Illegal Trade of COVID-19 Vaccines in China

Distributed via social media before official approval
More than 7 times pricier than 400 yuan... Possible fake vaccine

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Global Times of China reported on the 15th that illegal dealers of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines are rampant in China.

In China, COVID-19 vaccines for the general public have not yet been approved, but emergency use has been implemented since July for high-risk groups such as medical workers and employees dispatched overseas by state-owned enterprises.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

With the surge in demand for emergency vaccines, some illegal dealers are approaching overseas students and others going abroad through social media, promising to provide vaccines within a few days without long waiting times.

An illegal dealer named Xiao said, "If you pay only 3,000 yuan (about 500,000 won), you can receive two doses of the Sinopharm (China National Pharmaceutical Group) vaccine at a top-tier public hospital in Beijing."

Most demand between 3,000 and 7,000 yuan for two doses. Considering that the Sinovac vaccine costs 200 yuan per dose, this is at least seven times more expensive.

They claim to have connections with Chinese vaccine companies such as Sinopharm and Sinovac to secure vaccines.

Sinopharm and Sinovac have stated that they have never entrusted vaccine sales to individuals or intermediaries and urged people not to fall for illegal dealers.

Social media is flooded with posts from overseas students seeking vaccination.

Industry insiders also express concerns about counterfeit vaccines advertised as Chinese vaccines overseas.

Chinese embassies in South Africa, Italy, and Uganda recently warned their nationals not to use unauthorized illegal vaccines.

A Chinese Ministry of Public Security official said they are monitoring the distribution of counterfeit Chinese vaccines abroad in cooperation with overseas embassies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.