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FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2021, file photo, a medical worker gives a coronavirus vaccine shot to a patient at a vaccination facility in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)TAIPEI – China has approved a new COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, one that was developed by the head of its Center for Disease Control, adding a fifth shot to its arsenal. It is the fifth coronavirus vaccine approved in China and the fourth to be given emergency use approval. Like other vaccines China has developed so far, it can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures. AdChina has been slow in vaccinating its population of 1.4 billion people, despite having four vaccines approved for general use.

(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)UNITED NATIONS -- China’s U.N. ambassador says China is donating 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to U.N. peacekeepers, with priority given to those serving in Africa. ___OSAKA, Japan — Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. is the latest drugmaker to offer help with production of a rival’s COVID-19 vaccine as their industry works to churn out billions of vaccine doses. Ad___LISBON, Portugal — Portugal is following other European Union countries and temporarily halting use of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine while experts review its safety. The Biden administration has informed Connecticut that it should be receiving a “significant” increase in vaccine doses over the next several weeks. Some 2.2 million of the 8.6 million vaccine doses of various brands delivered to Italy are AstraZeneca vaccines, so the temporary stoppage is likely to significantly hamper Italy’s current vaccine rollout.