National

WHO rejects made-in-Canada COVID-19 vaccine

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Mar, 2022 09:55 AM

OTTAWA - The World Health Organization has rejected Medicago's made-in-Canada COVID-19 vaccine, restricting the federal government's ability to donate those doses to countries in need.

The federal government signed an agreement with Medicago in 2020 to buy 20 million doses once the vaccine was approved by Health Canada, with the option to purchase 56 million more.

Health Canada authorized Medicago's two-dose Covifenz vaccine in February for adults 18 to 64.

In clinical trials it was more than 70 per cent effective at preventing COVID-19 infections and 100 per cent effective against severe illness, before the Omicron wave.

Medicago president Takashi Nagao says the WHO has not yet given the company its rationale, but he believes it is because tobacco company Philip Morris owns about one-fifth of Medicago.

Last week, a senior WHO official said the UN body has strict policies about engaging with tobacco companies and arms manufacturers and as such, the review process for Medicago was on hold and it was likely its vaccine would not be accepted for an emergency-use licence.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Indigenous people more likely to die from opioids

Data from the First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia shows that Indigenous people are five times more likely to experience an overdose and three times more likely to die than other residents. The gap has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, the authority said.

Indigenous people more likely to die from opioids

Unmarked graves news story of the year: CP poll

The discovery of unmarked graves at a former residential school in the B.C. Interior and the countrywide awakening it set off have been chosen as Canada’s news story of the year by editors in newsrooms across the country.

Unmarked graves news story of the year: CP poll

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days

There are currently 2,949 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 217,705 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 185 individuals are currently in hospital and 72 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

1,129 COVID19 cases over 3 days

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

On December 2, 2021 a Richmond RCMP frontline officer was attempting to arrest a man for an alleged theft when the man allegedly assaulted the officer. During the attempted arrest, a struggle on the ground ensued. Prior to additional officers arriving, the man was able to break free and run from the area on foot.

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Officers found 27 teenagers crammed inside a party bus with a dance floor. The bus had been hired to take the teens downtown for a 17-year-old’s birthday party. VPD officers are now recommending 27 counts of failing to provide a chaperone for passengers under 19, allowing open liquor in a vehicle, and operating with too many passengers.

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

The robbery occurred around 6 p.m. on December 3, as holiday shoppers were visiting the Dunsmuir Street retailer. The suspect, who was masked, entered the store and deployed a cloud of bear spray, then walked over to a display rack and stole a $1,800 purse, before exiting the store and walking east on Dunsmuir to Seymour Street.