• Moderna issues a press release with results from preclinical trials of its variant-specific boosters, mRNA-1273.351 and mRNA-1273.211,saying that the data “on our variant-specific vaccine candidates give us confidence that we can proactively address emerging variants.” Source
• The EMA announces that it is undertaking a review of data on vaccination and coronavirus epidemiology to enable authorities to put the risks of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in the context of benefits from ongoing vaccination campaigns, and for determining whether recommendations for a second dose of the vaccine need to be updated. Source
• South African Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize noted that the “unreasonable demands” from coronavirus vaccine manufacturers are causing delayed deliveries. J & J asked for “greater assurance of support from the state,” said Mkhize, who said he was “…taken aback by this as there are clauses in the agreement that express this support.” Additionally, Pfizer demanded personal signatures from the country’s health and finance ministers to give more weight to indemnify it against any claims made in South Africa. According to the National Treasury, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni did not accede to Pfizer’s demand, the National Treasury. Source
• President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announces that the EU will receive an additional 30 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine. Source
• The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices decided it needed more time to review data on the J & J coronavirus vaccine, including a seventh case, and would not vote on a recommendation until meeting again in seven to ten days. Source
• Denmark announces that it will no longer use the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine after suspending it on 11 March. Source
• Uruguay reports the world’s highest rate of coronavirus- over 1,000 cases per million inhabitants – during the past week. Source
• Thailand’s Operations Chief of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration says that the surge in coronavirus cases may lead to post-holiday lockdowns in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai, and parts of the country’s eastern seaboard. Source