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With the Omicron variant apparently causing a fresh surge in infections, India has joined the long list of countries providing an extra vaccine shot to vulnerable groups.
 

Does vaccine booster protect against Omicron hospitalisation? Your doubts cleared amid Covid spike

A UK study found that three vaccine doses provide up to 88% protection against hospitalisation due to Omicron infection.

&nbsp;
((SHORT OPENING BYTES))
BYTE NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER, INDIA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5wktdB1hkA
(0:33 - 0:46) In many countries, Covid cases are rising due to new variant Omicron. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSDT4oaoeOw
​(1:23 - 1:31, 2:07 - 2:10)
Healthcare and frontline workers will get vaccine's precaution dose. Those aged above 60 years with comorbidities (also eligible).
&nbsp;
 ((VACCINATION VISUALS))
 VO: Booster shot of the Covid vaccine - to get or not to get?
&nbsp;
 ((CROWD VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;With the Omicron variant apparently causing a fresh surge in infections, India has joined the long list of countries providing an extra vaccine shot to vulnerable groups.
&nbsp;
 ((LOCKDOWN VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;As strict restrictions make a comeback, here's everything you need to know about booster shots which may help prevent a 2021-like disastrous Covid wave.
&nbsp;
 ((BIG PLATE WITH VACCINATION IMAGE AND TEXT -&nbsp;BOOSTER SHOTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW))
&nbsp;
 ((VACCINATION VISUALS))
 VO:&nbsp;First of all, there has been some confusion regarding the difference between additional vaccine doses, and booster shots.
&nbsp;
 ((SPLIT WINDOW GFX)) HEADER - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
 SUBHEADER - BOOSTER SHOT Given after protection from original vaccine shots begins to wane over time
 SUBHEADER - ADDITIONAL DOSE Given to immunocompromised patients to aid response to original vaccine shots
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX:&nbsp;Booster doses are given after protection induced by the original shots begins to wane over time.&nbsp;However, additional vaccines are only given to people who have a compromised immune system, and therefore need help to improve their response to the original shots. These include cancer and HIV patients, among others.
&nbsp;
 ((VACCINATION VISUALS))
 VO: India is calling its booster shots a 'precautionary dose'. Reports have quoted experts as saying that these are boosters, rather than additional doses of vaccines.
&nbsp;
 ((BIG PLATE WITH VACCINATION IMAGE AND TEXT -&nbsp;DO BOOSTERS HELP AGAINST OMICRON?))
 VO: So, do boosters really help in improving immunity against Covid, especially the Omicron variant?
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - BOOSTERS, HOSPITALS, AND OMICRON
 3 VACCINE DOSES = 88% PROTECTION FROM HOSPITALISATION 2 VACCINE DOSES (TILL 6 MONTHS) = 72% PROTECTION FROM HOSPITALISATION 2 VACCINE DOSES (AFTER 6 MONTHS) = 52% PROTECTION FROM HOSPITALISATION
 *UK STUDY
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: Early studies in the UK have shown that a third dose of the vaccine can provide up to 88% protection against hospitalisation from infection by Omicron. Those with only two shots have up to 72% protection. Researchers said that vaccine efficacy against hospitalisation drops to 52% against Omicron around 6 months after taking the second shot.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
((ENGLAND HOSPITAL VISUALS))
 VO: A report said that over four-fifths of Omicron patients in England's hospitals had not had booster shots.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - USA'S OMICRON BATTLE
 HOSPITALISATION 8 TIMES HIGHER FOR UNVACCINATED ADULTS HOSPITALISATION 10 TIMES HIGHER FOR MINORS AGED 12 TO 17
 *CNN REPORT NOV CUMULATIVE HOSPITALISATION RATE
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: In the US, hospitalisation has hit a 4-month high, with over 1 lakh people admitted. In America, cumulative hospitalisation rates through November are around 8 times higher for unvaccinated adults, and 10 times higher for unvaccinated children aged 12 to 17, as per a news report.
