KARACHI – Chinese vaccine ‘Sinopharm’ is not suitable and recommended forpeople above 60 years, pregnant women and under 18-year-olds, SpecialAssistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan said Wednesday.

Pakistan’s top infectious disease specialist said people above 60 would bevaccinated with ‘Oxford-AstraZeneca’s’ vaccine, which will likely arrivethis month while ‘Pfizer’s’ vaccine in a limited number may also beavailable in March.

He also added that the Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ and another Chinesevaccine ‘Cansino’ could also be used to vaccinate above 60 years old, andthey would be available in Pakistan shortly.

Some other infectious diseases expert expressed concerns over Sinopharmvaccine, as the sample size of above 60 persons in phase-3 trails is notsufficient.

The Sinopharm vaccine should also not be given to patients who havereceived antibodies or convalescent plasma, patients with pre-existingrespiratory or cardiovascular disease, patients with a previous history ofanaphylaxis, and individuals who are allergic to any component of thisvaccine.