According to UNICEF, North Korea has rejected the offer of around three million COVID-19 vaccine doses from China’s Sinovac Biotech (SVA.O). It says that they should be distributed to badly impacted countries.
According to the UN children’s agency, the aloof country’s public ministry pointed to the worldwide supply of vaccines and ongoing viral outbreaks elsewhere. UN Children’s agency handles the supply for the COVAX scheme for lower-income countries
North Korea has not reported any COVID-19 incidents so far. It has implemented strong anti-virus measures such as border closures and domestic travel restrictions.
According to a UN spokeswoman, the ministry will continue to engage with the COVAX facility to acquire vaccines in the coming months.
North Korea rejects Sinovac offer
According to a South Korean think-tank associated with the spy agency, North Korea refused shipments of AstraZeneca’s (AZN.L) vaccine in July. It is due to concerns over side effects.
North Korea, according to the Institute for National Security Strategy, is impassive about Chinese vaccinations. It is due to fears that they are ineffective. But it is showing interest in Russian vaccines.
To improve protection, several nations, including Thailand and Uruguay, have likewise begun utilizing different vaccines. It is for people who had the Sinovac shot as their first dose.
“We continue to work with DPRK authorities to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic”. A spokesperson for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization alliance, one of the organizations that co-leads the COVAX scheme, said.