Chinese Vaccine Manufacturers Also Advocate for Introducing Booster Shots

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The introduction of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots is being proposed in China as well.

According to Huanqiu Shibao on the 24th, Zhang Yuntao, Chief Scientist and Vice President of China National Biotec Group (CNBG), a subsidiary of the state-owned pharmaceutical company Sinopharm, stated in a media interview that "Chinese people can choose to receive booster shots after achieving herd immunity." Sinopharm is a manufacturer of Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines.

Vice President Zhang explained, "Clinical trial results conducted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed that antibody levels increased 5 to 10 times when the third vaccine dose was administered six months after the second dose," adding, "This enhances protection against variant viruses." He identified the initial target groups for vaccination as those aged 60 and above or workers in key sectors.

Zhong Nanshan, a leading authority on respiratory diseases in China and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, also predicted on the 20th that "herd immunity could be achieved by the end of the year."

Regarding booster shots, he evaluated, "Although antibody levels decrease six months after the second dose, administering a third dose raises antibody levels more than tenfold," and added, "It is a highly probable method to strengthen immunity."