Elderly to be vaccinated with Sinopharm

Decision made over available data from neighbouring countries about its efficacy

ISLAMBAD:

National Health Services Parliamentary Secretary Dr Nausheen Hamid on Sunday said the government on the recommendation of experts had decided to inoculate Chinese made Sinopharm vaccine to people aged 60 or above due to the available data from neighbouring countries about its efficacy.

Talking to a private news channel, she said Pakistan had launched a nation-wide coronavirus vaccination drive for the general public which was started with older people.

“The country is vaccinating its older age groups with Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine after its approval by a committee of technical experts,” she added.

Dr Nausheen made it clear that initially the Sinopharm vaccine was not recommended for the elderly in Pakistan but lately after receiving data of other countries including the UAE and China, Pakistani experts has also approved its efficiency and allowed it for the elderly population.

She said the remaining registered health workers from the first phase and the elderly should send a text message at 1166 or enter their details at the national immunisation management system website,

“Eligible citizens will be informed about the vaccine centre and the date of vaccination through a text message.”

She said the government would give full coverage to both phases of population in the second phase of  the coronavirus vaccination drive.

Replying to a query, she said those who were directly dealing with public like teachers and police would be given priority in the vaccination drive.

“This proposal is under consideration of the NCOC which would hopefully approve it soon.”

She also said unfortunately due to non-serious behaviour of the public, the overall positivity rate of coronavirus cases were recorded at their highest.

“Coronavirus is a reality and the government would implement the health guidelines to curb the spread of the virus and save people's lives at any cost.”

The parliamentary secretary appreciated the media’s role in creating public awareness about the pandemic.

“The media should further pursue the people in a more effective way about adopting precautionary measures and implementing the coronavirus-related guidelines,” she added.

To another query, she said: "We remain confident that we will meet our plan of large-scale immunization over the coming months this year and AstraZeneca through the COVAX platform would also be available in Pakistan soon.” App