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Covid live: Germany to begin rollout of Novavax’s jab; New Zealand to end vaccine mandates after Omicron peak Covid live: Germany to begin rollout of Novavax’s jab; New Zealand to end vaccine mandates after Omicron peak
(32 minutes later)
Latest updates: Germany hopes protein-based vaccine comparable to flu jabs will help sway people sceptical of mRNA vaccinesLatest updates: Germany hopes protein-based vaccine comparable to flu jabs will help sway people sceptical of mRNA vaccines
Our Berlin bureau chief, Philip Oltermann, reports on the rollout of Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine in Germany:Our Berlin bureau chief, Philip Oltermann, reports on the rollout of Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine in Germany:
Germany will offer its population a new protein-based Covid-19 vaccine comparable to conventional flu jabs this week, in the hope of swaying a sizeable minority that remains sceptical of the novel mRNA technology used in the most commonly used vaccines.Germany will offer its population a new protein-based Covid-19 vaccine comparable to conventional flu jabs this week, in the hope of swaying a sizeable minority that remains sceptical of the novel mRNA technology used in the most commonly used vaccines.
About 1.4m doses of the Nuvaxovid vaccine developed by the US biotech company Novavax are to arrive in Germany this week, the country’s health minister, Karl Lauterbach, confirmed last Friday. A further 1m doses are to arrive the week after, with the German government’s total order for the year 2022 amounting to 34m doses.About 1.4m doses of the Nuvaxovid vaccine developed by the US biotech company Novavax are to arrive in Germany this week, the country’s health minister, Karl Lauterbach, confirmed last Friday. A further 1m doses are to arrive the week after, with the German government’s total order for the year 2022 amounting to 34m doses.
Novavax’s product has until now only been used in Indonesia and the Philippines, but was permitted for use in the EU last December. It is still awaiting authorisation in the US, as some concerns about the company’s production capacity persist.Novavax’s product has until now only been used in Indonesia and the Philippines, but was permitted for use in the EU last December. It is still awaiting authorisation in the US, as some concerns about the company’s production capacity persist.
Unlike the novel mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna or viral vector made by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, Nuvaxovid is a protein subunit vaccine. It contains a non-infectious component on the surface of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, which induces a protective immune response when the body’s immune cells come into contact with it.Unlike the novel mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna or viral vector made by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, Nuvaxovid is a protein subunit vaccine. It contains a non-infectious component on the surface of the Sars-CoV-2 virus, which induces a protective immune response when the body’s immune cells come into contact with it.
Novavax announced last Junethat its vaccine had proven more than 90% effective against symptomatic infections with the Alpha variant, in trials including nearly 30,000 volunteers in the US and Mexico.Novavax announced last Junethat its vaccine had proven more than 90% effective against symptomatic infections with the Alpha variant, in trials including nearly 30,000 volunteers in the US and Mexico.
The company says its product is similarly effective against the Delta and Omicron variants, especially after a booster shot administered six months after the second jab. Germany’s Paul Ehrlich Institute notes that the data proving the vaccine’s efficacy against more infectious variants remains limited.The company says its product is similarly effective against the Delta and Omicron variants, especially after a booster shot administered six months after the second jab. Germany’s Paul Ehrlich Institute notes that the data proving the vaccine’s efficacy against more infectious variants remains limited.
Surveys in Germany suggest a considerable interest in the Novavax jab among the 19.8 million people in the country who have so far declined to take a jab against Covid-19. Out of 4,000 unvaccinated hospital workers surveyed in Berlin, 1,800 expressed an interest in the protein-based vaccine.Surveys in Germany suggest a considerable interest in the Novavax jab among the 19.8 million people in the country who have so far declined to take a jab against Covid-19. Out of 4,000 unvaccinated hospital workers surveyed in Berlin, 1,800 expressed an interest in the protein-based vaccine.
In the northern states of Lower Saxony, the health ministry said 6,000 people had put their name on a waiting list for Nuvaxovid by early February.In the northern states of Lower Saxony, the health ministry said 6,000 people had put their name on a waiting list for Nuvaxovid by early February.
Some scientists question whether the new vaccine will prove a game changer in a country whose overall vaccination rate has been flatlining around 75% for months. Lars Korn, co-author of a current survey of anti-vaxxer attitudes conducted by the University of Erfurt, told public broadcaster ZDF that two-thirds of respondents would continue to completely reject any form of vaccination.Some scientists question whether the new vaccine will prove a game changer in a country whose overall vaccination rate has been flatlining around 75% for months. Lars Korn, co-author of a current survey of anti-vaxxer attitudes conducted by the University of Erfurt, told public broadcaster ZDF that two-thirds of respondents would continue to completely reject any form of vaccination.
