BioNTech jabs arrive Macao; registration from tomorrow onwards

The first batch of 100,000 doses of the BioNTech mRNA vaccine arrived Macao from Germany via Hong Kong today.

Health Bureau Director Lei Chin Ion told reporters that in the first two weeks the BioNTech inoculations will only be administered at the public hospital, adding that depending on the situation the mRNA vaccination will also be available at public health centres at a later stage.

Lei pointed out that the BioNTech jabs must be stored under strict temperature controls and used within 5 days of defrosting.

The appointment registration process for the BioNTech jabs will start at 9 am tomorrow, Lei said, adding that the mRNA vaccination programme will commence on Wednesday and is free of charge with each person requiring two jabs, the Macau Post Daily reported.

BioNTech is the second kind of Covid-19 vaccine to be delivered to Macao. 

A total of 100,000 Sinopharm jabs arrived the city on 6 February, with the general population’s vaccination drive starting on 22 February.

The government announced last night that those aged 60 or over can again register for Sinopharm jabs if their health condition is “good.” Earlier this week, the government had temporarily stopped accepting appointments for Sinopharm vaccinations for senior citizens.

Lei stressed today that BioNTech is “suitable” for people aged 60 or over. The government has also said that the free vaccination drive will include Macao’s approximately 175,000 non-resident workers later this year.