Hong Kong announced Thursday it is shelving a Covid-19 measure that has resulted in dozens of cancelled flights in recent months and thwarted travel plans for thousands.
Starting Thursday, the city will no longer ban arriving airline flights just because they'd brought in passengers infected with COVID-19, the government announced.
“The new measure is a decision made by the government after careful review of relevant data and taking into account the current peak period for international students returning to Hong Kong,” a government spokesperson said.
Previously, a five-day flight route ban was imposed on airlines if at least five passengers or 5 per cent of travellers — whichever is higher — tested positive for the coronavirus on arrival. That caused about 100 flight cancellations since the beginning of the year.
The announcement noted that most imported COVID-19 infections could be detected by the coronavirus tests at the airport and in hotels.
The flight suspension rule had “little effect” on preventing imported infections and the risk of those cases causing infection in the community are “relatively minimal,” the government said.
Travellers had griped that the regulation's last-minute flight cancellations also affected quarantine hotel bookings. Those impacted often had to postpone their rescheduled trips for weeks because hotels tend to be booked out months ahead.
Despite lifting the flight bans, travellers arriving in Hong Kong will still need to test negative for the coronavirus before arriving in the city, serve a mandatory quarantine period of seven days in a designated hotel in Hong Kong, and undergo a series of rapid tests and nucleic acid tests for the coronavirus over a two-week period.
Hong Kong leader John Lee and health authorities have said they are exploring options to keep Hong Kong open to international travellers, including a possible reduction of mandatory quarantine periods. 

Hong Kong lifts flight ban citing 'little effect' on Covid-19

Hong Kong announced Thursday it is shelving a Covid-19 measure that has resulted in dozens of cancelled flights in recent months and thwarted travel plans for thousands.

Starting Thursday, the city will no longer ban arriving airline flights just because they'd brought in passengers infected with COVID-19, the government announced.

Hong Kong announced Thursday it is shelving a Covid-19 measure that has resulted in dozens of cancelled flights in recent months and thwarted travel plans for thousands.
Starting Thursday, the city will no longer ban arriving airline flights just because they'd brought in passengers infected with COVID-19, the government announced.
&ldquo;The new measure is a decision made by the government after careful review of relevant data and taking into account the current peak period for international students returning to Hong Kong,&rdquo; a government spokesperson said.
Previously, a five-day flight route ban was imposed on airlines if at least five passengers or 5 per cent of travellers &mdash; whichever is higher &mdash; tested positive for the coronavirus on arrival. That caused about 100 flight cancellations since the beginning of the year.
The announcement noted that most imported COVID-19 infections could be detected by the coronavirus tests at the airport and in hotels.
The flight suspension rule had &ldquo;little effect&rdquo; on preventing imported infections and the risk of those cases causing infection in the community are &ldquo;relatively minimal,&rdquo; the government said.
Travellers had griped that the regulation's last-minute flight cancellations also affected quarantine hotel bookings. Those impacted often had to postpone their rescheduled trips for weeks because hotels tend to be booked out months ahead.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/china-s-easing-of-quarantine-period-a-glimmer-towards-easing-of-global-isolation-1656471216379">China's easing of quarantine period a glimmer towards easing of global isolation?</a>
Despite lifting the flight bans, travellers arriving in Hong Kong will still need to test negative for the coronavirus before arriving in the city, serve a mandatory quarantine period of seven days in a designated hotel in Hong Kong, and undergo a series of rapid tests and nucleic acid tests for the coronavirus over a two-week period.
Hong Kong leader John Lee and health authorities have said they are exploring options to keep Hong Kong open to international travellers, including a possible reduction of mandatory quarantine periods.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday COVID-19 cases globally had increased nearly 30% over the past two weeks.
Speaking in Geneva, Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that "four out of six of the WHO sub-regions saw cases increase in the last week."
He said that in "Europe and America BA.4 and BA.5" were driving a surge in cases, while a "new sub lineage of BA.2.75 has also been detected" in India.
Tedros also said the organization was "concerned" by the "scale and spread" of monkeypox, saying that there had been "6,000 cases recorded in 58 countries."
He called testing "a challenge" and warned that "it's highly probable that there are a significant number of cases not being picked up."
According to Tedros, Europe is the current epicentre of the outbreak, recording more than 80% of cases globally.
In Africa, cases are appearing in countries not previously affected and record numbers are being recorded in places which have had previous experience with monkeypox before the ongoing outbreak, Tedros said.

New covid sub-variant BA 2.75 detected in India: WHO

Speaking in Geneva, Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that four out of six of the WHO sub-regions saw cases increase in the last week.

The World Health Organization said on Wednesday COVID-19 cases globally had increased nearly 30% over the past two weeks.
Speaking in Geneva, Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained that "four out of six of the WHO sub-regions saw cases increase in the last week."
He said that in "Europe and America BA.4 and BA.5" were driving a surge in cases, while a "new sub lineage of BA.2.75 has also been detected" in India.
Tedros also said the organization was "concerned" by the "scale and spread" of monkeypox, saying that there had been "6,000 cases recorded in 58 countries."
He called testing "a challenge" and warned that "it's highly probable that there are a significant number of cases not being picked up."
According to Tedros, Europe is the current epicentre of the outbreak, recording more than 80% of cases globally.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/govt-reduces-gap-for-covid-booster-dose-to-6-months-1657109533070" target="_blank">Govt reduces gap for Covid booster dose to 6 months</a>
In Africa, cases are appearing in countries not previously affected and record numbers are being reported in places which have had previous experience with monkeypox before the ongoing outbreak, Tedros said.

The gap between the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine and the precaution has been reduced to 6 months from 9. 
A notification issued by the government said it was bringing down the gap in view of evolving scientific evidence and global practices. 
Covid-10 precaution is currently available for anyone who is 18 years or above. 
India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with comorbidities from January 10. 
On April 10, India began administering precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines to all aged above 18.

