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Topline
Three days after Hong Kong suspended distribution of BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine over concerns over faulty vials, a preliminary investigation found “no evidence indicating safety risks,” local government said on Saturday – which means he may soon resume administration of the vaccine to residents of Hong Kong. after one of the world’s first vaccine safety alerts.
Hong Kong Managing Director Carrie Lam examines her Covid-19 vaccination record after receiving it … [+]
Chinese Press Service via Getty Images
Highlights
German company BioNTech collaborated with Fosun to test and manufacture its mRNA-based vaccine in China, and partnered with Pfizer to test and distribute the vaccine to the rest of the world, including the United States and Europe. .
An initial investigation by Fosun and BioNTech did not find “obvious systemic factors” in their manufacturing process, and no leaks were found in other doses of the vaccine sent to Hong Kong, the government said. the city in a press release.
The investigation did not rule out that the vials were damaged during their shipment from Europe to Hong Kong.
Residents who have already been vaccinated “don’t have to worry,” the city said.
To monitor
BioNTech and Fosun hope to complete their investigation within a week. Pending the results, the city said it hopes to continue administering the vaccines.
Crucial quote
“Based on security conditions, the government will endeavor to resume administration of the BioNTech vaccine to members of the public as soon as possible, in order to protect public health and the health of our citizens,” the government said in a statement. communicated. .
Large number
435,100. This is the number of doses of the vaccine Hong Kong has administered, enough to deliver a dose to about 5.7% of its population, according to government data. Most are from China-based Sinovac, although more than a third are from BioNTech.
Key context
The slow pace of vaccine rollout in Hong Kong has frustrated some residents. The city began its vaccination campaign last month, but residents have been slow to queue for vaccines, in part because of concerns about the safety of the Sinovac vaccine and scattered but unconfirmed reports of deaths among patients who received it. The skepticism comes as the Chinese government pushes for more influence over Hong Kong, which is autonomous and semi-autonomous from mainland China, sparking mass protests in the city two years ago. Hong Kong officials hope to make the vaccines available to all residents by the end of the year, but BioNTech’s vaccine is crucial for its supply.
Tangent
About 56% of residents told pollsters in January that they were ready to take the BioNTech vaccine, compared with just 29.5% who trusted Sinovac and 35% who trusted AstraZeneca.
Further reading
Hong Kong suspends use of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine due to defective bottle lids (Forbes)
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