Macao’s battle against Covid-19 will step up a notch next week with the first inoculations using Germany’s BioNTech mRNA vaccine, The Macau Post Daily reported.
The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre (NCRCC) announced that so far 25,462 people have made an appointment to be vaccinated, and 9,284 have had their first jab.
The government’s voluntary inoculation drive started on 9 February. A second jab is required four weeks after the first.
The Macao government ordered 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine, which was developed by Beijing-based China National Pharmaceutical Group. The first 100,000 doses were delivered to Macao on 6 February. The NCRCC pointed out that BioNTech’s mRNA jabs are suitable for people aged at least 16 and those aged 60 and over. The centre recommended anyone in those age groups to opt for mRNA jabs.
The centre also stated that Sinopharm jabs are suitable for people aged between 18 and 59. The statement underlined that, generally speaking, those aged 60 or over should only be given Sinopharm jabs after an assessment of their state of health and other factors, such as if they live in a high-risk environment.
Consequently, the NCRCC said that from now on no more appointments by people aged 60 or over for Sinopharm jabs will be accepted.
