Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has warned the Ministry of Health against administering Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine to people with a weak immune system.
DRAP believes that any serious adverse reaction would engender a disinformation campaign which can pose a challenge to the ongoing countrywide immunization drive.
ALSO READ
KP Govt Kicks Off Spring Tree Plantation Campaign
In this regard, DRAP has directed the Health Ministry to devise a comprehensive Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) strategy and submit its data to National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC).
DRAP will use this data to review the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status of Sinopharm’ Coronavirus vaccine on a quarterly basis.
Previously, it was reported that Sinopharm’s vaccine is unsuitable for people less than 18 and above 60 years. It is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
Patients with a previous history of serious chronic diseases or disorders and individuals allergic to any component (active, excipients) of the vaccine have also been advised against receiving the Sinopharm vaccine.
ALSO READ
PIA Set to Expand Its Network in Afghanistan
Groups at risk from Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine, AZD1222, which is suitable for all age groups.
Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of AstraZeneca’s Coronavirus vaccine through GAVI, 7 million of which will reach the country later this month.