After a bruising two years in which the UK failed to prove its resilience to a pandemic, the government hopes to re-cast the nation as a scientific superpower: a country that has built on the lessons of the crisis to deliver better research, more precision healthcare, and a more streamlined pathway to new drugs and vaccines.
But the government’s decision to substantially cut back on free Covid testing, as part of Boris Johnson’s “living with Covid” strategy, already threatens to undermine pioneering trials and coronavirus surveillance that are the envy of other nations. Together, they are crucial for understanding how drugs keep patients out of hospital, how immunity is holding up in vulnerable care homes and hospitals and how the epidemic is unfolding around us.
Read more here.
Iran has returned 820,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines donated by Poland because they were manufactured in the United States, state TV has reported.
Mohammad Hashemi, an official in the country’s Health Ministry, was quoted as saying that Poland donated about a million doses of the British-Swedish AstraZeneca vaccine to Iran.
However, he added that when the vaccines arrived in Iran:
The Associated Press reports that Hashemi said:
In 2020, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has the final say on all state matters, rejected any possibility of American or British vaccines entering the country, calling them “forbidden.”
Iran now only imports Western vaccines that are not produced in the US or Britain.
This reported rejection of the vaccines comes as Iran struggles with its sixth wave of coronavirus infections as authorities say the aggressive Omicron variant is now dominant in the country.
According to official figures, Iran has had more than 135,000 deaths from Covid-19 - the highest national death toll in the Middle East.
It says it has vaccinated around 90% of its population above age 18 with two shots, although only 37% of that group has had a third shot.
Brazil has reported 318 Covid-19 deaths and 37,339 new cases, the health ministry said.Brazil has reported 318 Covid-19 deaths and 37,339 new cases, the health ministry said.
This compares with 406 deaths and 40,625 cases reported on Sunday.This compares with 406 deaths and 40,625 cases reported on Sunday.
The South American country has now registered 28,245,551 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 644,604, according to ministry data.The South American country has now registered 28,245,551 cases since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 644,604, according to ministry data.
Here is a round-up of some of the Covid developments around the world from Agence France-Presse:Here is a round-up of some of the Covid developments around the world from Agence France-Presse:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defends his use of emergency powers to end weeks-long trucker-led protests over Covid restrictions, warning; “This state of emergency is not over.”Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defends his use of emergency powers to end weeks-long trucker-led protests over Covid restrictions, warning; “This state of emergency is not over.”
Hong Kong will launch a vaccine pass scheme this week, officials say, as hospitals struggle under an Omicron-fuelled outbreak and the finance hub sees record-high departures.Hong Kong will launch a vaccine pass scheme this week, officials say, as hospitals struggle under an Omicron-fuelled outbreak and the finance hub sees record-high departures.
Novak Djokovic’s season, derailed in January when the world number one was deported from Australia before the Open, starts in Dubai.Novak Djokovic’s season, derailed in January when the world number one was deported from Australia before the Open, starts in Dubai.
Coronavirus has killed at least 5,884,689 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an Agence France-Presse tally, compiled from official sources on Monday.Coronavirus has killed at least 5,884,689 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to an Agence France-Presse tally, compiled from official sources on Monday.
The United States has recorded the most Covid deaths with 935,335, followed by Brazil with 644,286 and India with 512,109.The United States has recorded the most Covid deaths with 935,335, followed by Brazil with 644,286 and India with 512,109.
Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the World Health Organization estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.Taking into account excess mortality linked to Covid-19, the World Health Organization estimates the true death toll could be two to three times higher.
France has reported 17,195 new daily Coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.France has reported 17,195 new daily Coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.
This compares with 59,003 on Sunday.This compares with 59,003 on Sunday.
Health and the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic are a significant drag on the coalition vote, with one in three Australians less likely to vote for the Morrison government due to the level of public hospital funding, according to new polling.Health and the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic are a significant drag on the coalition vote, with one in three Australians less likely to vote for the Morrison government due to the level of public hospital funding, according to new polling.
An Essential poll, commissioned by the Australian Medical Association, found voters who had traditionally supported the Coalition on health and hospital funding were now deserting them. Support in this key area had dropped, with 34% now questioning the government’s record.An Essential poll, commissioned by the Australian Medical Association, found voters who had traditionally supported the Coalition on health and hospital funding were now deserting them. Support in this key area had dropped, with 34% now questioning the government’s record.
