Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine is the first requiring just a single injection. (Reuters photo)
The World Health Organization on Friday approved the emergency listing of Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine, giving its seal of approval to expedite use especially in countries with weaker regulatory agencies.
It is the third Covid-19 vaccine after the two-shot regimens of Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca to receive backing from the WHO, and the first requiring just a single injection.
The listing covers use in all countries, for roll-out of the vaccine facility COVAX and follows the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorisation announcement on Thursday.
The two women were given the coronavirus vaccine in January. (Representative photo: PTI)
Two women who work as Anganwadi workers have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) after taking the first covid vaccine dose in the month of January.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
This is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. It is triggered by an acute bacterial or viral infection.
Serious case of AEFI
They are currently being treated at a hospital. Officials state that they were administered the Covishield vaccine and are among the state s serious cases of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI).
Officials in the health department tell us that the first woman aged 35, is at the Kasturba Medical Hospital in Manipal. The other woman aged 45, is being treated at Bengaluru s NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences).
Increase number of days, sites for vaccination drives: Health Ministry in letter to states
Increase number of days, sites for vaccination drives: Health Ministry in letter to states
In a letter to states, the Union health secretary has expressed the need to increase number of days and sites for vaccination drives in the country.
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Vaccine watchers have spoken about the need to vaccinate more. (File photo: PTI)
Concerned over the slow pace of vaccinations against coronavirus, the Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan has written a letter asking states to enhance the pace of vaccinations . India Today has accessed the letter that is dated February 19 and has been addressed to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories.
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech has submitted data that says their coronavirus vaccines no longer need ultra-cold storage and can be stored in refrigerators now.