Sinopharm-Vaccine-Might-Be-Harmful-For-Certain-People

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) warned the Ministry of Health that the Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine might be having serious adverse reactions on a specific group of people causing a disinformation campaign which can be challenging for the countrywide immunization drive.

By Sayyed Shehzer Abbas

Reports claimed that the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine was not suitable for people less than 18 and above 60 years of age. Moreover, the vaccine was not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women as it could pose a threat to their health. Patients with a previous history of serious chronic diseases or disorders and individuals allergic to any component (active, excipients) of the vaccine had also been advised against receiving the Sinopharm vaccine.

Since the vaccination drive is currently happening in Pakistan, DRAP advised Health Ministry to put the drug affectees under surveillance and devise a comprehensive Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) strategy and submit the data to National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC).

After receiving the first two doses of the drug as a high-profile recipient of the China’s Sinopharm vaccine, SAPM on Health, Dr. Faisal Sultan claims that the drug has no adverse side effects and is perfect for every age group. He went to twitter and penned, “I registered myself as a healthcare worker on http://Covid.gov.pk/vaccine and received a PIN & instructions. Got my 1st dose of vaccine (Sinopharm) today & feeling fine. If you are a health professional (below 60 years of age), please get vaccinated now. Protect yourself and others”

cnbg

The other groups that are still at risk from Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine, AZD1222 which claims to be suitable for all ages and all groups.

The Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine will be reviewed on quarterly basis and update the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status of the drug.