The COVID Vaccine is Ready? Here's What You Need to Know

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Ready, set, vaccine…. appointment. Good news is, sort of, in store for hopeful COVID-19 vaccine seekers. On Oct 12, state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) launched an online vaccine reservation system. The system is designed to accept COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Chinese students and essential workers living in Beijing and Wuhan. Here’s what you need to know:

Can I get one?At the moment, it appears that you can’t, or at least, not easily. At present, this unapproved vaccine is intended for Chinese students who will travel abroad and for essential workers. Posts on Chinese social media on Monday indicate Chinese students who are planning to travel abroad from November to January 2021 will be eligible to receive the shot. More than 70,000 people in these categories have reportedly already rushed to make reservations for the COVID-19 vaccine.

But don't count yourself out just yet, as residents of Beijing, along with Wuhan, will reportedly be among the first recipients of the vaccine.

Does it work?

The vaccine is still experimental. Sinopharm has two vaccine products that have entered Phase III trials in 125 countries, the company reports. Phase III is the final stage before a vaccine can be mass distributed. The company is allowed to distribute the vaccine prior to final approval due to an emergency use clause within Chinese law issued on Jul 22.

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What’s the deal with these vaccines anyway?

There are currently about a dozen COVID-19 vaccines in the final phases of development. Chinese vaccine producers have developed four of these options, but Phase III trials are intended as a thorough screening process, establishing vaccine safety and efficacy across populations. Chinese vaccine makers have also reached agreements with countries where the vaccines are being tested. Sinovac, for example, has agreed to provide 60 million doses to São Paolo, Brazil, and 40 million doses to Indonesia by March.

Do other countries have these?

Yes, but most are still trialing these vaccines. Some, like Russia, have claimed that their vaccines are approved, but only for small scale use at present.

How much will it cost?

Both of Sinopharm’s vaccine products reportedly cost 2,600 RMB, but pricing is likely to change as the approval process progresses.

When will people start getting it?

There is no clear timetable for reservations, it appears to be more of a list than a clear appointment system. Chinese companies have reported that the vaccines could be available as early as November.

Image: CDC (via UNSPLASH)

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