Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan has warned the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine is not recommended for people above 60 years and under 18 years old, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, reported The News on Thursday.
Authorities in Pakistan started administering the Sinopharm vaccine to healthcare workers on Wednesday nationwide.
However, it has been revealed that the vaccine should not be inoculated to people with serious chronic diseases or a history of hypersensitivity.
The inoculators have been advised to postpone vaccination to individuals having fever or during the acute phase of any disease.
Additionally, Dr Sultan said that the elderly would be vaccinated with Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which is due for arrival in Pakistan later this month.
Dr. Sultan further said Russian vaccine Sputnik and another Chinese vaccine Cansino, whose trials have recently concluded in Pakistan, could also be a suitable option.
A few other leading infectious diseases experts asserted that the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine was not recommended for people above 60 years of age due to lack of safety and efficacy data in the elderly.