Only the Morrison government’s handling of the climate crisis and cost of living pressures registered greater levels of disapproval. Of those polled, 37% were less likely to vote for the government on climate, while 38% were not supportive of Morrison on cost of living.Only the Morrison government’s handling of the climate crisis and cost of living pressures registered greater levels of disapproval. Of those polled, 37% were less likely to vote for the government on climate, while 38% were not supportive of Morrison on cost of living.
You can read the full report here.You can read the full report here.
The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has said emergency powers are still needed despite the progress police made in bringing an end to weeks-long protests by truckers and others angry over Canada’s Covid-19 restrictions.The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has said emergency powers are still needed despite the progress police made in bringing an end to weeks-long protests by truckers and others angry over Canada’s Covid-19 restrictions.
Lawmakers in parliament will vote on Monday night whether to allow police to continue to use emergency powers.Lawmakers in parliament will vote on Monday night whether to allow police to continue to use emergency powers.
Trudeau said there were some truckers just outside Ottawa that may be planning further blockades.Trudeau said there were some truckers just outside Ottawa that may be planning further blockades.
His public safety minister noted there was an effort to block a border crossing in British Columbia on the weekend, the Associated Press reports.His public safety minister noted there was an effort to block a border crossing in British Columbia on the weekend, the Associated Press reports.
Trudeau said:Trudeau said:
The prime minister said he was confident lawmakers would vote to continue to allow police to use the emergencies act, which allows authorities to declare certain areas as no go zones following the protests by the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’.The prime minister said he was confident lawmakers would vote to continue to allow police to use the emergencies act, which allows authorities to declare certain areas as no go zones following the protests by the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’.
It also allows police to freeze truckers’ personal and corporate bank accounts and compels tow truck companies to tow away vehicles.It also allows police to freeze truckers’ personal and corporate bank accounts and compels tow truck companies to tow away vehicles.
Peter Walker outlines what the end of Covid restrictions means for people in England.Peter Walker outlines what the end of Covid restrictions means for people in England.
France has 2,905 people in intensive care units for Covid-19 which is down by 18, Reuters reports.France has 2,905 people in intensive care units for Covid-19 which is down by 18, Reuters reports.
Italy has reported 201 Covid-19 daily deaths compared with 141 on Sunday, the health ministry has said.Italy has reported 201 Covid-19 daily deaths compared with 141 on Sunday, the health ministry has said.
A further 24,408 cases were recorded compared with 42,081 on Sunday.A further 24,408 cases were recorded compared with 42,081 on Sunday.
More details from Boris Johnson’s “living with Covid” plan which was announced today can be found over at the politics blog here.
Free Covid testing will end for the general public in England from 1 April and positive cases will no longer legally have to isolate from this Thursday, Boris Johnson has announced.
Unveiling his “living with Covid” strategy, the prime minister told the House of Commons it was time for the pandemic response to be wound down.
The strategy will end the availability of free PCR and lateral flow tests for the vast majority of people, apart from some symptomatic vulnerable and very elderly people.
For more live updates from the UK, head over to our politics blog.
Bulgaria’s prime minister Kiril Petkov has announced that the mandatory coronavirus “green certificate” will no longer be required for entry to restaurants, shopping malls and other public venues from 20 March.
The health pass - a digital or paper certificate showing an individual has been vaccinated, tested negative or recently recovered from the virus - was made obligatory for most indoor spaces in the country last October. Its introduction sparked a series of protests in Bulgaria, the EU’s least vaccinated member state.
Petkov told reporters today:
Bulgaria will begin to ease coronavirus restrictions from 24 February, with access to shopping centres, cinemas, gyms and bars no longer restricted to people with a green certificate.
The UK’s prime minister, Boris Johnson, is preparing to make a statement to MPs to unveil the government’s long-term strategy for living with the virus, in which he will announce the plan to end all Covid restrictions in England.
For more live updates from the UK, head over to our politics blog. I will continue here with global coronavirus news, and the top Covid lines that emerge in the UK.
The UK recorded 38,409 new Covid cases and 15 more deaths within 28 days of a positive test on Monday, government data showed.
That is compared to 25,696 cases and 74 deaths reported on Sunday.
Hello! I’m Léonie Chao-Fong with you on the live blog today. Thanks for following along for all the latest coronavirus developments. If you’ve just joined us, here is a quick snapshot of all the most recent news stories.
Over-75s and people with suppressed immune systems in the UK are to be offered another Covid-19 booster vaccination in the coming weeks to increase potentially waning protection, after advice from the government’s vaccines watchdog.
Germany expects vaccinations with Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine to begin across the country over the course of this week, the health ministry said. The government hopes the new protein-based Nuvaxovid will help sway a sizeable minority that remains sceptical of the novel mRNA technology used in the most commonly used vaccines.
