Coronavirus: WHO backed China’s emergency use of experimental vaccines, health official says
- Zheng Zhongwei from the National Health Commission says WHO standards were used as a guide to administer shots despite ongoing phase 3 trials
- Beijing has also been in talks with Covax partners about production and development
Zheng Zhongwei, head of medical science development at the National Health Commission, said the WHO gave its support to China for its emergency use of vaccines in late June.
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China prepares for coronavirus vaccine mass production though clinical trials are not yet complete
According to Zheng, the commission proposed emergency use of the vaccines in mid-June to protect people in high-risk occupations such as frontline health workers, border officials and overseas workers.
The vaccines had still to complete phase 3 of clinical trials but the State Council approved the proposal on June 24.
“After the approval, on June 29, we had a communication meeting with the relevant representatives of the WHO office in China, and obtained understanding and support from the WHO,” Zheng said.