these medical interventions are only cleared for release after determining that their benefits vastly outweigh any complications. Finally, the <keyword id="21483118" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TTS-side-effects" source="keywords">TTS side-effects</keyword> — which include symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, leg swelling or tiny blood spots under the skin — manifest between 1-6 weeks of vaccination. Considering that most Indians received their Covishield jab a couple of years ago, there should be no reason to panic now. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Is it time to consider alternate vaccines?" comment="subhead" text="Is it time to consider alternate vaccines?">Is it time to consider alternate vaccines?</cmsannotation> There is no particular hard evidence that suggests the supremacy of one vaccine over another, considering that they all carry varying degrees of side-effects. That being said, <keyword id="9485939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covaxin" source="Orion">Covaxin</keyword> boasts a higher efficacy than Covishield, and has better research data among Indian subjects. However, it may also be important to know that the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine has been discontinued in many countries, mainly due the aforementioned risk of blood clotting in certain age groups. Whatever the choice, the fact of the matter remains that these vaccines have saved millions since their introduction, and it is pertinent that we continue taking them diligently, unless any premier health authorities recommend otherwise.

Should you be worried about the potential side-effects of the Covishield vaccine?

In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at <keyword id="20751669" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hyderabad-House" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Hyderabad House" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Hyderabad House">Hyderabad House</keyword> in Delhi on Monday. This visit is widely seen as an effort to reset ties between the two nations after a year of tense relations. <keyword id="20101322" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="President-Muizzu" source="keywords">President Muizzu</keyword>, who arrived in India on Sunday for a five-day visit, received a red carpet welcome. During a joint press briefing, President Muizzu expressed heartfelt gratitude to India, thanking President Droupadi Murmu, <keyword id="19899320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-Modi" source="keywords">PM Modi</keyword> and the people of India for their warm reception. He emphasised the Maldives' deep-rooted ties with India, noting that tourism — especially Indian visitors—remains a crucial pillar of the Maldivian economy. “India is our largest source market for tourists, and we hope to welcome even more Indian visitors in the future,” Muizzu remarked. Key areas of cooperation discussed included economic ties and maritime security, critical given the Maldives' position in the Indian Ocean. Following their talks, India granted the financially struggling Maldives a rollover of USD 100 million in Treasury bills, in addition to formalising a <keyword id="23458604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="currency-swap-agreement" source="keywords">currency swap agreement</keyword> and a ₹3,000 crore currency swap. Prime Minister Modi characterised the "development partnership" as a key component of India-Maldives relations, asserting that India has consistently prioritised the needs of the Maldivian people. "Our development partnership is vital to our relationship with the Maldives, and we have always placed importance on the priorities of its people. This year, SBI rolled over USD 100 million in Treasury Bills, and a USD 400 million currency swap agreement was signed based on the Maldives' requirements," he explained. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="106837748" title="Withdraw troops by mid-March, Maldives tells India" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In September, India announced that the <keyword id="19934368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="State Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="State Bank of India">State Bank of India</keyword> would purchase Maldivian government bonds worth USD 50 million, following a similar USD 50 million transaction in May 2024. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu witnessed the first <keyword id="20563654" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RuPay-card" source="keywords">RuPay card</keyword> payment transaction launched in the Maldives and virtually inaugurated the runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport. Modi stated that India and the Maldives would soon be connected through UPI. "Recently, we launched the RuPay card in the Maldives, and in the future, we will link both countries via UPI," he said during a joint press briefing. Muizzu also expressed his desire to conclude a <keyword id="19945642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Free-Trade-Agreement" source="keywords">Free Trade Agreement</keyword> with India, a step he believes will open the door to greater Indian investment in the Maldives. Modi emphasised India's commitment to supporting the Maldives through various initiatives, including supplying essential commodities and Covid vaccines, inaugurating airports, and constructing social housing. He noted that a new drinking water project is now operational on 28 islands, providing clean water to over 30,000 residents. The leaders also discussed the opening of consulates in Addu and Bengaluru. Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated following Muizzu's election last year, which saw a shift towards a pro-China stance and the promise to withdraw Indian troops stationed in the archipelago. His visit to China before India in January had raised eyebrows in New Delhi, as it was perceived as a slight. However, since attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third term in June, Muizzu has moderated his anti-Indian rhetoric, signalling a thaw in relations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated that the discussions provided "a new impetus" to the relationship. This meeting likely marks a positive turn in Indo-Maldivian relations, setting the stage for further cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours. (With inputs from agencies) <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112094153" title="Maldives President Muizzu thanks India for economic support, affirms hope of signing FTA" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Maldives President Muizzu met with PM Modi in Delhi today. Here’s how it went!

