Singapore received its first shipment of China's Sinovac vaccine but has yet to authorise it for use, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 24 February.

Sinovac's product is a more traditional inactivated vaccine, which makes use of killed virus particles. This method has been used in vaccines for diseases such as polio. Phot: Bloomberg

It added that the vaccine maker has started submitting initial data to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

"HSA is currently awaiting Sinovac's submission of all the necessary information in order to carry out a thorough scientific assessment of the manufacturing process, safety and efficacy of the vaccine under the Pandemic Special Access Route," the MOH was quoted by The Straits Times as saying.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received interim authorisation in the country under this route.

In a Facebook post, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore said the delivery of the Sinovac vaccine cements the agreement made by both countries to cooperate on issues related to the pandemic.

It added that China will continue to work with Singapore to "enhance cooperation on vaccine and epidemic control, build a global community of health for all, and win the final victory in the fight against the epidemic".

Source: VNA