Middle East Experience

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine could cause side effects for some people with cosmetic facial fillers, the US Federal Food and Drug Administration warned, according to a local media report.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.A “small number” of vaccine trial participants reported facial swelling as a side effect, plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam said.“So what they’ve seen in the 30,000 member trial that Moderna has done, is they found about three of those patients has reaction to the filler. The reaction was localized to where the filler was put in, so in a couple of cases it was the lip and the cheek,” Karam was quoted as saying by NBC7 news in San Diego.According to the report, one participant received fillers two weeks before the vaccination and the other had it done six months prior.Karam explained that when a person takes a vaccine, the immune system “ramps up.”The immune system could target areas where the fillers are located which then cause “a more robust inflammatory response,” according to the doctor.He added that the “possible” side effect shouldn’t stop people from getting vaccinated and that all reactions related to fillers were treated.“I think if it's localized, a very mild type of reaction just that the areas are swollen, I think the first step is to get in touch with the doctor who injected the filler,” Karam said.However, he recommended seeking immediate emergency care if a person gets a severe allergic reaction.In December, two people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the UK reported having reactions, including one report of anaphylaxis, which can cause throat swelling, breathing trouble and difficulty swallowing.People who have a history of anaphylaxis to any vaccine, medicine or food have been advised by British regulators not to take the vaccine, Reuters previously reported.Read more:UK warns people with serious allergies to avoid Pfizer vaccineUK COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine allergic reactions explainedEgypt investigating COVID-19 deaths due to alleged lack of oxygen
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US COVID-19 vaccine causes side effects for some people with facial fillers, says FDA

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) seized a South Korean-flagged tanker in Gulf waters, Iranian media said on Monday, at a time of tension between Tehran and Seoul over Iranian funds frozen at South Korean banks due to US sanctions.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Several Iranian media outlets said the Guards navy captured the vessel for polluting the Gulf with chemicals. The semi-official Tasnim news agency published pictures showing what it identified as Guards speed boats escorting the tanker HANKUK CHEMI, which it said was carrying 7,200 tons of ethanol.It said the vessel’s crew members had been detained and included nationals of South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar, but did not say how many there were. It said the tanker was being held at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port city.South Korea’s foreign ministry did not have an immediate comment. Iranian authorities have yet to comment on the incident, which comes ahead of an expected visit by South Korea’s deputy foreign minister to Tehran.The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on that the visit would happen in coming days and would discuss Iran’s demand that South Korea release $7 billion in funds frozen in South Korean banks because of US sanctions.The South Korean-flagged tanker bound for the United Arab Emirates had instead gone into Iranian territorial waters.Satellite data from MarineTraffic.com showed the MT Hankuk Chemi off Bandar Abbas on Monday afternoon without explanation. It had been traveling from Saudi Arabia to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.The ship’s owners could not be immediately reached.The United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations, an information exchange overseen by the British royal navy in the region, acknowledged an “interaction” between a merchant vessel and Iranian authorities.As a result, the UKMTO said the merchant vessel made an “alteration of course” north into Iran’s territorial waters.Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich, a spokeswoman for the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, said authorities there were aware and monitoring the situation.Read more: Iran seizes ship in international waters in Gulf, says US CENTCOMUS aircraft carrier to stay in Arabian Gulf due to Iran threats: PentagonFuneral procession marks anniversary of Soleimani’s death in Baghdad
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iran seizes South Korean tanker in Arabian Gulf, arrests crew

In cooperation with the World Health Organization, Egypt launched the first observatory to monitor tobacco companies in the Middle East, as the country faces a growing number of tobacco users.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt launches first monitoring tobacco center in region as smoking on the rise

Dubai Airports and the operator of Hyderabad airport, GMR Hyderabad, have agreed a logistics deal for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to handle up to 300 tonnes of vaccines per day, the companies said on Monday.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The vaccine corridor between Dubai and Hyderabad connects leading vaccine manufacturers in India with markets around the world through the Dubai International Airport cargo hub.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app“A major surge in demand for the efficient, safe and reliable global distribution of high volumes of COVID-19 vaccines is expected in the coming months,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.“We wanted to be ready to respond to and accommodate that demand.”Read more: Coronavirus: India tests vaccine delivery system with nationwide trialHyderabad is the world’s emerging vaccine capital, with five major vaccine producers in the vicinity.India, which has the second-highest number of coronavirus infections in the world, on Sunday approved two coronavirus vaccines for emergency use –- one developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, the other by local company Bharat Biotech.Read more:Lebanon gears up for lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge post-holidaysUS COVID-19 vaccine causes side effects for some people with facial fillers, says FDACelebrity vaccinations causes public outrage in Poland
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Air corridor deal between Dubai and India to boost vaccine distribution

Saudi Arabia has reported 94 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, marking its second consecutive day of less 100 new infections, according to the Ministry of Health.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The total number of confirmed cases increased to 363,155, however, only 2,290 active cases remain in the Kingdom.Of the new cases, 34 were detected in the city of Riyadh, 28 in Mecca and six in Medina, according to the ministry.The total number of recoveries reached 354,609 after an additional 166 individuals recovered.Meanwhile, 10 people died due to COVID-19 complications over the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 6,256.Saudi Arabia launched its COVID-19 vaccine campaign in December with over 700,000 people signing up since registration opened on December 15.The Ministry of Health has confirmed the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, after successful tests showed it provided a strong immune response and antibodies in trial participants, according to SPA.Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told Al Arabiya last week that vaccines are set to reach all the regions of Saudi Arabia within three weeks.Saudi Arabia is set to receive three million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by the end of May 2021, according to Al Arabiya’s correspondent in Riyadh.Read more:Iran seizes South Korean tanker in Arabian Gulf: FarsIsrael leads world in vaccinating population, excludes Palestinians: ReportsUS COVID-19 vaccine causes side effects for some people with facial fillers, says FDA
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia reports less than 100 new COVID-19 second day in a row

Ankara’s policy reversal on interest rates has led to some positive developments in the economy, but many observers warn that it is still too early to rejoice.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Is the worst behind in Turkey’s economic turmoil?

On the backdrop of a third nationwide closure, preparation for the March elections present great difficulties and challenges.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Amid pandemic, Israel considers drive-through polling stations

Ministry issues 3rd edition of Infectious Biological Waste Management Handbook..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UAE issues Covid-19, biological waste management guidelines handbook

The apparent seizure of the South Korean-flagged Hankuk Chemi and the….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Iran Revolutionary Guards seize South Korean-flagged tanker

The name of the suspect is Mohammad Maroh Kabaha, a 40-year-old resident of the village of a-Tura near Jenin.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Shin Bet: Horgen murderer ‘wanted to avenge Palestinian prisoner’s death’