07 Jun 2021

The Minister of Health and Population has confirmed that the first batch of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine will be produced in Egypt by 15 June 2021. The domestically-produced vaccine will be ready for administration to the general population within 6 weeks of production, as it needs to undergo some post-production testing. The production plan entails producing 40mn doses by the end of 2021. The vaccine will be initially produced at the current state-owned Vacsera facility. Two additional new facilities that cost EGP750mn will be coming online soon to complement the production of the vaccine.

The Minister also hinted that there is a plan to produce another European vaccine in Egypt soon, without giving further details. (Source: al-Maal, Amwal al-Ghad, al-Shurouk)