First batch of Sinovac vaccines arrive in HK

The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines ordered by Hong Kong arrived in the territory on Friday, with officials saying it was an “important milestone” when it comes to controlling the virus.

The one million doses from mainland firm Sinovac were flown in from Beijing on a Cathay Pacific plane, just a day after the jabs were given the green light for use in the territory.

Senior government ministers and a Beijing liaison office official were among those at the airport to welcome the shipment.

“On behalf of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to thank the Central People’s Government for their full support and the active cooperation of the Sinovac company to enable Hong Kong to get the vaccines early and timely, which we all know is in huge demand and short supply globally,” said Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip, who is in charge of the vaccination programme.

He didn’t elaborate on what Beijing’s role in the delivery was.

Nip called on people to get vaccinated so that the city could see an early recovery of the economy and the resumption of normal daily life.

Health Secretary Sophia Chan, meanwhile, said the vaccines are “proven to be effective, of quality, and safe.”

Two scientific committees under the Centre for Health Protection also concluded that the Sinovac vaccines are suitable for people aged 60 and above – provided they’re healthy.

However, the experts cautioned that people with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes shouldn’t receive the jabs until their conditions are under control.

They’re also not recommending its use for pregnant women.

Another one million jabs from German firm, BioNTech, are expected to arrive at the end of the month.

Sinovac vaccines are reported to be about 62 percent effective against Covid, while the BioNtech jabs are said to be more than 90 percent effective.

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Last updated: 2021-02-19 HKT 21:25