Govt reduces gap for Covid booster dose to 6 months

The gap between the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine and the precaution has been reduced to 6 months from 9. 

India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with comorbidities from January 10.&nbsp;

The gap between the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine and the precaution has been reduced to 6 from 9 months&nbsp;.&nbsp;
A notification issued by the government said it was bringing down the gap in view of evolving scientific evidence and global practices.&nbsp;
Covid-19 precaution is currently available for anyone who is 18 years or above.&nbsp;
India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with comorbidities from January 10.&nbsp;
On April 10, India began administering precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines to all aged above 18.

Canada is going to throw out about 13.6 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine because it couldn't find any takers for it either at home or abroad.
Canada signed a contract with AstraZeneca in 2020 to get 20 million doses of its vaccine, and 2.3 million Canadians received at least one dose of it, mostly between March and June 2021.
Following concerns in the spring of 2021 about rare but potentially fatal blood clots from AstraZeneca, Canada focused on using its ample supplies of the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
In July 2021, Canada promised to donate the rest of its procured supply, about 17.7 million doses. But in a statement Tuesday, Health Canada said that despite efforts to meet that pledge, 13.6 million doses have expired and will have to be thrown out.
"Due to limited demand for the vaccine and recipient country challenges with distribution and absorption, they were not accepted?" the statement said.
In all, Canada donated 8.9 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine — 4.8 millon doses from its main supply and 4.1 million doses that it bought from the COVAX vaccine-sharing programme.
About 85 per cent of Canadians are considered fully vaccinated, compared with 61 per cent of the world's population, and just 16 per cent of people living in the world's poorest countries

Why Canada is throwing 13.6 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine

About 85 per cent of Canadians are considered fully vaccinated, compared with 61 per cent of the world's population, and just 16 per cent of people living in the world's poorest countries

Canada is going to throw out about 13.6 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine because it couldn't find any takers for it either at home or abroad.
Canada signed a contract with AstraZeneca in 2020 to get 20 million doses of its vaccine, and 2.3 million Canadians received at least one dose of it, mostly between March and June 2021.
Following concerns in the spring of 2021 about rare but potentially fatal blood clots from AstraZeneca, Canada focused on using its ample supplies of the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.
In July 2021, Canada promised to donate the rest of its procured supply, about 17.7 million doses. But in a statement Tuesday, Health Canada said that despite efforts to meet that pledge, 13.6 million doses have expired and will have to be thrown out.
"Due to limited demand for the vaccine and recipient country challenges with distribution and absorption, they were not accepted?" the statement said.
In all, Canada donated 8.9 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine &mdash; 4.8 millon doses from its main supply and 4.1 million doses that it bought from the COVAX vaccine-sharing programme.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/covid-vaccine-finally-reaches-north-korea-country-calls-it-immortal-potion-of-love-from-kim-jong-un-1653926591334">Covid vaccine finally reaches North Korea; country calls it 'immortal potion of love' from Kim Jong Un</a>
About 85 per cent of Canadians are considered fully vaccinated, compared with 61 per cent of the world's population, and just 16 per cent of people living in the world's poorest countries

Finally a vaccine for children as the regulator has given the go ahead for Serum Institute's Covovax for use &nbsp;children aged 7 to 11 years subject to certain conditions, official sources told news agency PTI.&nbsp;
The DCGI's nod came after the subject expert committee on COVID-19 of the CSDCO last week recommended granting emergency use authorisation to Covovax for the age group of 7 to 11 years.
Prakash Kumar Singh, director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India (SII) had submitted an application to DCGI in this regard on March 16, official sources had said.
''The SEC last week deliberated on the EUA application of SII and recommended granting emergency use authorisation for Covovax for children aged 7 to 11 years,'' an official source said.
The expert panel, in its last meeting in April, had sought more data from the Pune-based firm over the application.
The DCGI had approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on December 28 and in the 12 to 17 years age group subject to certain conditions on March 9.
The country began inoculating children aged 12-14 years from March 16. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 last year with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase. Vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2 last year.
The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 last year for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.
India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1 last year. The government then decided to expand its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 years of age to be inoculated against the viral disease from May 1 last year.
The next phase of vaccination commenced from January 3 for adolescents in the age group of 15-18 years.
India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with comorbidities from January 10. Precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccines for all aged above 18 years began at private vaccination centres from April 10.

Covid vaccine Covovax gets nod for children 7-11 from Indian regulator: reports

Finally a vaccine for children as the regulator has given the go ahead for Serum Institute's Covovax for use in children aged 7 to 11 years subject to certain conditions, official sources told news agency PTI. 

Vaccine for 7-11 age group gets nod 

The DCGI's nod came after the subject expert committee on COVID-19 of the CSDCO last week recommended granting emergency use authorisation to Covovax for the age group of 7 to 11 years

Finally a vaccine for children as the regulator has given the go ahead for Serum Institute's Covovax for use &nbsp;children aged 7 to 11 years subject to certain conditions, official sources told news agency PTI.&nbsp;
The DCGI's nod came after the subject expert committee on COVID-19 of the CSDCO last week recommended granting emergency use authorisation to Covovax for the age group of 7 to 11 years.
Prakash Kumar Singh, director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India (SII) had submitted an application to DCGI in this regard on March 16, official sources had said.
''The SEC last week deliberated on the EUA application of SII and recommended granting emergency use authorisation for Covovax for children aged 7 to 11 years,'' an official source said.
The expert panel, in its last meeting in April, had sought more data from the Pune-based firm over the application.
The DCGI had approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on December 28 and in the 12 to 17 years age group subject to certain conditions on March 9.
The country began inoculating children aged 12-14 years from March 16. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 last year with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase. Vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2 last year.
The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 last year for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.
India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1 last year. The government then decided to expand its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 years of age to be inoculated against the viral disease from May 1 last year.
The next phase of vaccination commenced from January 3 for adolescents in the age group of 15-18 years.
India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with comorbidities from January 10. Precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccines for all aged above 18 years began at private vaccination centres from April 10.

