ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday authorised the emergency use of two Chinese vaccines — Sinopharm and Sinovac — for children above 12 years of age as the country continues its battle against coronavirus.
In a Tweet, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said the forum’s expert committee had approved administering the vaccines — in addition to Pfizer — to the age group from November 15 onwards.
Chinese vaccines Sinopharm and Sinovac have been approved by NCOC Health Expert Committee for administration to children above 12 years of age from 15 November onwards. Now, these vaccines will also be available in addition to already approved Pfizer for children above 12 yrs.
— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) November 11, 2021
Meanwhile, NCOC chief Asad Umar said more than half the students between the ages of 12 and 18 had been vaccinated with at least one dose. “Total students vaccinated so far exceed 5.5 million. GB leads the way with 68% and Punjab is second with 62%,” Umar said.
Alhamdulillah more than half the students between the ages of 12 and 18 have been vaccinated with at least 1 dose. Total students vaccinated so far exceeds 5.5 million. GB leads the way with 68% and Punjab is second with 62%.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 11, 2021
Pakistan has so far fully vaccinated more than 46 million people, while 76 million citizens have been partially inoculated. The total inoculations in the country have reached 116 million.
In today’s morning session, the NCOC’s was informed that 1.7 million individuals were vaccinated on November 9, which is the highest number of vaccinations administered in a single day.
The forum appreciated reaching an important milestone of 50% of the country’s eligible population receiving at least one dose of the vaccine, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa becoming the second province to vaccinate half its eligible population with at least one dose after Punjab.
The NCOC appreciated the mass vaccination drive, particularly the “Reach Every Door” campaign, and the teams involved in these initiatives.
Two days ago, the NCOC had emphasised stepping up the administration of the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals to sufficiently raise the immunity level of the population for long-term dividends.
