Laos has begun providing Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines to people over the age of 60 and those with underlying medical conditions.
The Chinese government has confirmed that Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines can be used to vaccinate people over 60 and those with underlying health issues, according to a report by Pasaxon.
Deputy Director of the Vientiane Capital Provincial Health Department, Dr. Bounthavy Dedbandith, says the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health have given the green light to vaccinate citizens over 60 years of age with the Sinopharm vaccine, as well as those with underlying health conditions.
“Authorities began a new round of Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer vaccinations last week, which will last through 25 June,” said Dr. Bounthavy.
On 7 May, the WHO approved the Sinopharm vaccine as an emergency use vaccine.
The Covid-19 vaccines used in Laos have undergone extensive safety testing, and the Food and Drug Department of the Ministry of Health has examined the evidence, benefits, and risks, according to Dr. Bounthavy.
Laos received another batch of Sinopharm Covid-19 Vaccines containing 500,000 doses from the Chinese government last week.
Laos received its first shipment of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines from China on 31 December last year, containing some 2,000 doses, followed by 300,000 doses in February, 800,000 doses in early April, 300,000 doses in a fourth shipment in late April, and 500,000 doses in June.
Over 700,000 people in Laos have received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccines, while over 400,000 have received their second dose.