China on Tuesday announced an easing of its quarantine requirement for people arriving from abroad.
Anyone coming from outside the country will be required to stay in a quarantine hotel for seven days, followed by three days of home quarantine, as per China's latest pandemic response plan.
The previous plan called for 14 days in a hotel plus seven days of home quarantine.
The latest move makes it easier for foreign business to resume work in the world's second-largest economy after 2.5 years of isolation period.
China has so far kept tight restrictions on international travel under a "zero-COVID" strategy that seeks to keep the virus out and stop any infections from spreading through lockdowns and mass testing.
Other countries including the United States and Japan have opened their borders to some extent while Europe is facing long lines of passengers as summer travel has overwhelmed airlines and airports.
The move is also significant as recent outbreaks in mainland China have largely eased.

China's easing of quarantine period a glimmer towards easing of global isolation?

The previous plan called for 14 days in a hotel plus seven days of home quarantine.

China on Tuesday announced an easing of its quarantine requirement for people arriving from abroad.
Anyone coming from outside the country will be required to stay in a quarantine hotel for seven days, followed by three days of home quarantine, as per China's latest pandemic response plan.
The previous plan called for 14 days in a hotel plus seven days of home quarantine.
The latest move makes it easier for foreign business to resume work in the world's second-largest economy after 2.5 years of isolation period.
China has so far kept tight restrictions on international travel under a "zero-COVID" strategy that seeks to keep the virus out and stop any infections from spreading through lockdowns and mass testing.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/covid-19-patients-at-a-higher-risk-of-alzheimer-s-stroke-study-1656398872790" target="_blank">Covid-19 patients at a higher risk of Alzheimer's, stroke: Study&nbsp;</a>
Other countries including the United States and Japan have opened their borders to some extent while Europe is facing long lines of passengers as summer travel has overwhelmed airlines and airports.
The move is also significant as recent outbreaks in mainland China have largely eased.

Members of the Indian Test squad roaming in public and clicking pictures with fans in England haven't gone down well with the BCCI. After Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19, the board has once again asked the players to take precautions.
A BCCI source told ANI that the board scolded some players over their habit of hanging out in public. 'We had told the players to stay careful but they still often roamed around in the city which is not required,' added the source.
Though there is no bio-bubble in place for the England tour but the BCCI had urged the players to take all possible precautions themselves. However, many players were seen clicking pictures with fans and even signing autographs, which put off the Indian board.
Since Rohit is now isolating, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead India in the Birmingham Test starting July 1.
Also read: India tour of England: Mayank Agarwal to join Team India as a backup for Covid-positive Rohit Sharma

India tour of England: BCCI scold Team India players for roaming in public

We had told the players to stay careful but they still often roamed around in the city which is not required: BCCI source to ANI

After Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19, the BCCI has scolded some players over their habit of hanging out in public

Members of the Indian Test squad roaming in public and clicking pictures with fans in England haven't gone down well with the BCCI. After Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19, the board has once again asked the players to take precautions.
A BCCI source told ANI that the board scolded some players over their habit of hanging out in public. 'We had told the players to stay careful but they still often roamed around in the city which is not required,' added the source.
Though there is no bio-bubble in place for the England tour but the BCCI had urged the players to take all possible precautions themselves. However, many players were seen clicking pictures with fans and even signing autographs, which put off the Indian board.
Since Rohit is now isolating, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead India in the Birmingham Test starting July 1.
Also read: <a title="India tour of England: Mayank Agarwal to join Team India as a backup for Covid-positive Rohit Sharma" href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/india-tour-of-england-mayank-agarwal-to-join-team-india-as-a-back-for-covid-positive-rohit-sharma-1656318158822" target="_blank">India tour of England: Mayank Agarwal to join Team India as a backup for Covid-positive Rohit Sharma</a>

