SIBU, Dec 11: A total of 508 Sarawakians are among the 663 adolescents in the country who have participated in a clinical study on using the Covid-19 Sinovac vaccine for children aged between three and 11.
Speaking at a press conference after visiting Sibu Hospital’s Research Clinic today, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said 339 took part in the trial in Sibu Hospital and 169 in Miri Hospital, while the rest were from the Peninsular.
“The clinical study at Sibu Hospital led by the Head of the Centre for Clinical Studies (CRC) Professor Dr Toh Teck Hock started on November 4, and from the end of October at Miri Hospital,” he said.
Aaron, also Kanowit MP, said they were targeting 2,000 participants nationwide for the study.
“This clinical study developed by Sinovac Life Sciences Co. Ltd (Sinovac) is a research vaccine being tested in this study. In this study, we wanted to determine whether it is safe and effective in preventing Covid-19 infection for this age group,” he said, adding that the results of the study will be made known within six months to a year.
Meanwhile, Dr Toh mentioned that from the 339 participants at Sibu Hospital, 114 received two doses of the vaccine.
He called on parents who want to have their children involved in the study to contact Sibu Hospital CRC (084-314596). ― DayakDaily