&nbsp;
 BYTEJOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb3M0e8cPos
(1:04 - 1:11, 1:35 - 1:48) JAN 5, 2022 Get vaccinated, get boosters. There's plenty of booster shots. Wear a mask while you're in public.&nbsp;We have booster shots for the whole nation. You can still get Covid, but it's highly unlikely that you'll become seriously ill.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 ((BIG PLATE WITH VACCINATION IMAGE AND TEXT -&nbsp;WHICH COUNTRIES ARE GIVING BOOSTERS?))
 As per the World Health Organisation, over 120 countries have started implementing booster or additional vaccine programmes.
&nbsp;
 ((WORLD MAP GFX - ARROW ON COUNTRY MATCHING WITH VO, WITH TEXT AT BOTTOM OF SCREEN)) HEADER - GLOBAL BOOSTER SITUATION
 USA FULLY VACCINATED ADULTS ELIGIBLE; 16-17 YR OLDS CAN GET PFIZER BOOSTER
 CANADA PANEL RECOMMENDED EXTRA DOSE TO IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS
 EUROPE C.D.C. RECOMMENDED BOOSTERS FOR ALL ADULTS, PRIORITY FOR THOSE AGED 40+
 ENGLAND BOOSTERS FOR ALL ADULTS, 3 MONTHS AFTER SECOND SHOT
 SOUTH AFRICA J&amp;J BOOSTERS AVAILABLE SINCE DEC 24, 2021
 EGYPT
 KENYA
 MOROCCO
 NIGERIA
 TUNISIA
 ZAMBIA
 BANGLADESH BOOSTERS FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS
 INDONESIA
 MALAYSIA
 SINGAPORE
 PHILIPPINES
 ISRAEL 4TH DOSE FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED, ELDERLY IN CARE FACILITIES
 INDIA HEALTHCARE, FRONTLINE WORKERS; THOSE AGED 60+ WITH COMORBIDITIES ELIGIBLE
&nbsp;
 *AS PER REUTERS REPORT NOT COMPREHENSIVE LIST
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: In the US, apart from fully vaccinated adults, even 16 and 17 year olds can get boosters, albeit only Pfizer-BioNTech.&nbsp;Canada's immunisation advisory committee has recommended mRNA vaccine boosters to those with moderately or severely compromised immune systems, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;The European CDC has recommended vaccine boosters for all adults, with priority for those aged above 40.&nbsp;England is offering boosters to all adults, 3 months after the second shot.
 In South Africa, where Omicron was first detected, boosters of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine have been available since Dec 24, as per Reuters.&nbsp;Other African nations like Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia also have booster programmes, as per reports.
 Closer home, Bangladesh is offering boosters to frontline workers. Other Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, among others have booster schemes. Significantly, Israel is now offering a fourth dose to the immunocompromised and elderly.
 India's booster scheme is limited to a few groups.
&nbsp;
 BYTENARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER, INDIA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSDT4oaoeOw (0:49 - 1:32, 1:43 - 2:24)DEC 25, 2021 Corona warriors, healthcare and frontline workers, are playing a big role in keeping the country safe. They spend a lot of time serving Covid patients. As a precautionary measure, the government has decided that healthcare and frontline workers will get vaccine's precaution dose. The elderly and those with comorbidities should take greater precaution. Keeping this in mind, those aged above 60 years and with comorbidities will have an option of taking vaccine's precaution dose as per doctor's advice.
 BYTE Dr V.K. PAUL, MEMBER, NITI AAYOG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgBLVNGSyxk &nbsp; (30:15 - 30:48) JAN 5 ,2022
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 ((VACCINATION VISUALS))
 However, even as more and more countries roll out booster programmes, voices of criticism have been rising, led by the World Health Organisation.
&nbsp;
 BYTE
Dr TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, DIRECTOR GENERAL, WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_0ZBqfIKc ​(0:19 - 0:44, 1:04 - 1:13)
DEC 22, 2021
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

