A World Health Organisation panel recommends the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for anyone over 18 years of age
In some European countries, including France, Germany and Denmark, the vaccine was approved for use only in the under-65 age group, with those nations citing a lack of data on safety.
"Taking the totality of available evidence into account, WHO recommends the vaccine for use in persons aged 65 years and older," the 15-member Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation said in their new recommendations.
"In the case of the data coming from clinical trials, we have seen that there was a small participation of people over 65 years of age," said Dr Alejandro Cravioto, the chairman of the group.
"However, the results of the efficacy estimate for persons up to 65 and older had a wide confidence interval. And therefore we feel that the response of this group cannot be any different to groups that are of a younger age," he said.
The body also recommended the use of the vaccine in places where "variants are present", despite a recent study suggesting it was far less effective against a new strain of the virus first detected in South Africa.
The WHO report said that the longer the interval between the two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine (within a four to 12-week range), the greater its efficacy.
The findings raised hopes the vaccine would be added to the WHO's emergency approval list.
"We hope this will be followed very soon by the emergency-use listing of this product," WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said.
This is a positive development for poor countries relying on the Covax programme, which aims to distribute vaccines equitably around the world.
The occupied Palestinian territories, Yemen and Sudan are among the nations that have applied for vaccines through the Covax programme, as richer countries began inoculating their populations by the millions.
AstraZeneca pledged significant supplies to Covax.
Unlike the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, which needs special cooling refrigerators not readily available in poor countries, AstraZeneca’s shot is easier to transport and store, and it also costs less.
As mutated virus strains spread around the globe, concern grows that they will affect vaccine efficacy.
South Africa, where one of the variants was first identified late last year, said it would pause distribution of AstraZeneca’s vaccine after a trial showed it had limited efficacy against mild cases of the new strain.
Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca's chief executive, said the drug should still protect against severe disease, and WHO officials underlined the benefits of continuing to use the vaccine even in variant-hit areas.
Evidence is still being gathered on the vaccine's efficacy for pregnant women, the WHO report said.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Read more about the coronavirus
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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