<ul><li>The number of <keyword id="9426820" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="active-covid-cases" source="Orion">active Covid cases</keyword> in India surpassed the 10,000-mark for the first time in 134 days. </li><li>Delhi on Sunday reported 153 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, and its positivity rate rose to 9.13%. </li><li>38 girl students of the Kasturba residential school in Lakhimpur Kheri of UP tested positive for Covid-19. </li></ul> India’s active Covid-19 cases are their highest they have been in the last 4.4 months, at 10,300 cases, according to Union health ministry data updated on Monday. The number of active cases surpassed the 10,000-mark for the first time in 134 days. On Sunday, the health ministry had put the count of active cases at 9,433. The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 3.19% and the weekly positivity rate at 1.39%. The Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will hold a meeting with States' health secretaries and senior officers on Monday evening, via video conferencing, to review the preparedness for Covid-19. A nationwide mock drill is being planned for April 10-11 in which health facilities from all the districts are expected to participate. The details of the drill will be communicated in the meeting today. There are a few states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamilnadu that have reported the maximum number of Covid-19 cases in the country. But hospitalization remains low in these states, said ANI. The Union health secretary highlighted the precautions that need to be taken by the people. The Union Health Secretary also mentioned that States should maintain the optimum testing for Covid-19 preparedness. 6 deaths reported in the last 24 hours Also, six deaths, one each reported by Chandigarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, and two in Kerala, in the last 24 hours. The total death toll now has increased to 5,30,837. Delhi on Sunday reported 153 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, and its positivity rate rose to 9.13%. The capital city has 528 active cases, of which 340 patients are being treated in home isolation. The total tally of Covid cases across the country is 4.47 crore, the data stated. The active cases now comprise 0.02% of the total infections, while the national Covid recovery rate has been recorded at 98.79%, according to the health ministry's website. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4.41 crore, the data stated. The case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.19%, as per PTI. According to the ministry's website, 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide <keyword id="9257042" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-vaccination" source="Orion">Covid vaccination</keyword> drive. 38 school girls test Covid positive in UP’s Lamkhimpur Kheri Thirty-eight girl students of the Kasturba residential school in Mitauli block of Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district have tested positive for Covid-19 infection, a district health official said. Lakhimpur Kheri Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Santosh Gupta, said that one staff member was also found Covid-positive during a contact tracing exercise on Sunday after which the entire campus has been turned into a quarantine centre by the health department. This is the highest number of new Covid cases reported in a district in a day this year, as per IANS. (With agency inputs)

India’s active Covid cases cross 10,000 for the first time in 134 days; Union Secy to hold meeting

The Centre on Thursday announced the "Cervavac", <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s first indigenously-developed <keyword id="24209" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="vaccine" source="Orion">vaccine</keyword> for prevention of cervical cancer, will be launched in the next few months and will be available in the price range of Rs 200-Rs 400. Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most prevalent cancers in India and accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world's cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable. As per current estimates, every year, approximately 1.25 lakh women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75,000 die from the disease in India, and 83 per cent of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to HPVs 16 or 18 in India, and 70 per cent of cases worldwide. Announcing the scientific completion of the quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (qHPV) vaccine in presence of Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO, <keyword id="95879" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="serum-institute-of-india" source="Orion">Serum Institute of India</keyword> and other prominent scientists and dignitaries, Union Science &amp; Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said that this affordable and cost-effective vaccine marks an important day for the DBT and the BIRAC as it takes India a step closer to PM Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the most promising intervention for preventing cervical cancer is vaccination against human papillomavirus (<keyword id="102327" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="hpv" source="Orion">HPV</keyword>). It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together contribute to approximately 70 per cent of all invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide. The first indigenously developed Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) vaccine will be launched in few months, Poonawalla said, adding that the vaccine will be available to the people in an affordable price range of Rs 200-400. Poonawalla, in his brief address, said that the wellbeing and protection of mother and child is the core philosophy of <keyword id="242973" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="serum-institute" source="Orion">Serum Institute</keyword> as only a healthy India can be a productive India. Jitendra Singh pointed out that within a year of implementation, the Mission Covid Suraksha demonstrated major achievements such as development of the world's first DNA vaccine for Covid-19 by Cadila Healthcare which received Emergency Use Authorisation on August 20, 2021, and supporting the development of the nation's first mRNA Vaccine and intranasal vaccine candidate against Covid-19. He said that "Cervavac" is an outcome of a partnership of the DBT and the BIRAC with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, supported by Serum Institute of India for the indigenous development of quadrivalent vaccine through its partnership programme 'Grand Challenges India'

