By Pamodi WaravitaThe Independent Vaccine Advisory Expert Committee will approve the Chinese Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine only if it deems Sri Lanka to be in need of this vaccine in addition to all other vaccines currently available, and scheduled to arrive, in Sri Lanka. The approval of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) Independent Vaccine Advisory Expert Committee is required for the emergency use of the Sinovac vaccine (CoronaVac), developed by Chinese drug maker Sinovac, in Sri Lanka. Reportedly, the NMRA is to make inquiries from the expert panel about why approval has not yet been granted for the Sinovac vaccine. The World Health Organisation (WHO) granted approval for emergency use of the Sinovac vaccine on 1 June. Now, instead of two Sinovac doses, people will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine after their first Sinovac shot.

Source: The Nation July 12, 2021 17:37 UTC