Bahrain clears use of Chinese COVID vaccine

Sinopharm’s product gains further acceptance overseas as trials suggest good efficacy

DUBAI/CAIRO — Bahrain said on Dec 13 that it has approved the use of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine, following its earlier approval of a vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.

Bahrain’s state-run news agency said the vaccine, developed by the China National Pharmaceutical Group, or Sinopharm, would be available in the island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf region.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates announced the official registration of the vaccine.

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention said in a statement on Dec 9 that the interim analysis of the phase III trials shows the Chinese vaccine provides 86 percent efficacy against COVID-19 infection. It marked the first public release of information on the efficacy of the shot.

According to the statement, the analysis also shows the vaccine to have 99 percent seroconversion rate of neutralizing antibody and 100 percent effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease. Furthermore, the analysis shows no serious safety concerns.

Bahrain said more than 7,700 people signed up to take part in a trial of the vaccine in the kingdom.

The country plans to inoculate everyone 18 years and older at 27 medical facilities, hoping to be able to vaccinate 10,000 people a day. Bahrain has a population of around 1.5 million people.

Sinopharm’s shot relies on a tested technology, using a killed virus to deliver the vaccine, similar to how polio immunizations are made. The vaccine has been approved for emergency use in a few countries and the company is still conducting late-stage clinical trials in nearly 10 countries.

On Dec 10, Egypt received the first batch of the Sinopharm vaccine to help fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

“It’s a historic day to receive the first air shipments of the Chinese anticoronavirus vaccine,” said Egyptian Minister of Health Hala Zayed in a news conference held at Cairo International Airport.

“The new Chinese vaccine will be available for citizens for free upon directives of the political leadership,” she added.

Priority in distributing the vaccine would be given to medical staff in isolation hospitals, people with chronic diseases like cancer and kidney failure, and the elderly, Zayed noted.

According to the official, the vaccines came from the UAE.

Emirati Charge d’affaires to Egypt Mariam Al-Kaabi said one positive from the pandemic was the chance to bring solidarity and coordination among the nations involved, especially the peoples of the three countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang said the ties between Egypt and China have been advanced under the leadership of the two countries, especially this year after the spread of COVID-19.

“Today the arrival of the vaccine is evidence of the deep ties, solidarity and cooperation between China and the Arab countries,” Liao said, adding that China is in full readiness and very keen to continue enhancing the solidarity with the Arab countries in fighting the virus and overcoming the crisis.