WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has published interim recommendations for using the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine in COVID-19 prophylaxis.
Who should be prioritized for vaccination?
Healthcare professionals at high risk of exposure, as well as the elderly, should be given priority for immunization. According to current recommendations, the Sinovac vaccination should not be administered to anyone under the age of 18.
Should pregnant women be vaccinated?
Currently, there is insufficient data to assess the effectiveness and dangers of the Sinovac-CoronaVac (COVID-19) vaccine on pregnant women. However, this is an inactivated vaccine containing adjuvants that have been shown to be safe, especially in pregnant women, and are widely used in other vaccinations such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B vaccines. Tetanus. The Sinovac-CoronaVac (COVID-19) vaccine is projected to be as effective in pregnant women as it is in non-pregnant women of comparable age.
The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated against COVID-19 if the benefits outweigh the hazards. To assist pregnant women in the assessment and decision-making process, they should be given information regarding the risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy, the benefits of vaccination in light of the local epidemic, and other relevant information. The World Health Organization does not promote pregnancy testing prior to vaccination, nor does it advise delaying or terminating pregnancy for vaccine purposes.
Other vaccination subjects
Obesity, heart disease, and lung disease have all been identified as risk factors for serious COVID-19 problems. This group of persons should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
People who have already been infected with COVID-19 are also eligible for vaccination. However, vaccinations can be delayed for up to 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The above time period can be reduced when new and more dangerous variations circulate.
The vaccine’s efficacy in breastfeeding women is likely to be comparable to that in other adults. Breastfeeding mothers should be vaccinated against COVID-19 just like everyone else, and they do not need to cease breastfeeding following vaccination.
People infected with HIV or immunocompromised by COVID-19 are at a higher risk of serious consequences. This is the group of persons who should get vaccinated.
Who should not be vaccinated?
Individuals who have experienced anaphylaxis to any component of the vaccine should not be immunized.
People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 via PCR should not be vaccinated until they have recovered and met the requirements for leaving quarantine.
People with body temperatures higher than 38.5°C should postpone vaccination until the fever subsides.
Recommended dose
SAGE recommends that each participant take two doses of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccination (0.5 ml each) by intramuscular injection. The WHO recommends that the two shots be spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
There is no need to repeat the immunization if the second injection occurs fewer than two weeks after the first. If the time between two doses exceeds four weeks, the second dose should be given as soon as feasible.
Compare Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine with other vaccines
Overall, all vaccinations on the WHO Emergency Use List are highly effective in avoiding severe COVID-19 and lowering the chance of hospitalization for COVID-19.
Is Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine safe?
After thoroughly analyzing the quality, safety and efficacy of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine, SAGE recommends the vaccine for people 18 years of age and older.
There is currently limited data on the vaccine’s safety in persons over the age of 60. Countries contemplating utilizing this vaccine to vaccinate persons over the age of 60 should conduct ongoing safety monitoring.
How effective is the vaccine?
A phase 3 trial in Brazil found that among people who received two doses of Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine separated by 14 days, 51% were free of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, 100% were free of severe COVID-19 symptoms, and 100% did not need to be hospitalized after 14 days from the second injection.
Is Sinovac-CoronaVac effective against new strains?
Observational studies in Brazil have shown that Sinovac-CoronaVac is effective against both P.1 and P.2 strains. Currently, SAGE recommends using the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine.
Does Sinovac-CoronaVac prevent infection?
There is presently no solid evidence showing how the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine affects virus transmission or shedding.
(According to WHO)