Coronavirus: Chinese volunteers willing to take a chance on vaccines outside trials
- Media reports say that frequent business travellers are among those receiving the shots
- Drug company bosses have said they have already been given their vaccines to test their safety and effectiveness
Three weeks ago, Beijing-based Wood Li took his first dose of an experimental Covid-19 vaccine. At first, he hesitated because it has not yet been licensed for use on the market.
But the frequent business traveller eventually decided to take the chance, saying: “Since the company is offering it to people, it should not be a problem.”
Chinese media reports say increasing numbers have been vaccinated outside clinical trials although the exact numbers are not known.
In Li’s case he had to visit the headquarters of the China National Biotec Group, one of the country’s largest pharmacuetical firms, in Beijing and leave his contact details before returning for a second shot 28 days later. He said he had felt no ill effects after receiving the injection.
“Because it’s produced by CNBG, it should ensure the best quality in China,” Li said. “I saw there were dozens of people who came that morning and got the vaccine.”
Li said he had been given the jab for free because he had a friend in the health sector, adding that he thought the other recipients also had contacts in the industry.