Zheng Zhongwei, Director of the Development Center for Medical Science and Technology of China’s National Health Commission. (Photo: CCTV/VOV correspondent in Beijing)

When a particularly severe public health emergency occurs, the vaccines in clinical trials could be used to protect medical and viral prevention personnel, border officers, among others, Zheng Zhongwei, director of the Development Center for Medical Science and Technology of the National Health Commission, told China Central Television.

Zheng noted that in the next step, to prevent an outbreak in autumn and winter, the vaccines will be extended to people working in food markets, traffic systems and service sectors. 

He added that the price will be lower than what the China National Biotec Group (CNBG) of SinoPharm had revealed before, which was 1,000 yuan (144 USD) for two shots.

SinoPharm was approved at the end of June to begin international phase III clinical trials and the vaccine could be on the market by the end of this year.