"Are Chinese Vaccines Safe?"... Death of Vaccinated Korean Residents After 4 Days Raises 'Concerns'

On the 15th, citizens are receiving vaccinations at the COVID-19 vaccination center in Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] As reports emerge that our government is reviewing the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac from a fundamental standpoint, voices expressing concerns about the safety of Chinese-made vaccines are increasing.

The Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac began developing the vaccine last year and, after conducting blind tests in September, initiated Phase 2 clinical trials. They reported that "after two doses administered two weeks apart in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, neutralizing antibodies against the virus were found in over 90% of the test subjects."

In response, Chinese authorities approved the emergency use of the vaccine based solely on the Phase 2 clinical trial results, sparking controversy. It was confirmed that hundreds of thousands had already received the Sinovac vaccine as early as September last year, before Phase 3 trials were completed. Subsequently, China officially approved the general use of the Sinovac vaccine on February 5 of this year.

Currently, the Chinese government has approved the general use of four domestic vaccines and granted emergency use authorization for one vaccine. However, COVID-19 vaccines approved in the US and Europe, such as Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, are not being used.

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, China, a Korean expatriate in his 40s, Mr. A, who received the Chinese-made COVID vaccine 'Sinopharm,' died four days after vaccination, raising concerns. Mr. A, who had no underlying health conditions, reportedly experienced abnormal symptoms such as indigestion after vaccination.

Although it has not been confirmed whether Mr. A's death is directly related to the vaccination, anxiety is spreading. Following the news of Mr. A's death, some local expatriates reportedly canceled their vaccination appointments. Netizens have also reacted with comments such as "I don't know if the Chinese-made vaccine is safe" and "I don't trust it."

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