Britons can now only order a free box of lateral flow Covid-19 tests every 72 hours, according to the government’s website. It comes ahead of Boris Johnson’s announcement later today that all remaining Covid restrictions in England will be lifted this week as he unveils the government’s long-term strategy for living with the virus.
South Africa’s health department says it is changing Covid vaccination rules to try to increase uptake, as inoculations have slowed and the country has ample vaccine stocks.
International tourists and business travellers began arriving in Australia with few restrictions today. Australia closed its borders to tourists in March 2020 in an effort to reduce the local spread of Covid, but on Monday removed its final travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers.
New Zealand will lift Covid vaccine mandates and social distancing measures after the Omicron peak has passed, its prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said on Monday.
Nurseries in England continue to be severely affected by the pandemic, with latest official data showing record numbers of early years and childcare settings reporting Covid cases at the end of last month.
Jordan’s prime minister, Bisher al-Khasawneh, has tested positive for Covid-19 during an official visit to Egypt, state news agency Petra news agency reports. All other official meetings have been cancelled, Jordan’s information minister said, including a scheduled meeting with Egyptian president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.
Over-75s and people with suppressed immune systems in the UK are to be offered another Covid-19 booster vaccination in the coming weeks to increase potentially waning protection, after advice from the government’s vaccines watchdog.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has formally advised a rollout of an additional booster this spring for groups of people seen as most vulnerable to severe coronavirus.
The recommendation is that additional boosters should be offered to people aged 75 or over, and residents in older people’s care homes, and anyone aged 12 or above who is immunosuppressed.
The announcement came just before Boris Johnson’s formal unveiling of plans to end all domestic coronavirus restrictions across England including mandatory self-isolation.
A decision on the precise plan was delayed at the last minute amid tensions between the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and the health secretary, Sajid Javid, over funds for free Covid-19 testing.
Groups seen as being at the greatest risk of severe coronavirus are also likely to be offered a further booster jab this autumn, before an expected rise in infections over winter, the JCVI added.
As Hong Kong battles its worst coronavirus outbreak, pleas for the city’s large proportion of unvaccinated older population to get their jabs have been issued by authorities, medical experts and concerned family members.
While younger Hongkongers have largely embraced the vaccination programme, the majority of residents aged 80 and above are resisting, South China Morning Post reports.
Forty per cent of Hong Kong residents aged 70 and above remain unvaccinated, even though jabs became available to them last February. Many of those have cited concerns about the safety of the shots or lack of trust in the government.
Sit Pui-yu, 72, said he will not take a Covid-19 vaccine even if his refusal would mean he was no longer able to access restaurants or markets. He told the paper:
Hong Kong reported 7,533 new Covid cases on Monday, a record high, and a further 13 deaths including a 11-month-old child.
The provision of free lateral flow tests in the UK has been rationed ahead of the announcement of the government’s “living with Covid” plan, according to reports.
Members of the public can now only order a free box of lateral flow Covid-19 tests every 72 hours, according to the government’s website.
On Sunday, the website allowed people to order a box of tests every 24 hours. It has now been updated to say that people can order “one pack every 3 days”.
The update comes ahead of Boris Johnson’s announcement to scrap most PCR testing and restrict free lateral flows, probably to older age groups.
Here’s the full story on how tensions between the UK’s chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and the health secretary, Sajid Javid, have led to delays over signing off the government’s strategy to end all remaining Covid regulations in England, by my colleagues Jessica Elgot and Rowena Mason:
Plans to sign off the government’s strategy to end all remaining Covid regulations in England have been delayed at the last minute amid tensions between the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and the health secretary, Sajid Javid, over funds for free Covid testing.
Cabinet ministers were told of the delay as they arrived at No 10 on Monday morning amid the final wrangling over the “living with Covid” strategy expected to be announced to the House of Commons in the afternoon.
A government source said there was still no agreement between the Treasury and the Department of Health and Social Care on the extent of the testing cutbacks, although another source at the DHSC insisted Javid had accepted the fiscal position that most testing must end.
The source denied Javid was seeking new money and said that instead he wanted to “reprioritise” his existing budgets by moving funds from other areas within the department to cover the additional testing.
“DHSC are absolutely not asking for additional funding, they want to reprioritise within the existing budget,” the source said.
Last week, the Guardian reported that the Treasury was driving efforts to reduce costs from an estimated annual £15bn, with an opening suggestion of cutting the budget by more than 90%, to £1.3bn.
Javid is said to want to fund enough testing to ensure the survival of the Panoramic antiviral drugs trial, which officials believe would need free lateral flow tests for over-50s and vulnerable adults under 50 until at least September.