Pfizer says it has received initial data showing that a third dose of its existing vaccine is safe & can raise neutralising antibody levels by 5 to 10 fold compared with original vaccine.
Pfizer CEO Dr Albert Bourla also said that the local manufacturing of vaccines by the Serum Institute of India will provide the backbone of vaccinating the Indian people.
Study finds Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has favourable safety profile in 12-15-year-olds, produces greater immune response than in young adults, is highly effective against Covid-19.
Modi government has so far stood firm on not offering indemnity to Covid vaccine makers. But vaccine shortage could force it reconsider as it negotiates with foreign companies.
Most of the cases occurred in young men, especially those aged 16-19. In most cases, patients were hospitalised for 4 days or less & 95% of the cases were classified as mild.
Pfizer says it is encouraged by both the real-world data and laboratory studies of the vaccine & sees no evidence that 'virus or circulating variants of concern regularly escape protection'.
NITI Aayog member Paul said Centre has engaged continuously with all the major international Covid vaccine makers since mid-2020, including discussions with Pfizer, J&J & Moderna.
Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.
Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.
21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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