COVID-19 vaccines prevented over 42 lakh potential deaths in India in 2021, said a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, which based its findings on estimates of "excess" mortalities in the country during the pandemic.
Globally, the mathematical modelling study found that COVID-19 vaccines reduced the potential death toll during the pandemic by nearly 20 million (1 million = 10 lakhs) or more than half in the year following their implementation.
In the first year of the vaccination programme, 19.8 million out of a potential 31.4 million COVID-19 deaths were prevented worldwide, according to estimates based on excess deaths from 185 countries and territories, the researchers said.
The study estimates a further 5,99,300 lives could have been saved if the World Health Organisation's target of vaccinating 40 per cent of the population in each country with two or more doses by the end of 2021 had been met.
The study estimated the number of deaths that were prevented between December 8, 2020 and December 8, 2021, which reflects the first year in which the vaccines were distributed.
"For India, we estimate that 42,10,000 deaths were prevented by vaccination in this period. This is our central estimate, with the uncertainty in this estimate ranging between 36,65,000-43,70,000," lead author of the study, Oliver Watson from the Imperial College London, the UK, told PTI.
"What this modelling study shows is that the vaccination campaign in India has likely saved millions of lives. This shows the remarkable impact that the vaccination has had, especially in India, which was the first country to experience the impact of the Delta variant," Watson said in an email.
The India numbers are based on the estimates that 51,60,000 (48,24,000-56,29,000) deaths may have occurred in the country during the pandemic, a number which is 10 times the official figure of 5,24,941 deaths reported so far, he said.
"These estimates are based on the estimates of excess mortality in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, which we have sourced from The Economist and are similar to the estimates that the WHO have reported. Independently, our group has also investigated the COVID-19 death toll based on reports of excess mortality and seroprevalence surveys and arrived at similar estimates of almost 10 times the official count," Watson said.
According to the estimates by The Economist, 2.3 million people died in India from COVID-19 by the start of May 2021, as against official figures of around 2,00,000.
The WHO had last month estimated that there were 4.7 million Covid-linked deaths in India, a figure that was refuted by the government.
Of the almost 20 million deaths estimated to have been prevented in the first year after vaccines were introduced, almost 7.5 million deaths were prevented in countries covered by the COVID-19 Vaccine Access initiative (COVAX), the researchers said.
COVAX was set up because it was clear early on that global vaccine equity would be the only way out of the pandemic, they said.
The initiative has facilitated access to affordable vaccines for lower income countries to try to reduce inequalities, with an initial target of giving both vaccine doses to 20 per cent of the population in countries covered by the commitment by the end of 2021, the researchers said.
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered outside of a clinical trial setting on December 8, 2020, almost two-thirds of the world's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (66 per cent), they noted.
Despite the incredible speed of the vaccine roll-out worldwide, more than 3.5 million COVID-19 deaths have been reported since the first vaccine was administered in December 2020, they said.
To estimate the impact of the global vaccination programmes, the researchers used an established model of COVID-19 transmission using country-level data for officially recorded COVID-19 deaths occurring between December 8, 2020 and December 8 2021.
To account for under-reporting of deaths in countries with weaker surveillance systems, they carried out a separate analysis based on the number of excess deaths recorded above those that would have been expected during the same time period.
China was not included in the analysis owing to its large population and very strict lockdown measures which would have skewed the findings, the researchers said.
The team found that based on officially recorded COVID-19 deaths, an estimated 18.1 million deaths would have occurred during the study period if vaccinations had not been implemented.
Of these, the model estimates that vaccination has prevented 14.4 million deaths, representing a global reduction of 79 per cent.
These findings do not account for under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths, which is common in lower income countries.
The team did a further analysis based on total excess deaths during the same time period to account for this.
They found that COVID-19 vaccination prevented an estimated 19.8 million deaths out of a total of 31.4 million potential deaths that would have occurred without vaccination, a reduction of 63 per cent.
More than three quarters (79 per cent) of deaths averted were due to the direct protection against severe symptoms provided by the vaccination, leading to lower mortality rates, the researchers said.
The remaining 4.3 million averted deaths were estimated to have been prevented by indirect protection from reduced transmission of the virus in the population and reduced burden on healthcare systems, thereby improving access to medical care for those most in need, they said.
The study found that the vaccine impact changed over time and in different areas of the world as the pandemic progressed.
In the first half of 2021, the greatest number of deaths averted by vaccination was seen in lower middle-income countries, resulting from the significant epidemic wave in India as the Delta variant emerged.
This subsequently shifted to the greatest impact being concentrated in higher income countries in the second half of 2021, as restrictions on travel and social mixing were eased in some areas leading to greater virus transmission.
The shortfall in the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 per cent of the population of each country by the end of 2021 is estimated to have contributed to an additional 5,99,300 deaths worldwide that could have been prevented.
Lower-middle income countries accounted for the majority of these deaths.
"Our study demonstrates the enormous benefit that vaccines had in reducing deaths from COVID-19 globally," said Professor Azra Ghani, Chair in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London.
"Whilst the intense focus on the pandemic has now shifted, it is important that we ensure the most vulnerable people in all parts of the world are protected from ongoing circulation of COVID-19 and from the other major diseases that continue to disproportionately affect the poorest," Ghani said.
The authors note several limitations to their findings. Notably, their model is based on a number of necessary assumptions, including the precise proportions of which vaccine types have been delivered, how they were delivered and the precise timing of when new virus variants arrived in each country.
They also assumed that the relationship between age and the proportion of COVID-19 deaths occurring among infected individuals is the same for each country.

Covid vaccines prevented deaths of 42 lakh Indians in 2021: Lancet study

The study estimated the number of deaths that were prevented between December 8, 2020 and December 8, 2021, which reflects the first year in which the vaccines were distributed.

