Jamaica is now in receipt of 200,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, courtesy of the People’s Republic of China.

In a statement this evening, the Ministry of Health and Wellness indicated that the vaccines, together with syringes, landed on the island on Saturday (November 20).

“So pleased to know the kind donation of Sinopharm vaccines and much needed syringes have landed,” said Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade.

“Many thanks to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for this additional support to our COVID-19 response. Thanks also to Ambassador Tony Hugh, Jamaica’s Ambassador to China for overseeing logistics from Beijing.”

The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), in its interim recommendations on the Sinopharm vaccine, has indicated that it has thoroughly assessed the data on quality, safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has recommended its use for people aged 18 and above.