To date, more than 6 billion doses have been administered worldwide, with China, India, the EU and the US leading the number of doses administered. However, the global vaccine gap becomes sharper –there are countries with more than 70% population fully vaccinated whereas others are still far from 10%. WHO continues to call for vaccine equity and urges leaders attending the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to guarantee equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and other life-saving tools; to ensure the world is better prepared to respond to future pandemics; and to renew efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WHO’s targets are to vaccinate at least 40% of the population of every country by the end of this year, and 70% by the middle of next year.
Some countries are taking actions to boost the COVID-19 vaccination numbers. For example, in Germany, stores, businesses and attractions are offering special prices and other benefits to entice the unvaccinated to finally get their shot. Bulgaria plans to organize a lottery with prizes for those who have been vaccinated. The Italian government has made it obligatory for all workers either to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from infection with the aim of persuading people to get immunized. The rule will come into force on October 15. The Western Australia government will introduce two new measures to make it easier for students and staff in WA schools to get a COVID-19 jab: designated after-school time slots at community vaccination centers and a staged roll-out of vaccinations in schools.
Pfizer and BioNTech said their COVID-19 vaccine is safe and protective for children (5 to 11 years old) and they are planning to ask for regulatory authorization as soon as possible to use the shot in kids within that age range in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.
COVID-19 did not slow the relentless advance of climate change, a new United Nations report concluded. “Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere continue at record levels, committing the planet to dangerous future” warned the United in Science 2021 report.
Some countries are taking actions to boost the COVID-19 vaccination numbers. For example, in Germany, stores, businesses and attractions are offering special prices and other benefits to entice the unvaccinated to finally get their shot. Bulgaria plans to organize a lottery with prizes for those who have been vaccinated. The Italian government has made it obligatory for all workers either to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from infection with the aim of persuading people to get immunized. The rule will come into force on October 15. The Western Australia government will introduce two new measures to make it easier for students and staff in WA schools to get a COVID-19 jab: designated after-school time slots at community vaccination centers and a staged roll-out of vaccinations in schools.
Pfizer and BioNTech said their COVID-19 vaccine is safe and protective for children (5 to 11 years old) and they are planning to ask for regulatory authorization as soon as possible to use the shot in kids within that age range in the United States, Europe and elsewhere.
COVID-19 did not slow the relentless advance of climate change, a new United Nations report concluded. “Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere continue at record levels, committing the planet to dangerous future” warned the United in Science 2021 report.