COVID-19 vaccines prevented over 42 lakh potential deaths in India in 2021, said a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, which based its findings on estimates of "excess" mortalities in the country during the pandemic.
Globally, the mathematical modelling study found that COVID-19 vaccines reduced the potential death toll during the pandemic by nearly 20 million (1 million = 10 lakhs) or more than half in the year following their implementation.
In the first year of the vaccination programme, 19.8 million out of a potential 31.4 million COVID-19 deaths were prevented worldwide, according to estimates based on excess deaths from 185 countries and territories, the researchers said.
The study estimates a further 5,99,300 lives could have been saved if the World Health Organisation's target of vaccinating 40 per cent of the population in each country with two or more doses by the end of 2021 had been met.
The study estimated the number of deaths that were prevented between December 8, 2020 and December 8, 2021, which reflects the first year in which the vaccines were distributed.
"For India, we estimate that 42,10,000 deaths were prevented by vaccination in this period. This is our central estimate, with the uncertainty in this estimate ranging between 36,65,000-43,70,000," lead author of the study, Oliver Watson from the Imperial College London, the UK, told PTI.
"What this modelling study shows is that the vaccination campaign in India has likely saved millions of lives. This shows the remarkable impact that the vaccination has had, especially in India, which was the first country to experience the impact of the Delta variant," Watson said in an email.
The India numbers are based on the estimates that 51,60,000 (48,24,000-56,29,000) deaths may have occurred in the country during the pandemic, a number which is 10 times the official figure of 5,24,941 deaths reported so far, he said.
"These estimates are based on the estimates of excess mortality in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, which we have sourced from The Economist and are similar to the estimates that the WHO have reported. Independently, our group has also investigated the COVID-19 death toll based on reports of excess mortality and seroprevalence surveys and arrived at similar estimates of almost 10 times the official count," Watson said.
According to the estimates by The Economist, 2.3 million people died in India from COVID-19 by the start of May 2021, as against official figures of around 2,00,000.
The WHO had last month estimated that there were 4.7 million Covid-linked deaths in India, a figure that was refuted by the government.
Of the almost 20 million deaths estimated to have been prevented in the first year after vaccines were introduced, almost 7.5 million deaths were prevented in countries covered by the COVID-19 Vaccine Access initiative (COVAX), the researchers said.
COVAX was set up because it was clear early on that global vaccine equity would be the only way out of the pandemic, they said.
The initiative has facilitated access to affordable vaccines for lower income countries to try to reduce inequalities, with an initial target of giving both vaccine doses to 20 per cent of the population in countries covered by the commitment by the end of 2021, the researchers said.
Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered outside of a clinical trial setting on December 8, 2020, almost two-thirds of the world's population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (66 per cent), they noted.
Despite the incredible speed of the vaccine roll-out worldwide, more than 3.5 million COVID-19 deaths have been reported since the first vaccine was administered in December 2020, they said.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/sc-nobody-can-be-forced-to-undergo-vaccinations-covid-19-1651471087521" target="_blank">SC: nobody can be forced to undergo vaccinations | Covid-19</a>
To estimate the impact of the global vaccination programmes, the researchers used an established model of COVID-19 transmission using country-level data for officially recorded COVID-19 deaths occurring between December 8, 2020 and December 8 2021.
To account for under-reporting of deaths in countries with weaker surveillance systems, they carried out a separate analysis based on the number of excess deaths recorded above those that would have been expected during the same time period.
China was not included in the analysis owing to its large population and very strict lockdown measures which would have skewed the findings, the researchers said.
The team found that based on officially recorded COVID-19 deaths, an estimated 18.1 million deaths would have occurred during the study period if vaccinations had not been implemented.
Of these, the model estimates that vaccination has prevented 14.4 million deaths, representing a global reduction of 79 per cent.
These findings do not account for under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths, which is common in lower income countries.
The team did a further analysis based on total excess deaths during the same time period to account for this.
They found that COVID-19 vaccination prevented an estimated 19.8 million deaths out of a total of 31.4 million potential deaths that would have occurred without vaccination, a reduction of 63 per cent.
More than three quarters (79 per cent) of deaths averted were due to the direct protection against severe symptoms provided by the vaccination, leading to lower mortality rates, the researchers said.
The remaining 4.3 million averted deaths were estimated to have been prevented by indirect protection from reduced transmission of the virus in the population and reduced burden on healthcare systems, thereby improving access to medical care for those most in need, they said.
The study found that the vaccine impact changed over time and in different areas of the world as the pandemic progressed.
In the first half of 2021, the greatest number of deaths averted by vaccination was seen in lower middle-income countries, resulting from the significant epidemic wave in India as the Delta variant emerged.
This subsequently shifted to the greatest impact being concentrated in higher income countries in the second half of 2021, as restrictions on travel and social mixing were eased in some areas leading to greater virus transmission.
The shortfall in the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 per cent of the population of each country by the end of 2021 is estimated to have contributed to an additional 5,99,300 deaths worldwide that could have been prevented.
Lower-middle income countries accounted for the majority of these deaths.
"Our study demonstrates the enormous benefit that vaccines had in reducing deaths from COVID-19 globally," said Professor Azra Ghani, Chair in Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London.
"Whilst the intense focus on the pandemic has now shifted, it is important that we ensure the most vulnerable people in all parts of the world are protected from ongoing circulation of COVID-19 and from the other major diseases that continue to disproportionately affect the poorest," Ghani said.
The authors note several limitations to their findings. Notably, their model is based on a number of necessary assumptions, including the precise proportions of which vaccine types have been delivered, how they were delivered and the precise timing of when new virus variants arrived in each country.
They also assumed that the relationship between age and the proportion of COVID-19 deaths occurring among infected individuals is the same for each country.

Children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can experience symptoms of long COVID lasting at least two months, according to a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal on Thursday.
The largest study to date of long COVID symptoms in children aged 0-14 years used national level sampling of children in Denmark and matched COVID-19 positive cases with a control group with no prior history of a the disease.
In the study, surveys were sent to the mother or guardian of children between 0-14 years who had tested positive for COVID-19 between January 2020 and July 2021.
In total, responses were received for almost 11,000 children with a positive COVID-19 test result who were matched by age and sex to over 33,000 children who had never tested positive for COVID-19.
The surveys asked participants about the 23 most common symptoms of long COVID in children and used the World Health Organization definition of long COVID as symptoms lasting more than two months.
The most commonly reported symptoms among children 0-3 years old were mood swings, rashes, and stomach aches.
Among 4-11 years old the most commonly reported symptoms were mood swings, trouble remembering or concentrating, and rashes, and among 12-14 years old, fatigue, mood swings, and trouble remembering or concentrating.
The results of the study found children diagnosed with COVID-19 in all age groups to be more likely to experience at least one symptom for two months or longer than the control group.
In the 0-3 years age group 40 per cent of children diagnosed with COVID-19 (478 of 1,194 children) experienced symptoms for longer than two months, compared to 27 per cent of controls (1,049 of 3,855 children).
For the 4-11 years age group the ratio was 38 per cent of cases (1,912 of 5,023 children) compared to 34 per cent of controls (6,189 of 18,372 children), and for the 12-14 years age group, 46 per cent of cases (1,313 of 2,857 children) compared to 41 per cent of controls (4,454 of 10,789 children) experienced long-lasting symptoms.
The types of non-specific symptoms associated with long COVID are often experienced by otherwise healthy children; headache, mood swings, abdominal pain, and fatigue are all symptoms of common ailments that children experience which are unrelated to COVID-19.
However, the study revealed that children with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to experience long-lasting symptoms than children who had never had a positive diagnosis, suggesting that these symptoms were a presentation of long COVID.
This is supported by approximately one third of children with positive COVID-19 tests experiencing symptoms that were not present before the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the researchers said.

Long Covid in infected children can last at least two months: Lancet study

Children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can experience symptoms of long Covid lasting at least two months, according to a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal

In the 0-3 years age group 40 per cent of children diagnosed with COVID-19 (478 of 1,194 children) experienced symptoms for longer than two months, compared to 27 per cent of controls (1,049 of 3,855 children).

