GT investigates: The mass vaccination countdown
By GT staff reporters, Published: 2020/12/22 22:00:00
Editor s Note: As novel coronavirus epidemic is raging, the world is anxiously awaiting a vaccine for the infectious disease that has so far cost nearly 1.7 million lives. Have we already seen the light at the end of tunnel? China has delivered five vaccine candidates into phase III clinical trials and vaccinated more than 1 million people under emergency use regulations since July. A mass vaccination plan for 50 million people has also been revealed to prevent reoccurrence of last Spring Festival’s nightmare. The US, UK and Russia have also kicked off emergency vaccination programs. More countries and regions are following.
Govt vows prompt release of information on Chinese vaccines By Zhang Zhihao | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2020-12-19 13:43 Share CLOSE Zheng Zhongwei, director of the Development Center for Medical Science and Technology of the National Health Commission [Photo/scio.gov.cn]
China will promptly release information regarding the status of its COVID-19 vaccine candidates, five of which are in phase three clinical trials overseas, said Zheng Zhongwei, director of the Development Center for Medical Science and Technology of the National Health Commission.
Currently, some of the vaccine candidates in late stage human trials have enlisted enough recipients to meet the middle stage progress of the trials. Vaccine developers are also keeping the National Medical Products Administration updated on their status, he said.
China gears up for mass COVID-19 vaccine production
One million people have already receive an unauthorised vaccine SAMAA | Health - Posted: Dec 18, 2020 | Last Updated: 4 months ago SAMAA | Health Posted: Dec 18, 2020 | Last Updated: 4 months ago
Photo: AFP
China is all set to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to its population soon. Mass vaccination will most likely start next year from the southwestern Sichuan province, even though a vaccine has yet to be authorised.
Around 118,000 vaccine doses have arrived in the province so far. High-risk groups will receive the vaccine by February 5 before it becomes available to the public.
Some might get the vaccine even earlier. A total of 50 million will receive their first dose before January 15, according to Bloomberg which cites anonymous insider sources.