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Added on the 08/01/2021 10:31:32 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announces that the EU will "authorise a contract for up to 300 million doses of the vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer", in a video published on the Commission's Twitter account. SOUNDBITE
The EU has concluded a deal with BioNTech/Pfizer for up to 1.8 billion extra doses of its Covid-19 vaccine, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen says at a media conference in Porto, Portugal. SOUNDBITE
Özlem Türeci, BionTech's Chief Medical Officer says that the coronavirus vaccine developed jointly by BioNTech and Pfizer neutralises the Omicron variant of the virus after three doses. A laboratory study by its makers found "three doses of our vaccine neutralise the Omicron variant", but warned that "two doses show significantly reduce neutralization of this new variant.". SOUNDBITE
Taiwan receives 2.5 million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the US at the Taoyuan International Airport, with health officials holding up signs saying 'thank you'. The move is likely to draw disapproval from Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island. IMAGES
The United States commits to donating 80 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine abroad by the end of the month, White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients says during a news briefing. "We will continue to donate additional doses across the summer months as supply becomes available," Zients says. SOUNDBITE
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.