Children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus can experience symptoms of long COVID lasting at least two months, according to a study published in The Lancet Child &amp; Adolescent Health journal on Thursday.
The largest study to date of long COVID symptoms in children aged 0-14 years used national level sampling of children in Denmark and matched COVID-19 positive cases with a control group with no prior history of a the disease.
In the study, surveys were sent to the mother or guardian of children between 0-14 years who had tested positive for COVID-19 between January 2020 and July 2021.
In total, responses were received for almost 11,000 children with a positive COVID-19 test result who were matched by age and sex to over 33,000 children who had never tested positive for COVID-19.
The surveys asked participants about the 23 most common symptoms of long COVID in children and used the World Health Organization definition of long COVID as symptoms lasting more than two months.
The most commonly reported symptoms among children 0-3 years old were mood swings, rashes, and stomach aches.
Among 4-11 years old the most commonly reported symptoms were mood swings, trouble remembering or concentrating, and rashes, and among 12-14 years old, fatigue, mood swings, and trouble remembering or concentrating.
ALSO WATCH: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/international-day-of-yoga-2022-include-yoga-in-your-daily-routine-if-you-re-diabetic-1655794690972" target="_blank">International Day of Yoga 2022: Include Yoga in your daily routine if you're diabetic</a>
The results of the study found children diagnosed with COVID-19 in all age groups to be more likely to experience at least one symptom for two months or longer than the control group.
In the 0-3 years age group 40 per cent of children diagnosed with COVID-19 (478 of 1,194 children) experienced symptoms for longer than two months, compared to 27 per cent of controls (1,049 of 3,855 children).
For the 4-11 years age group the ratio was 38 per cent of cases (1,912 of 5,023 children) compared to 34 per cent of controls (6,189 of 18,372 children), and for the 12-14 years age group, 46 per cent of cases (1,313 of 2,857 children) compared to 41 per cent of controls (4,454 of 10,789 children) experienced long-lasting symptoms.
The types of non-specific symptoms associated with long COVID are often experienced by otherwise healthy children; headache, mood swings, abdominal pain, and fatigue are all symptoms of common ailments that children experience which are unrelated to COVID-19.
However, the study revealed that children with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to experience long-lasting symptoms than children who had never had a positive diagnosis, suggesting that these symptoms were a presentation of long COVID.
This is supported by approximately one third of children with positive COVID-19 tests experiencing symptoms that were not present before the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the researchers said.

Senior Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has not travelled to the United Kingdom for the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test match after testing positive for Covid-19, a BCCI source told PTI. 
The off-spinner had tested positive before the Indian squad's departure on June 16 and is currently under quarantine, the BCCI source further informed. 
'The board is hopeful that Ashwin will recover in time before the England Test which starts on June 1st', they said. 
The 35-year-old who would likely miss the warm-up Test against Leicestershire will only fly to England after meeting all protocol requirements. The warm-up Test starts on June 24th.
The rest of the Indian squad had already arrived in the UK for the upcoming Edgbaston Test. Head coach Rahul Dravid along with Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant has also reached London after finishing the 5-match T20I series vs South Africa. 

IND Vs ENG: R Ashwin tests positive for Covid-19, misses London flight

R Ashwin had tested positive before Indian Team's departure to England on June 16. He is currently under quarantine. 

Tap to read more.

The off-spinner had tested positive before the Indian squad's departure and is currently under quarantine, the BCCI source further informed.&nbsp;

Senior Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has not travelled to the United Kingdom for the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test match after testing positive for Covid-19, a BCCI source told PTI.&nbsp;
The off-spinner had tested positive before the Indian squad's departure on June 16 and is currently under quarantine, the BCCI source further informed.&nbsp;
'The board is hopeful that Ashwin will recover in time before the England Test which starts on July 1st', they said.&nbsp;
The 35-year-old who would likely miss the warm-up Test against Leicestershire will only fly to England after meeting all protocol requirements. The warm-up Test starts on June 24th.
The rest of the Indian squad had already arrived in the UK for the upcoming Edgbaston Test. Head coach Rahul Dravid along with Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant has also reached London after finishing the 5-match T20I series vs South Africa.&nbsp; Also Read <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/india-tour-of-england-team-india-arrive-in-leicester-for-warm-up-match-1655728482091">India tour of England: Team India arrive in Leicester for warm-up match</a>

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Asia Cup 2022

A one-time tax has been imposed by the Argentinian govt on the country's richest people to help pay for medical supplies and relief for businesses struggling due to Covid-19.Those with assets of more than 200 million pesos that is about $2.3million will have to pay about 3% on assets declared within the country and over 5% on assets held abroad. The tax will apply to around 12,000 people.The Argentinian government hopes to raise around $3bn. The money will also help fund scholarships and social aid. The country's Opposition however has criticised the tax as 'confiscatory'.

Covid-19: Argentina imposes tax on rich to offset pandemic costs

A one-time tax has been imposed by the Argentinian govt on the country's richest people to help pay for medical supplies and relief for businesses struggling due to Covid-19. Those with assets of more than 200 million pesos that is about $2.3million will have to pay about 3% on assets declared within the country and over 5% on assets held abroad. The tax will apply to around 12,000 people. The Argentinian government hopes to raise around $3bn. The money will also help fund scholarships and social aid. The country's Opposition however has criticised the tax as 'confiscatory'.

A one-time tax has been imposed by the Argentinian govt on the country's richest people to help pay for medical supplies and relief for businesses struggling due to Covid-19. Those with assets of more than 200 million pesos that is about $2.3million will have to pay about 3% on assets declared within the country and over 5% on assets held abroad. The tax will apply to around 12,000 people. The Argentinian government hopes to raise around $3bn. The money will also help fund scholarships and social aid. The country's Opposition however has criticised the tax as 'confiscatory'.

