South Korea says will approve AstraZeneca jab

PanARMENIAN.Net - South Korea on Wednesday, February 10 said it would grant its first approval for a coronavirus vaccine to AstraZeneca, and will allow use in people 65 years or older, despite advisory panels’ warning of a lack of data on its efficacy for the elderly, Reuters reports.

Regulators will grant AstraZeneca’s vaccine emergency authorization under the condition the company must submit its full clinical trial results, Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip told a news conference.

“However, we have added a precautionary line for cautious decision for use of the shots the elderly aged 65 and older,” Kim said.

Several European countries have warned that the shot should only be given to those ages 18 to 64, and such concerns had threatened to upend South Korea’s plan to prioritize elderly residents and medical workers in the first round of vaccinations.

It was reported earlier that Armenia will be purchasing the AstraZeneca vaccine against coronavirus for 3% of the population. In the first stage of vaccination, priority will be given to people aged over 65, those who have underlying health conditions and medical workers. In the second stage, teachers, educators, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, military personnel, employees of the justice sector and public transport, as well as civil servants will get Covid-19 shots. The country will also purchase Russian Sputnik V vaccines.