The World Health Organization (WHO) validated on Tuesday the CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech for emergency use.
This was reported by Xinhua news agency on Tuesday.
In addition a report by Reuters said the World Health Organization announced on Tuesday it has approved a COVID-19 vaccine made by drugmaker Sinovac Biotech (SVA.O) for emergency use listing.
The independent panel of experts said in a statement it recommended Sinovac’s vaccine for adults over 18, with a second dose 2-4 weeks later. There was no upper age limit as data suggested it is likely to have a protective effect in older people.
The WHO’s technical advisory group, which began meeting on May 5, took the decision after reviewing the latest clinical data on the Sinovac vaccine’s safety and efficacy as well as the company’s manufacturing practices.
“WHO today validated the Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use,” it said in a statement as quoted by CNN.
The move gives countries, funders, procuring agencies and communities “assurance that it meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing.”
A WHO emergency listing is a signal to national regulators on a product’s safety and efficacy. It will also allow the shot to be included in COVAX.
The UN health agency signed off on the two-dose vaccine, which is already being deployed in several countries around the world.
Last month Sinopharm became the first Chinese vaccine to be approved by the WHO.