Australian cricketer Tahlia McGrath had tested positive for Covid-19 before the final of the CWG T20 game against India. The all-rounder despite contracting the Coronavirus played the gold medal match. McGrath who showed mild symptoms returned a positive test on Sunday. However, the Commonwealth Games Australia allowed her to participate in the match after consultation from CWG medical experts group, Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement. Her participation was also approved by International Cricket Council. The Australian board further in its statement said that to minimise the risk of transmission a range of comprehensive protocols have been implemented which will be observed throughout the game and for post match activity.The Aussie did not line up for the national anthem and was seen sitting alone in the dugout. However, McGrath who was dismissed after scoring 2 came out to bat without the mask. Later, McGrath came out for fielding and caught Shafali Verma, but was seen celebrating the catch at a distance from her teammates. 

CWG 2022 : Australia's Tahlia McGrath allowed to play final against India despite testing Covid positive

In a first, Australian all-rounder Tahlia McGrath was allowed to play the final against India at the #CommonwealthGames despite testing positive for Covid-19.

Watch or read the full story 


CWG: Australia's Tahlia McGrath allowed to play final against India despite testing Covid positive

The Commonwealth Games Australia allowed McGrath to participate in the match after consultation from CWG medical experts group, Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement.

Commonwealth Games&nbsp; 2022 : A risky decision by the ICC and Commonwealth Games organisers!
Australian cricketer Tahlia McGrath was allowed to participate in the gold medal match against India despite testing positive for Covid-19.
McGrath, who showed mild symptoms of the virus, returned a positive test on Sunday. However, the<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/commonwealth-games-2022/watch-indian-women-s-hockey-team-s-crazy-dancing-celebrations-after-winning-bronze-1659927274426"> </a><a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/commonwealth-games-2022">Commonwealth Games</a> Australia allowed her to participate in the match after consultation from <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cwg-amit-panghal-bags-2nd-gold-in-boxing-for-india-1659866379443">CWG</a> medical experts group, Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement. Her participation was also approved by the International Cricket Council.
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/commonwealth-games-2022/watch-indian-women-s-hockey-team-s-crazy-dancing-celebrations-after-winning-bronze-1659927274426">CWG 2022: India's top medal hopes on day 8</a>
The Australian board further said that to minimise the risk of transmission a range of comprehensive protocols have been put in place which will be observed throughout the game and for post-match activity.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/commonwealth-games-2022/cwg-2022-india-s-top-medal-contenders-on-day-9-1659754603387">CWG 2022: India's top medal contenders on day 9</a>
The Aussie all-rounder did not line up for the national anthem and was seen sitting alone in the stands. However, McGrath who was dismissed after scoring only 2 came out to bat without the mask.&nbsp;
In the 2nd innings too, McGrath came out to field without the mask. She caught Shafali Verma and was seen celebrating the catch at a distance from her teammates.&nbsp;
Even though the safe distance was maintained, many are wondering whether she should have been allowed to play at all, considering the virus spreads rapidly and is transmissible through air. It puts not just her teammates, but the opposition members at risk as well. Also Read <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cwg-world-champion-nikhat-zareen-wins-50-kg-title-at-birmingham-2022-1659879634708">CWG: World Champion Nikhat Zareen wins 50 kg title at Birmingham 2022</a>

Ace shuttler and one of India's top medal contenders, PV Sindhu, had a Covid-19 scare upon her arrival in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022.
According to a report in the Times of India, Sindhu's RT-PCR test results showed some deviations, which forced the authorities to put her in isolation for some time. The 2-time Olympic medallist was told to not come in contact with her badminton contingent till her second result came out. 
To everyone's relief, Sindhu's test result came out to be negative and she was then allowed to check into the Games Village on Tuesday. 
The report further states that it was because of this scare that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) delayed the announcement of India's flagbearer for the Games.
Also read: CWG 2022: Manpreet Singh joins PV Sindhu as India's flagbearer in the absence of Neeraj Chopra
 

CWG 2022: Covid-19 scare for PV Sindhu, Indian shuttler was put in isolation in Birmingham

PV Sindhu was told to not come in contact with her badminton contingent till her second result came out upon landing in Birmingham

The IOA delayed the announcement of India's flagbearer for CWG 2022 due to PV Sindhu's Covid-19 scare

Ace shuttler and one of India's top medal contenders, PV Sindhu, had a Covid-19 scare upon her arrival in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022.
According to a report in the Times of India, Sindhu's RT-PCR test results showed some deviations, which forced the authorities to put her in isolation for some time. The 2-time Olympic medallist was told to not come in contact with her badminton contingent till her second result came out.&nbsp;
To everyone's relief, Sindhu's test result came out to be negative and she was then allowed to check into the Games Village on Tuesday.&nbsp;
The report further states that it was because of this scare that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) delayed the announcement of India's flagbearer for the Games.
Also read: <a title="CWG 2022: Manpreet Singh joins PV Sindhu as India's flagbearer in the absence of Neeraj Chopra" href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/commonwealth-games-2022/cwg-2022-manpreet-singh-joins-pv-sindhu-as-india-s-flagbearer-in-the-absence-of-neeraj-chopra-1658981354439" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">CWG 2022: Manpreet Singh joins PV Sindhu as India's flagbearer in the absence of Neeraj Chopra</a>
&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic's US Open hopes suffered another blow after the tournament organisers said that they would respect the United States government's rules on the Covid-19 vaccine.
The US require non-citizens to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus to enter the country, meaning Djokovic, who has made it repeatedly clear that he will not take the vaccine, will not be given an entry.
A statement from the US Open, which does not have its own vaccination rules, read: 'The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens.'
Interestingly, almost 12,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the US Tennis Association to work with the country's government to allow Djokovic to compete in the U.S. Open.
As things stand, Djokovic, who recently won the Wimbledon, will not be eligible to play the season's final Grand Slam. The Serbian has often stated that he was willing to forgo trophies to maintain his unvaccinated status, saying he wants to control what he puts in his body. 
Also read: Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay as lawmakers consider banning gay relationships
 