<div>A UK study found that three vaccine doses provide up to 88% protection against hospitalisation due to Omicron infection.</div>

India has joined a long list of nations administering Covid-19 vaccine's booster doses. In an address to the nation in December 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi specified that the 'precautionary' third dose of the vaccines would be reserved for healthcare and frontline workers. Those aged above 60 years with comorbidities are also eligible for a booster shot based on their doctor's advice. Coinciding with a surge in cases believed to be due to the Omicron variant, many doubts have emerged among the general populace. Here are answers to frequently asked questions on booster shots.
 BOOSTER Vs ADDITIONAL DOSES
 Booster doses are distinct from additional doses of vaccines. The former&nbsp;are given after protection induced by the original shots begins to wane over time.&nbsp;However, additional vaccines are only given to people who have a compromised immune system, and therefore need help to improve their response to the original shots. These include cancer and HIV patients, among others.&nbsp;India is calling its booster shots a 'precautionary dose'. Reports have quoted experts as saying that these are boosters, rather than additional doses of vaccines.
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/india-crosses-145-crore-covid-19-vaccinations-milestone-1640959041689" target="_blank">India crosses 145 crore Covid-19 vaccinations milestone</a> 
BOOSTER EFFICACY
 The biggest question in people's minds is whether a booster shot provides protection against hospitalisation, especially if an individual is infected with the Omicron variant.&nbsp;Early studies in the UK have shown that a third dose of the vaccine can provide up to 88% protection against hospitalisation from infection by Omicron. Those with only two shots have up to 72% protection. Researchers said that vaccine efficacy against hospitalisation drops to 52% against Omicron around 6 months after taking the second shot.&nbsp;A report said that over four-fifths of Omicron patients in England's hospitals had not had booster shots.
 COUNTRIES GIVING BOOSTERS
 As per the World Health Organisation, over 120 countries have started implementing booster or additional vaccine programmes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the US, apart from fully vaccinated adults, even 16 and 17 year olds can get boosters, albeit only Pfizer-BioNTech.&nbsp;Canada's immunisation advisory committee has recommended mRNA vaccine boosters to those with moderately or severely compromised immune systems, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;The European CDC has recommended vaccine boosters for all adults, with priority for those aged above 40.&nbsp;England is offering boosters to all adults, 3 months after the second shot.
In South Africa, where Omicron was first detected, boosters of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine have been available since Dec 24, as per Reuters.&nbsp;Other African nations like Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Zambia also have booster programmes, as per reports.
 Closer home, Bangladesh is offering boosters to frontline workers. Other Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, among others have booster schemes. Significantly, Israel is now offering a fourth dose to the immunocompromised and elderly.
 THE CRITICISM
 However, even as more and more countries roll out booster programmes, voices of criticism have been rising, led by the World Health Organisation. The international health policy body's chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern about 'blanket booster programmes' worsening vaccine inequity across the world. He pointed out that while well-to-do countries are administering extra doses, poorer countries are yet to reach a significant milestone in primary vaccination. He said that blanket booster schemes would end up prolonging the pandemic, rather than ending it.

In a first in the world, Israel is set to begin offering a fourth Covid-19 vaccine shot for over 60s, some at-risk groups and medical personnel. The move has come in the wake of the Omicron threat.
A panel of health experts recommended that medical personnel, adults over the age of 60 and other at-risk groups get the fourth dose, after waiting at least four months since the third dose.
Welcoming the move, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that it will assist Israel in getting through the Omicron wave that is "engulfing the world”. Bennett added that the additional shot would also be administered to health care workers.
Israel previously pioneered a third booster shot, rolling it out for at-risk groups before expanding the program to the general population weeks later, before much of the rest of the world. Over four million out of 9.3 million Israelis have received the third dose.

Omicron Alert: In world first. Israel set to give 4th Covid vaccine shot

Omicron scare: In world first. Israel set to give 4th Covid vaccine shot

In world first. Israel set to give 4th Covid vaccine shot

In world first. Israel set to give 4th Covid vaccine shot
4th shot for those over 60, at risk groups, health workers
Fourth dose after waiting at least four months since the third dose
Israel was the first country to give third dose to its citizens

Omicron scare: Israel to give fourth Covid-19 vaccine shot to people over 60, some at-risk groups and medical personnel

In a first in the world, Israel is set to begin offering a fourth Covid-19 vaccine shot for over 60s, some at-risk groups and medical personnel. The move has come in the wake of the Omicron threat.
A panel of health experts recommended that medical personnel, adults over the age of 60 and other at-risk groups get the fourth dose, after waiting at least four months since the third dose.
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/another-storm-coming-who-warns-of-omicron-surge-in-europe-1640140054153" target="_blank">'Another storm coming': WHO warns of Omicron surge in Europe</a>
Welcoming the move, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that it will assist Israel in getting through the Omicron wave that is "engulfing the world&rdquo;. Bennett added that the additional shot would also be administered to health care workers.
Israel previously pioneered a third booster shot, rolling it out for at-risk groups before expanding the program to the general population weeks later, before much of the rest of the world. Over four million out of 9.3 million Israelis have received the third dose.

The World Health Organization has warned Europe to prepare for a “significant surge” in coronavirus cases due to the omicron variant.
The WHO has also advised widespread use of booster shots to curtail the Covid variant that is already dominant in several countries.
“We can see another storm coming,” WHO Europe regional director Dr. Hans Kluge said at a press conference in Vienna.
The WHO official added that within weeks, omicron will dominate in more countries of the region, pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink.
Omicron has been detected in at least 38 of the WHO European region's 53 member countries, and it is already the dominant variant in the United Kingdom, Denmark and Portugal.
Last week, 27,000 people died from coronavirus in the region and an additional 2.6 million cases were reported, Kluge said.
Although these cases include all variants, not just omicron, he noted this figure is 40 per cent higher than during the same period last year.

