Elizabeth Melimopoulos

UN chief has criticised global distribution, noting that 10 countries have administered 75 percent of all vaccine doses.

Financial hardship and uncertainty over the COVID pandemic fuelling anti-lockdown demonstrations, experts say.

Increase announced by EU Commission president to bring first-quarter shots to 40m.

Portuguese public hospitals in worst affected areas running out of intensive care beds.

Trump acknowledges new administration and vows a smooth transition, a day after his supporters stormed the US Capitol.

China reports first case of UK COVID variant; Turkey set to begin 4-day lockdown; India clampdowns on New Year events.

Inoculation in some German cities delayed; mass EU vaccine campaign begins; global infections cross 80 million.

EU countries rolling out a coordinated vaccination programme to ensure fair access

Chancellor Merkel says schools and most shops to close from Wednesday to battle rise in coronavirus cases.

The first doses are set to be administered on Tuesday after government gave emergency-use approval earlier this month.