India to launch its first indigenously developed cervical cancer vaccine in the next few months

<ul><li>Personal data of thousands of Indians has reportedly been leaked from the CoWIN portal.</li><li>According to a report, details such as name, ID proof, gender and more have been leaked.</li><li>The data has been spotted on <keyword id="1275203" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="telegram" source="Orion">Telegram</keyword> and a bot sends the data when you send the user’s phone number.</li></ul>In what could be a major data breach, personal information of people who received the Covid-19 vaccine has reportedly been leaked online. This data includes the user’s name, date of birth, gender, and their ID. According to a report by Malayala Manorama, the data has been leaked through the CoWIN portal that was designed to help citizens book their vaccine slots. As per the report, all you need to do is enter the phone number of a person who has received the Covid-19 vaccine on a Telegram bot and it will fetch important details about the user. This, as per the report, has put important data such as Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID and passport of thousands of users at risk. The government has not revealed anything about the leak yet. <div type="twitter" handle="SaketGokhale" handlename="SaketGokhale" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1668104757704269824"></div> Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale has <a href="https://twitter.com/SaketGokhale/status/1668104757704269824">shared</a> screenshots of the Telegram bot, with vaccination information of people like P Chidambaram, Jairam Ramesh and Derek O Brien. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Not the first Covid-19 related data leak" comment="subhead" text="Not the first Covid-19 related data leak">Not the first Covid-19 related data leak</cmsannotation> This is not the first time that CoWIN data has come under the scanner. In 2022, data of over 20,000 people, including their name, mobile number, Covid-19 test result and their address was<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/data-meant-for-cowin-portal-leaked-online-over-20-000-indians-likely-affected-101642767559692.html"> reportedly</a> leaked. This data was meant to be uploaded on the CoWIN platform. In another instance, data of over 15 crore citizens was<a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/article/cowin-apps-covid-19-vaccination-data-of-15-crore-users-leaked-and-up-for-sale-government-denies-breach/769434"> reportedly</a> leaked in 2021 and the hackers put the data on sale. The government however refuted the claim and said that the CoWIN platform was never hacked. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/vision-pro-to-ios-17-apples-top-six-announcements-at-wwdc-2023/articleshow/100786632.cms">Vision Pro to iOS 17: Apple’s top six announcements at WWDC 2023</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/2000-note-withdrawal-how-to-exchange-notes-is-it-a-legal-tender-and-other-questions-answered/articleshow/100412941.cms">₹2,000 note withdrawal – How to exchange them, is it a legal tender and other questions answered</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-app-store-prevented-over-2-billion-in-fraudulent-transactions-last-year-banned-282-million-user-accounts/articleshow/100322718.cms">Apple App Store prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions last year, banned 282 million user accounts</a>

Covid-19 vaccination data reportedly leaked – ID proof, date of birth and other details available on Telegram

