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The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the use of the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Sinovac Biotech, a Chinese company, for emergency use.

This was announced by the WHO on June 1 (Singapore time), and makes the Sinovac vaccine the second vaccine to receive such approval, after Sinopharm in early May.

According to Reuters, an independent panel of experts said that it recommended the Sinovac vaccine be used in adults over 18, with a second dose administered two to four weeks afterwards.

There is no upper age limit for the use of Sinovac, as data suggests it likely has a protective effect in older people.

Reuters added:

"WHO emergency listing is a signal to national regulators on a product’s safety and efficacy.

It would also allow the shot to be included in COVAX, the global programme to provide vaccines mainly for poor countries, which currently faces major supply problems due to India’s suspension of vaccine exports."

On May 18, Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said in a press conference that Singapore's Health Sciences Authority was still evaluating the vaccine, and required outstanding items of information in order to be assured that the vaccine is safe and effective for use.

Top image from Anadolu Agency Facebook page.