Sinopharm is the sixth vaccine to be authorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its emergency listing, receiving WHO validation for safety, efficacy and quality. Developed by the Beijing Bio-Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China National Biotec Group (CNBG), Sinopharm is an inactivated vaccine called SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.

What’s different about the Sinopharm vaccine?

1. Sinopharm uses a traditional and widely known method of inactivated virus to fight against COVID-19.
2. The virus is inactivated through chemical treatment. Beta-propiolactone is the chemical that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ genetic material and inactivates it, preventing it from replicating and causing COVID-19.
3. Like the traditional flu vaccination, Sinopharm can be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures.

Eligibility, Dosage & Safety

1. Eligibility: Individuals aged 18 years and older, with no history of anaphylaxis are eligible for the Sinopharm vaccine.
2. Dosage: According to WHO, the recommendation is two doses with an interval of 3-4 weeks between the first and second dose.
3. Safety: Sinopharm has an efficacy rate of 79% against symptomatic COVID-19 infection and an efficacy of 79% against hospitalisation.

Article reviewed by Dr Michael Wong, Deputy Medical Director, Raffles Medical Group.

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