People exposed to higher levels of <keyword id="55910" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-pollution" source="Orion">air pollution</keyword> before the pandemic are likely to have lower antibody responses to Covid-19 vaccines, suggests a study. In particular, exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and blank carbon (BC) was associated with about a 10 per cent decrease in IgM and IgG antibody responses in people without prior infection, said researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), and the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP) in Spain. The fact that previous infections lead to higher vaccine responses could explain why the effect of pollutants was only observed in people without a prior infection. However, the role of long-term exposure to air pollution on hybrid immunity (infection plus vaccination) deserves further investigation, the researchers warned, in the study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. "Air pollution can induce chronic inflammation, which has been associated with a negative effect on vaccine efficacy," said Carlota Dobano, researcher from ISGlobal. "Our findings are consistent with evidence that persistent organic pollutants reduce vaccine responses in children," she added. Air pollutants have been shown to affect immune responses. Previously it has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including lung cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and diabetes. The team analysed data from 927 participants (aged 40 to 65 years), who answered questionnaires and gave blood samples in the summer of 2020 (right after the first lockdown) and in 2021 (after the start of Covid-19 vaccination). All had received one or two doses of the main Covid-19 vaccines administered in Spain (made by AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna). The research team measured IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies to five viral antigens (three of them on the Spike protein contained in the vaccine). Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) was estimated for each participant based on his or her address before the pandemic. The results show that in uninfected individuals, pre-pandemic exposure to PM2.5, NO2 and BC was associated with a 5 per cent to 10 per cent reduction in vaccine-induced Spike antibodies. The decrease in antibodies was shown both for early IgM responses and late responses measured by IgG. The IgG response after the first dose peaked later in participants exposed to higher air pollution levels, and lower IgG levels persisted for several months after vaccination. Results were similar for the three vaccines. The study did not look at whether the reduction in antibody responses led to an increased risk of breakthrough infections and their severity. However, the findings add to the growing body of evidence on the adverse effects of air pollution even at the relatively low levels observed in Western Europe, the researchers said, while calling for stricter air pollution limits. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ipl-2023-to-drive-fantasy-sports-companies-to-2900-3100-crore-revenue/articleshow/99285556.cms">IPL 2023 to drive fantasy sports companies to ₹2,900-3,100 crore revenue, fueled by Tier-2 cities and exciting prizes</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-makes-it-easier-for-users-to-delete-their-account-and-data-from-applications/articleshow/99289621.cms">Google makes it easier for users to delete their account and data from applications</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/9-out-10-tvs-sold-in-india-in-2022-were-smart-tvs-and-nearly-all-of-these-tvs-are-assembled-locally/articleshow/99262205.cms">9 out 10 TVs sold in India in 2022 were smart TVs, and nearly all of these TVs are assembled locally</a>

Air pollution can affect your Covid vaccine efficacy: Study

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s first homegrown Messenger RNA (mRNA) Covid19 vaccine, being developed by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, is currently under final clinical trials, <keyword id="2665691" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NITI-Aayog" source="Orion">NITI Aayog</keyword>'s Member, Health, Dr <keyword id="9781408" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="v-k-paul" source="Orion">V.K. Paul</keyword>, said on Thursday. Briefing the media, he said that they are hopeful that they will be able to use this vaccine soon. "We need mRNA platform because it has shown that vaccines developed on this platform, at least for Covid-19, have been effective worldwide," said Paul, adding that beyond Covid, this platform will continue to be important as an option for future for other diseases also for which vaccines have been elusive. He termed it as an great development. Indian Council of Medical Research Director General, Dr Balram Bhargava, said that this is another vaccine which really establishes that India is heading towards becoming a vaccine superpower. "Because large parts of the population are vaccinated, we are not seeing the disastrous third Covid surge in terms of hospitalisations and mortality," he said. About the ongoing pandemic situation, Dr Paul said that the world had learned a great deal about pandemic and the virus, but doesn't know everything. The world should remain united to fight this virus and should continue to use the tools that are at our disposal, he added. "Some states including Kerala, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh are still reporting a large number of cases. We cannot lower our guard," he said SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/online-travel-booking-portal-cleartrip-to-increase-its-workforce-by-end-of-this-year/articleshow/89481099.cms">Online travel booking portal Cleartrip to increase its workforce by 400 by end of this year</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-proposes-to-raise-limit-on-e-rupi-vouchers-to-1-lakh/articleshow/89480944.cms">RBI proposes to raise limit on e-RUPI vouchers to ₹1 lakh</a>