Novak Djokovic set to miss US Open over vaccination status

Novak Djokovic's US Open hopes suffered another blow after the tournament organisers said that they would respect the United States government's rules on the Covid-19 vaccine

The US require non-citizens to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus to enter the country, meaning Djokovic, who has made it repeatedly clear that he will not take the vaccine, will not be given an entry

Novak Djokovic's US Open hopes suffered another blow after the tournament organisers said that they would respect the United States government's rules on the Covid-19 vaccine.
The US require non-citizens to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus to enter the country, meaning Djokovic, who has made it repeatedly clear that he will not take the vaccine, will not be given an entry.
A statement from the US Open, which does not have its own vaccination rules, read: 'The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens.'
Interestingly, almost 12,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the US Tennis Association to work with the country's government to allow Djokovic to compete in the U.S. Open.
As things stand, Djokovic, who recently won the Wimbledon, will not be eligible to play the season's final Grand Slam. The Serbian has often stated that he was willing to forgo trophies to maintain his unvaccinated status, saying he wants to control what he puts in his body.&nbsp;
Also read: <a title="Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay as lawmakers consider banning gay relationships" href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/others-sports/russian-tennis-star-daria-kasatkina-comes-out-as-gay-as-lawmakers-consider-banning-gay-relationships-1658230372033" target="_blank">Russian tennis star Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay as lawmakers consider banning gay relationships</a>
&nbsp;

Eighteen months after launching the nationwide Covid vaccination drive, India crossed a major milestone - that of administering over 200 crore vaccines.
The vaccination drive began on 16 January 2021. India had crossed the 100-crore milestone 277 days after launching of the drive. The highest single-day tally of jabs has been 2.5 crore on 17 September 2021.
Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India had created history again. The PM congratulated the nation, while expressing pride in those who contributed to making the vaccination drive "unparalleled in scale and speed". Modi added that throughout the process, Indians showed "remarkable faith in science".
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the vaccination journey a "mighty epitome of Sabka Prayas", which is a part of the Modi government's motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas".
India currently has over 1.4 lakh active cases, with more than 20,500 new cases being recorded between 16 and 17 July.

India crosses mega 200-crore Covid vaccine milestone

India crosses 200-crore Covid vaccine milestone Over 200 crore Covid jabs administered in India India's Covid vaccine drive began on 16 Jan 2021

Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India had created history again.

Eighteen months after launching the nationwide Covid vaccination drive, India crossed a major milestone - that of administering over 200 crore vaccines.
The vaccination drive began on 16 January 2021. India had crossed the 100-crore milestone 277 days after launching of the drive. The highest single-day tally of jabs has been 2.5 crore on 17 September 2021.
Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India had created history again. The PM congratulated the nation, while expressing pride in those who contributed to making the vaccination drive "unparalleled in scale and speed". Modi added that throughout the process, Indians showed "remarkable faith in science".
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the vaccination journey a "mighty epitome of Sabka Prayas", which is a part of the Modi government's motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas".
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/free-covid-precaution-doses-for-18-59-age-group-from-july-15-at-govt-centres-1657725280583" target="_blank">Free Covid precaution doses for 18-59 age group from July 15 at govt centres</a>
India currently has over 1.4 lakh active cases, with more than 20,500 new cases being recorded between 16 and 17 July.

The Union government is set to rollout free precaution doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for people in the 18-59 age group at government vaccination centres from July 15 onwards.

Free Covid precaution doses for 18-59 age group from July 15 at govt centres for 75 days

The Union government is set to rollout free precaution doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for people in the 18-59 age group at government vaccination centres from July 15 onwards.


So far, less than 1 percent of the target population of 77 crore in the 18-59 age group have been administered the precaution dose, an official source said.

As part of a 75-day special drive, the Union government is set to rollout free precaution doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for people in the 18-59 age group at government vaccination centres from July 15 onwards, official sources said on Wednesday.
The drive, aimed at boosting the uptake of Covid precaution doses, will be held as part of the government's Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence.
So far, less than 1 percent of the target population of 77 crore in the 18-59 age group have been administered the precaution dose. However, around 26 percent of the estimated 16 crore eligible population aged 60 and above as well as healthcare and frontline workers have received the booster dose, an official source said.
"A majority of the Indian population got their second dose over nine months ago. Studies at ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and other international research institutions have suggested that antibody levels wane around six months after the primary vaccination with both doses... giving a booster increases the immune response," the official said.
"The government is therefore planning to start a special drive for 75 days during which individuals aged between 18 and 59 years will be administered precaution doses for free at government vaccination centres starting from July 15," he said.
The Union Health Ministry last week reduced the gap between the second and precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccine for all beneficiaries from nine to six months. This followed a recommendation from the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).
To accelerate the pace of vaccination and encourage booster shots, the government initiated the second round of the 'Har Ghar Dastak campaign 2.0' across states and Union Territories on June 1. The two-month programme is currently underway.
According to government data, 96 percent of India's population has been administered the first dose of Covid vaccine while 87 percent of the people have taken both doses.
On April 10 2022, India began administering precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines to all aged above 18 years.
The countrywide vaccination drive had rolled out on January 16 last year with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase. Vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2 last year.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/new-covid-sub-variant-ba-2-75-detected-in-india-who-1657176377562" target="_blank">New covid sub-variant BA 2.75 detected in India: WHO</a>
On March 1 last year, COVID-19 vaccination began for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified comorbid conditions. &nbsp;Vaccination for all people aged more than 45 years began on April 1 last year. The government then decided to expand the ambit of the vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 years to be inoculated against Covid from May 1 last year.
Inoculation of those in the age group of 15-18 commenced on January 3 this year. The country began inoculating children aged 12-14 from March 16.&nbsp;

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