According to the Deputy Minister of Health of Georgia, Tamar Gabunia, the decision may be reconsidered, and the vaccination with "Sinovac" may start before the World Health Organization authorizes it.
Gabunia said the World Health Organization has already published a very positive interim report on Sinovac, and the data indicate its benefits.
"When it came to Sinovac, we had an agreement from the beginning with its supplier, as well as with groups of experts, that the authorization of the World Health Organization would be a trigger for us. Everything will depend on the timeframe required by the World Health Organization for the authorization. But we may have to reconsider this decision and introduce an additional mechanism to use Sinovac on time. Since the World Health Organization has already published a rather positive interim report, the data unequivocally indicate its benefits. Given the current epidemiological risks, it is important for us that vaccination coverage is rapid and widespread. In the coming days, the Vaccination Council will return to the issue, and as soon as the vaccination with "Sinopharm" is over, the issue of starting early vaccination with "Sinovac" may arise. But it should also be noted that the World Health Organization is currently actively considering the issue of authorization of both vaccines, and the conclusion may be reached before we use it," Tamar Gabunia stated.