India's first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine under final trials, says Dr V.K. Paul

<ul><li>The Serum Institute of India (SII) has launched India’s first and only <keyword id="10507934" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="indigenous-pneumonia-vaccine">indigenous pneumonia vaccine</keyword> at $3 per dose, which is around ₹220, for the government. </li><li>For private purchase, the vaccine will cost about $10 — around ₹735 — which is still at least 50% cheaper than GSK and Pfizer’s pneumonia vaccines.</li><li>All four doses required to immunise a child against pneumonia from SII would cost less than ₹3,200, which is cheaper than a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine at ₹3,600. </li></ul>The Serum Institute of India (SII) has launched India’s <keyword id="10507932" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="first-homegrown-pneumonia">first homegrown pneumonia</keyword> vaccine called Pneumosil. CEO Adar Poonawalla Roughly stated that SII’s pneumococcal conjugate vaccine will cost the government around $3 dose, which is approximately ₹220. "It is the first vaccine made in India to protect children against the pneumonia disease in India. It is also the most affordable vaccine for pneumonia, in the whole world," he said. SII’s <keyword id="1240147" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pneumonia-vaccine">pneumonia vaccine</keyword> versus GSK and Pfizer Each child has to be given four doses — at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks followed by a booster dose at nine months — of the vaccine for full protection. The cumulative four doses of SII’s pneumonia vaccine at ₹ 1,200 would cost less than a <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/serums-pneumococcal-vaccine-once-approved-could-be-cheaper-option-in-the-private-market/article30502005.ece">single dose</a> from its competitors. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Serotypes </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Price per dose </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">GSK </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,600 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Pfizer </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">13 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹3,600 </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Reports Even in the private market, the vaccine will cost around $10 per dose, around ₹735. That’s still at least 50% cheaper than GSK and the whole process would still cost less than a single dose of Pfizer’s pneumonia vaccine. "We hope to achieve 70% to 80% coverage over the next two to three years," said Poonawalla. He explained that the company has multiple strategies planned for the private market and government avenues as well to help spread the vaccine across the country as far as possible. The vaccine is critical for a country like India, which saw the highest number of children under five years of age die due to pneumonia in 2019 — second only to Nigeria. According to the United Nations, the total death toll is pegged at 127,000. According to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, the vaccine symbolises that India is well equipped to handle any health crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. “This is symbolic that India can make any vaccine in an affordable way without compromising on safety and quality,” he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/indian-space-startup-skyroot-aerospace-successfully-test-fires-first-solid-rocket-propulsion-stage-demonstrator-called-kalam-5/articleshow/79988975.cms">India’s first-ever privately designed and developed rocket is a step closer to becoming a reality in 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/jack-ma-ant-group-asked-to-overhaul-its-business-model-by-china-central-bank/articleshow/79987683.cms">China's central bank wants Jack Ma's Ant Group to overhaul its business model</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/top-10-most-expensive-natural-disasters-of-2020-in-the-world/slidelist/79986294.cms">Cyclone Amphan was the most expensive cyclone of 2020 and the fourth most expensive natural disaster overall</a>

