Administration of the Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero Cell) for specific target groups:
- Individuals aged 60 years and older: The efficacy and safety profile may be less comprehensive as only a small number of participants over 60 years of age were enrolled in Phase 3 clinical trials. However, in older age groups, post-vaccination immunogenicity following the Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero Cell) is comparable to that in younger adults, with neutralizing antibody titers being significant albeit lower in older cohorts. The use of this vaccine in older adults should be considered alongside active post-vaccination monitoring.
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions: Vaccination is recommended for individuals with underlying medical conditions identified as presenting an increased risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19.
- Pregnant women: This is an inactivated vaccine with an adjuvant commonly used in many other vaccines, and a favorable safety profile has been documented, including in pregnant women. Until data evaluating safety and immunogenicity in pregnant women are available, the WHO recommends the use of the Sinopharm vaccine in pregnant women when the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.
- Breastfeeding women: As this is not a live-virus vaccine, it is biologically implausible to pose a risk to the breastfed infant. Vaccine effectiveness is expected to be comparable between breastfeeding women and other adults. The WHO does not recommend discontinuing breastfeeding following vaccination.
- Individuals living with HIV: Vaccination may be administered if the individual belongs to a high-exposure risk group or is at risk of severe disease, following an individualized risk-benefit assessment. Routine HIV testing prior to vaccination is not required.
- Immunocompromised individuals and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy: Vaccination may be administered if they belong to a risk group. Information regarding their immunocompromised status should be provided to healthcare professionals to advise on risks and benefits, as well as for post-vaccination monitoring and evaluation.
- Individuals currently receiving monoclonal antibody therapy or convalescent plasma as part of COVID-19 treatment: Vaccination should be postponed for at least 90 days.
- Individuals with a history of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection: Regardless of whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic, vaccination may be administered 6 months after recovery.
Contraindications:
- A history of severe adverse reactions following a previous dose of the Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero Cell) contraindicates the administration of the second dose.
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients contained in the vaccine, such as aluminum hydroxide.
- Comprehensive data on the interchangeability of the Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero Cell) with other COVID-19 vaccines are currently lacking. It is recommended to complete a two-dose series with the same COVID-19 vaccine product.
- COVID-19 vaccines should be administered at least 14 days apart from other routine vaccinations.
1) Vaccine Indications: When health conditions are optimal, with no abnormal findings requiring postponement or contraindication
+ Dose 1: Indicated for individuals aged 18 years and older.
+ Dose 2: Administered 3 to 4 weeks after Dose 1.
2) Contraindications for vaccination in cases of:
+ History of severe anaphylactic reactions of Grade 2 or higher to any allergen.
+ Other contraindications per the manufacturer's instructions: - History of severe adverse reactions following a previous dose of the Sinopharm inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero Cell) contraindicates the second dose. - Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the vaccine excipients, such as aluminum hydroxide.
3) Temporary Postponement of Vaccination
+ Confirmed COVID-19 infection within the past 6 months. Administration of immunoglobulin or convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment within the past 90 days.
+ History of receiving other vaccines within the previous 14 days.
+ Individuals with immunodeficiencies, end-stage cancer, splenectomy, or decompensated cirrhosis. High-dose corticosteroid therapy within the past 14 days (equivalent to prednisolone ≥ 2 mg/kg/day for ≥ 7 days), or recent chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
+ Acute illnesses.
+ Uncontrolled or progressing chronic diseases.
+ Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Source: COVID-19 Vaccine Vaccination Practice Guidelines, National Immunization Programme