Since July, China Has Reportedly Been Administering A Potential Vaccine To Key Workers In High-Risk Category

While countries across the world have been conducting elaborate clinical trials before launching a vaccine for the public, China claims it took that leap back in July. China has reportedly been administering a 'potential vaccine,' since July, to certain groups of key workers in the high-risk category. This includes health workers and border officials.

Image For Representation/Reuters

Before the official launch of the programme in July, China's military approved the use of CanSino's vaccine, in June, while state media reported that employees at state-owned firms travelling overseas were allowed to take one of the two candidate vaccines being developed by CNBG.

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According to Reuters, the aim among Chinese officials is to boost the immunity of specific groups of people, including medical workers and those who work at food markets and in the transportation and service sectors.

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Zheng Zhongwei, a National Health Commission official, told state TV in an interview aired late on August 22 that authorities could consider modestly expanding the emergency use programme to try to prevent possible outbreaks during the autumn and winter,

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"Once we build up an immune barrier for medical staff, personnel involved in basic operation of the city, such as those in the farmers market, transportation, and in some service industries" might receive the vaccine, said Zheng Zhongwei, director of the Science and Technology Development Center of China's National Health Commission, according to CNN.

Reuters

The announcement follows the news from mid-August that Russia approved its COVID-19 vaccine for use in certain groups.

Some countries are sceptical about China¡¯s use of experimental vaccines, Papua New Guinea has denied entry to Chinese nationals who participated in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, according to the Australian newspaper.

Also Read: Coronavirus Patients In China Are Allegedly 'Spitting' On People & Deliberately Spreading Virus

No vaccine has yet passed final, large-scale trials to prove it is safe and effective enough to protect people from contracting the virus that has led to almost 800,000 deaths worldwide.

All Inputs Reuters

Disclaimer: While there have been several different types of treatments being given to COVID-19 patients across the world, there isn¡¯t any one drug that has worked as a sure-shot treatment yet. Don¡¯t self medicate/stock up and always consult your doctor/medical health professional.