SII launches India's first indigenous pneumonia vaccine at $3 per dose

<ul><li> Nearly 600 million more people in India will become eligible for getting the COVID-19 vaccine on May 1.</li><li>At the time, at least 40 million people will be eligible for their second dose and that number would rise every passing day, adding over 65 million people by the end of May.</li><li>According to government guidelines, the second dose needs to be administered within four to eight weeks of the first dose.</li></ul>There will be at least 40 million people eligible for the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine on May 1. According to the Indian government, the interval between the first and second dose should be four to eight weeks. “Most likely, after eight weeks, you should consider your first dose to be a waste of time,” Dr Kunal Sarkar, the chief cardiac surgeon and senior vice chairman of Medica Hospital in Kolkata, told Business Insider. Dr Sarkar’s view echoes the <a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1706597">government guidelines</a> that said that the second dose of Covishield should be administered “not later than stipulated period of 8 weeks.” While a <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00528-6/fulltext">Lancet study</a> has shown that a longer interval may improve the vaccine’s efficacy, the study itself recommended a 12-week interval between doses. Moreover, the vaccines currently in use are those that have been given emergency approval and it is wise to err on the side of caution especially with new variants of the virus emerging. “With COVAXIN, they maintain that the interval should be four weeks. With Covishield, as per their trial data, even they said four weeks. Then, based on certain experiences in the UK, it was stretched to six weeks,” said Sarkar. “Now, because of the irregularity in supply, it is anybody's guess… By and large, we are afraid if it stretches beyond eight weeks or so, then will the two-dose concept still remain valid? There is no data.” In order to ensure that people who already have the first dose do not get pushed behind in the queue, the Indian government should allow for separate counters and dedicated slots for people who are eligible for the second dose. This would be easier said than done given the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/vaccine-shortage-in-india-18-people-could-not-find-covid-19-dose-when-they-went-for-vaccination-in-first-ten-days-of-april-says-survey/articleshow/82014884.cms">current shortage </a>of vaccine supply across many states. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Description </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Number of doses </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Number of first doses given as of April 1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">58,354,638 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Number of second doses given between April 2 to April 28 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16,572,965 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10-day average for second dose administration as of April 28 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">833,782.3 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">People likely to get vaccinated between April 29 and April 30 as per 10-day average </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1,667,564.6 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Number of people likely to be eligible for the second dose on May 1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">40,114,108.4 </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) On May 1, as the country opens up its vaccination drive to everyone above the age of 18 years, 600 million additional people will become eligible. This could lead to another crisis as another 40 million will already be waiting in the queue for the second dose. And that number will rise with every passing day, as the 65 million people above the age of 45 — who got the first dose after April 1 — complete their stipulated time of four to eight weeks and join the queue for the second dose. If they don’t get vaccinated in time, they will have to begin the vaccination cycle all over again. <div type="image" title="rush of people vaccine_edited" msid="82304037" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;People queue up to get their second dose of Covid-19 vaccine at the Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium in Visakhapatnam on April 28&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> According to Dr Marcus Ranney, founder and chief executive of Human Edge, the need to separate the people coming in for vaccination is also important to avoid the spreading of the virus at the centres. “As the window will open to 18-year-olds, they very clearly need to have centres that are earmarked for different populations. If they try and serve everyone from the same place, it’s just going to create chaos and may even fuel a much larger spread,” he told Business Insider. One way to stall the chaos is to prioritise those who need the second shot. Another filter that can be used is to ask those who may have been infected by COVID-19 in recent weeks to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/if-you-have-just-recovered-from-covid-19-experts-say-you-dont-need-to-join-in-on-the-rush-for-vaccination-immediately/articleshow/82302460.cms">stay out of the queue</a>. “What hasn’t been used as well as we could have done is the same methodology used with polio and other types of vaccines, which was more door to door — particularly for the elderly folks,” said Ranney. All in all, the government needs to come out with clear guidelines to ensure no one is left behind, and not one precious dose goes to waste — especially since India has already wasted 4.6 million doses till April 11. <div type="image" title="vaccine queue_edited" msid="82304124" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;People wait in a long queue to get vaccinated in Visakhapatnam on April 27&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="There is going to be a crazy rush at vaccination centres in the absence of proper guidelines" comment="subhead" text="There is going to be a crazy rush at vaccination centres in the absence of proper guidelines">There is going to be a crazy rush at vaccination centres in the absence of proper guidelines</cmsannotation> This has become evident from the response to the opening up of online booking of vaccination slots. The government opened up registrations for people between the ages of 18 to 44 on April 28. And, before things could even take off, registration was delayed from midnight to 4:00 pm. According to the government, more than 3.5 million people registered within the first hour of the launch. But when it came to being able to book an appointment, they passed the buck onto state governments and private vaccination centers. When the floodgates opened, the CoWIN app, Aarogya Setu app and UMANG app’s servers crashed. Many of those who got the chance to register via the CoWIN website, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/cowin-website-is-back-up-after-an-early-crash-finding-a-vaccination-slot-may-still-be-difficult/articleshow/82291583.cms">never found an open slot. </a> Even if the government were to take no new bookings, and only focus on those needing second shots at all centres, at the current rate of vaccination, it would take 48 days to just go through that lot. In such a scenario, it is not unimaginable that those who need the second shot never get the slot before their 12-week deadline. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The other challenge will be allocating the limited vaccine supplies" comment="subhead" text="The other challenge will be allocating the limited vaccine supplies">The other challenge will be allocating the limited vaccine supplies</cmsannotation> This would not have been a concern if India had enough vaccines to go around for everyone who wants it. However, that’s not the case because the government dragged its feet in placing the orders. On April 23, the government pledged to increase the monthly production of doses to around 100 million doses by September with the rate of immunisation slowing down amid rising cases. When the government opened up jabs for those above the age of 45 from May 1, it had expected the imported lot of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine to arrive by then. While Russia is now sticking to the date, it is not clear how many doses will come in, especially after a brief attempt to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/india/exclusive-india-get-russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-only-by-end-may-2021-04-22/">delay the supply</a> to the end of May. Having to repeat the first doses for even one person is a waste of precious resources. Managing a pandemic was never going to be easy. Imagining scenarios and preparing for the possibilities is the only way to keep things from spiraling out of control. The updated version of the story includes additional opinions from Dr Kunal Sarkar and the Lancet study, which recommended an interval of 12 weeks between two vaccine doses. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/cowin-website-is-back-up-after-an-early-crash-finding-a-vaccination-slot-may-still-be-difficult/articleshow/82291583.cms">CoWIN website is back up after an early crash⁠ — finding a vaccination slot may still be difficult</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/covid-19-vaccine-price-sc-wants-the-indian-government-to-explain-about-covishield-and-covaxin-pricing/articleshow/82272913.cms">Supreme Court wants the Indian government to explain vaccine pricing — and clarify how many doses it will need as coverage expands from May 1</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/australia-suspends-incoming-flights-from-india-until-may-15/articleshow/82271595.cms">Australia suspends incoming flights from India until May 15 — IPL cricketers, coaches and broadcasters left in a bind</a>