'Another storm coming': WHO warns of Omicron surge in Europe

The World Health Organization has warned Europe to prepare for a &ldquo;significant surge&rdquo; in coronavirus cases due to the omicron variant.
The WHO has also advised widespread use of booster shots to curtail the Covid variant that is already dominant in several countries.
&ldquo;We can see another storm coming,&rdquo; WHO Europe regional director Dr. Hans Kluge said at a press conference in Vienna.
The WHO official added that within weeks, omicron will dominate in more countries of the region.
Omicron has been detected in at least 38 of the WHO European region's 53 member countries, and it is already the dominant variant in the United Kingdom, Denmark and Portugal.

Omicron Alert:&nbsp;The World Health Organization has warned Europe to prepare for a &ldquo;significant surge&rdquo; in coronavirus cases

The World Health Organization has warned Europe to prepare for a &ldquo;significant surge&rdquo; in coronavirus cases due to the omicron variant.
The WHO has also advised the widespread use of booster shots to curtail the Covid variant that is already dominant in several countries.
&ldquo;We can see another storm coming,&rdquo; WHO Europe regional director Dr. Hans Kluge said at a press conference in Vienna.
Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-bill-gates-cancels-christmas-plans-says-omicron-will-hit-home-for-all-of-us-1640140257670" target="_blank">Omicron: Bill Gates cancels Christmas plans, says 'Omicron will hit home for all of us'</a>
The WHO official added that within weeks, omicron will dominate in more countries of the region, pushing already stretched health systems further to the brink.
Omicron has been detected in at least 38 of the WHO European region's 53 member countries, and it is already the dominant variant in the United Kingdom, Denmark and Portugal.
Last week, 27,000 people died from coronavirus in the region and an additional 2.6 million cases were reported, Kluge said.
Although these cases include all variants, not just omicron, he noted this figure is 40 per cent higher than during the same period last year.

Top virologist Dr. Gagandeep Kaur has stated that according to data mRNA vaccines have proved to be the best booster shots against Covid-19 and urged the Indian government to get mRNA vaccines to India as soon as possible. Top mRNA vaccines available across countries are Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna. 
Dr Kang also pointed that India can also wait for its own mRNA platform-based vaccine by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. 
“Either the Indian government should figure out how to bring these mRNA boosters in India or we can wait for the launch of Gennova’s mRNA vaccine. This vaccine may also work for us,” she said.
Explaining the need for booster vaccines, Dr. Kang said that the available Covid-19 vaccines were the 'fastest option' to fight against the pandemic. She added that booster shots are not required for everyone, but only for the vulnerable population. 
However, the question that remains is which booster shot should be administered, she said. 
Data from a study shows that Covishield booster after Covishield vaccination gives a better immune response. There is no data available for Covaxin yet. However, as per global data collected till date confirms that mRNA vaccines work as the best boosters, she added. 
Messenger RNA or mRNA technology involves the injection of a small part of the virus’s genetic code (RNA) to stimulate the recipient’s immune response. It contains instructions for human cells to make proteins that mimic part of the novel coronavirus, spurring the immune system into action. No actual virus is contained in the vaccines.
Also Watch: Omicron: Potential scenario that our vaccines may become ineffective, says Covid panel chief

mRNA vaccines best boosters against Covid says data, Govt must get them to India: Top virologist

Dr. Gagandeep Kang, top virologist and professor has said that mRna vaccines booster shots work best against Covid-19 and the govt must work to get them to the country

Top virologist Dr. Gagandeep&nbsp;Kang&nbsp;has stated that mRNA vaccines have proved to be the best booster shots against Covid-19 according to data and urged the Indian government to get mRNA&nbsp;vaccines to the country&nbsp;as soon as possible.&nbsp;Top mRNA vaccines available across countries are Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna.&nbsp;
Dr Kang&nbsp;pointed out that India could also wait for its own mRNA platform-based vaccine by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.&nbsp;
Explaining the need for booster vaccines, Dr. Kang&nbsp;said that the available Covid-19 vaccines were the 'fastest option' to fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;She added that booster shots are not required for everyone, but only for the vulnerable population.&nbsp;
However, the question that remains is which booster shot should be administered, she said.&nbsp;
Data from a study shows that Covishield&nbsp;booster after Covishield&nbsp;vaccination gives a better immune response. There is no data available for Covaxin&nbsp;yet. However, as per global data collected till date confirms that mRNA&nbsp;vaccines work as the best boosters, Dr Kang&nbsp;added.&nbsp;
Messenger RNA or mRNA technology involves the injection of a small part of the virus&rsquo;s genetic code (RNA) to stimulate the recipient&rsquo;s immune response. It contains instructions for human cells to make proteins that mimic part of the novel&nbsp;coronavirus, spurring the immune system into action. No actual virus is contained in the vaccines.

