China Says They’ve Been Vaccinating Since July
According to Chinese medical officials, China has been using an experimental COVID-19 vaccine since July. Zheng Zhongwei, director of the Science and Technology Development Center of the National Health Commission, told state media this weekend that a vaccine was approved for use on July 22. Thus far, it has only been used on people in “high-risk” professions like border inspectors and medical professionals.
The vaccine was created by Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group Company. Phase 3 trials have taken place in a variety of countries like the UAE, Morocco, Peru, and Argentina. Zheng says that a potential next round of vaccinations could take place as soon as this fall as the country tries to “establish an immunity barrier.”
Blake is a writer focused on non-profits and trade industries. He has told the stories of countless peacebuilders while covering international development with the nonprofit Search for Common Ground. He is a graduate of the George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs.