Hong Kong Delays AstraZeneca Vaccine Introduction...Experts Recommend Order Cancellation

"Vaccines Already Sufficiently Secured... Not Needed"
Seems Aware of Safety Concerns Related to Thrombotic Side Effects

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Hong Kong government announced that it will postpone the introduction of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, which was scheduled to be supplied in the second half of this year. Although Hong Kong is already administering Sinovac and Pfizer vaccines and has sufficient vaccine supplies, concerns and controversies over blood clot side effects are believed to have played a significant role in this decision.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 9th, Sophia Chan, Hong Kong's Secretary for Health, stated to the Legislative Council, Hong Kong's parliament, "Although we have signed a purchase agreement with AstraZeneca, we have already secured enough vaccines, so there is no need for AstraZeneca vaccines this year, and the introduction has been postponed." Previously, the Hong Kong government ordered 7.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine last year and was expected to receive supplies starting in the second half of this year.

Secretary Chan said, "Hong Kong has already ordered 7.5 million doses each of the Pfizer and Sinovac vaccines," adding, "In a global situation where vaccine supply is still insufficient, to prevent vaccine waste, Hong Kong does not need AstraZeneca vaccines this year." She further added, "We have also started reviewing next-generation vaccines that are more effective in responding to variant viruses." Hong Kong, with a population of about 7.5 million, is providing free vaccinations of Sinovac and Pfizer vaccines to citizens aged 30 and above.

While the vaccination supply had already been secured, it is also interpreted that the introduction was postponed considering controversies such as blood clot side effects. SCMP reported, "In the midst of safety concerns over the AstraZeneca vaccine, some experts within Hong Kong have recommended the government cancel the order for the vaccine."

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