India may end up wasting millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses if there is no separate queue for second shots

<keyword id="95879" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="serum-institute-of-india" source="Orion">Serum Institute of India</keyword>'s Chief Executive Officer <keyword id="383467" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="adar-poonawalla" source="Orion">Adar Poonawalla</keyword> has said their <keyword id="10678894" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covovax" source="Orion">Covovax</keyword> vaccine will get approval as a booster against COVID-19 in the next 10 to 15 days. The vaccine works very well against the <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> variant of coronavirus, <keyword id="25607" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="poonawalla" source="Orion">Poonawalla</keyword> told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Bharti Vidyapeeth University here on Sunday. Asked about states and districts not getting Covishield vaccine, he said there is ample stock with the Union government for supply. "Covovax will be approved as a booster in the next 10-15 days. It is actually the best booster because it works very well against Omicron, more than Covishield," he said. Poonawalla said everyone was looking at India, not just in terms of healthcare but because the country managed to take care of a huge and diverse population and also helped 70 to 80 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic. "This was all possible because of the leadership of our central government, our state governments, healthcare workers, manufacturers, all of whom worked together with one common goal," he said. On the occasion, Poonawalla was conferred with the first Dr Pantangrao Kadam Memorial Award at the hands of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The event was held to mark the birth anniversary of Kadam, the late minister and education baron from western Maharashtra. Appealing to students who wished to pursue education abroad, Poonawalla said there was no place like India to fulfil dreams due to the presence of institutions like Bharti Vidyapeeth and others. "Even if you have to go abroad, come back as soon as possible," he said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/gautam-adani-aap-ki-adalat-interview-dhirubhai-ambani-is-my-role-model-mukesh-ambani-a-very-good-friend/articleshow/96828407.cms">Dhirubhai Ambani is my role model and Mukesh Ambani a very good friend, says Gautam Adani</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/online-mental-health-company-uses-chatgpt-to-help-respond-to-users-in-experiment-raising-ethical-concerns-around-healthcare-and-ai-technology/articleshow/96821802.cms">Online mental health company uses ChatGPT to help respond to users in experiment — raising ethical concerns around healthcare and AI technology</a>

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