Dr. Gagandeep&nbsp;Kang, top&nbsp;virologist and professor has said that mRna&nbsp;vaccines booster shots work best against Covid-19 and the govt must work to get them to the country

Top virologist Dr. Gagandeep&nbsp;Kang&nbsp;has stated that mRNA vaccines have proved to be the best booster shots against Covid-19 according to data and urged the Indian government to get mRNA&nbsp;vaccines to the country&nbsp;as soon as possible.&nbsp;Top mRNA vaccines available across countries are Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna.&nbsp;
Dr Kang&nbsp;pointed out that India could also wait for its own mRNA platform-based vaccine by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Either the Indian government should figure out how to bring these mRNA boosters in India or we can wait for the launch of Gennova&rsquo;s mRNA vaccine. This vaccine may also work for us,&rdquo; she said.
Explaining the need for booster vaccines, Dr. Kang&nbsp;said that the available Covid-19 vaccines were the 'fastest option' to fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;She added that booster shots are not required for everyone, but only for the vulnerable population.&nbsp;
However, the question that remains is which booster shot should be administered, she said.&nbsp;
Data from a study shows that Covishield&nbsp;booster after Covishield&nbsp;vaccination gives a better immune response. There is no data available for Covaxin&nbsp;yet. However, as per global data collected till date confirms that mRNA&nbsp;vaccines work as the best boosters, Dr Kang added.&nbsp;
Messenger RNA or mRNA technology involves the injection of a small part of the virus&rsquo;s genetic code (RNA) to stimulate the recipient&rsquo;s immune response. It contains instructions for human cells to make proteins that mimic part of the novel&nbsp;coronavirus, spurring the immune system into action. No actual virus is contained in the vaccines.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/omicron-potential-scenario-that-our-vaccines-may-become-ineffective-says-covid-panel-chief-1639533686683" target="_blank">Omicron: Potential scenario that our vaccines may become ineffective, says Covid panel chief</a>

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.
While there was still little evidence that additional doses were needed to protect against developing severe Covid disease, many vulnerable people and health workers in poorer nations have yet to receive a single dose and remain at great risk.
 

Amid Omicron fears, WHO warns against vaccine hoarding by rich countries

Amid Omicron spread, WHO has warned against vaccine hoarding by rich countries, advises against booster shots

WHO warns against vaccine hoarding by rich countries

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said on Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.

Omicron Variant:&nbsp;The WHO&nbsp;has warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the Covid pandemic

The World Health Organisation expressed concerns on Thursday that rich countries spooked by the Omicron variant could step up the hoarding of Covid-19 vaccines and strain global supplies again. The UN body warned that vaccine hoarding by the rich nations may complicate efforts to stamp out the pandemic.
The WHO has reiterated its advice to governments against the widespread use of boosters in their populations. It has asked the well-stocked countries to send doses to low-income countries that have largely lacked access to them.
Meanwhile, the European Union's drug regulator said Thursday it is closely following the spread of the new variant and whether new vaccines will be required to fight it. Vaccine makers are racing to update their Covid-19 shots against the newest coronavirus threat even before it's clear a change is needed.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/coronavirus/who-s-warning-on-omicron-may-change-pandemic-course-without-action-1639025751148" target="_blank">WHO's warning on Omicron: 'May change pandemic course without action'</a>
While there was still little evidence that additional doses were needed to protect against developing severe Covid disease, many vulnerable people and health workers in poorer nations have yet to receive a single dose and remain at great risk.
&nbsp;

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa, news agency AFP has reported.
The new vaccine has been designed using the same base as the main AstraZeneca shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant.
The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.
Initial data from the trial is expected later this year.
"Testing booster doses of existing vaccines and new variant vaccines is important to ensure we are best prepared to stay ahead of the pandemic," the Oxford Vaccine Group said.
&nbsp;

AstraZeneca testing booster shot against Covid Beta variant

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa, news agency AFP has reported.
The new vaccine has been designed using the same base as the main AstraZeneca shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant.
The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.
Initial data from the trial is expected later this year.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa, news agency AFP has reported.
The new vaccine has been designed using the same base as the main AstraZeneca shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant.
The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.
Initial data from the trial is expected later this year.
"Testing booster doses of existing vaccines and new variant vaccines is important to ensure we are best prepared to stay ahead of the pandemic," the Oxford Vaccine Group said.
&nbsp;

booster shot

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