WHO approves Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine

It will allow the Chinese-made shot to be used for the Covax programme

The Sinovac shot has been approved for those aged 18 and over. AFP

The World Health Organisation has approved a Covid-19 vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech for emergency use, the second Chinese-produced shot to receive its endorsement.

WHO emergency listing is a signal to national regulators on a product's safety and efficacy.

It would also allow the shot to be included in Covax, the global programme to provide vaccines mainly for poor countries, which  faces major supply problems due to India's suspension of vaccine exports.

The independent panel of experts said it recommended Sinovac's vaccine for adults aged 18 and older, with a second dose two to four weeks later. There was no upper age limit as data suggested it is likely to have a protective effect in older people.