🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 68 (from laksa193)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa068.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/","crawl_time":1776242424,"first_indexed_time":1671557845,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"news,healthpolicy-watch!\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/ s443","src_root_hash":"2346392570040768268","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Will China Allow MRNA Vaccines To Boost Vulnerable Population? - Health Policy Watch","meta_descriptions":["But China’s vaccines are only about 60% effective against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"COVID-19 is surging after China relaxed its lockdown measures after protests. Chinese protestors hold blank papers to signify censorship.\nSchools in Shanghai closed on Monday, as did the US Embassy in Beijing while the streets of major Chinese cities are reportedly deserted as residents retreated from a wave of COVID-19 cases.\nIn the past week, the country has officially reported over 148,000 new cases – but this is likely to be much higher as it recently relaxed testing requirements. Only two deaths have been officially reported but there are widespread reports on social media about funeral homes being overwhelmed by COVID-related deaths.\nWhile most of its citizens have been under strict lockdowns on and off for the past three years as part of its “zero COVID” strategy, the Chinese health authorities did not roll out sufficient vaccine boosters to its captive audience to ensure more protection against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.\nWhile 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of the local homologous vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac, only 55% are boosted,\naccording to the World Health Organization\n(WHO).\nOlder Chinese who are more vulnerable to serious illness have been particularly resistant to boosters.\nBut China’s vaccines are\nonly about 60% effective\nagainst severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts\nrecommend a third booster shot\nto raise their level of protection. \nmRNA Vaccines only for non-Chinese\nLast month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen\ntold the New York Times\nthat China had not been interested in importing the US-produced mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna.\nSimilarly, Germany had also appealed to China recently to grant regulatory approval to the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine.\nHowever, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson\nMao Ning told a media briefing\nearlier this month that “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China” – but not for the wider population. In exchange, Chinese nationals in Germany have been authorised to take the Chinese vaccines.\nAt her weekly briefing on Wednesday, Ning sought to allay fears of widespread COVID cases and deaths,\nassuring the media briefing\nthat the zero-COVID approach had “provided maximum protection to people’s lives and health” and the country was currently adapting its COVID response measures “to better coordinate epidemic response and socioeconomic development”.\n“China is ready to work with the international community to deepen solidarity and cooperation, jointly address the COVID challenge, make greater efforts to protect people’s life and health, promote sound recovery and growth of the world economy, and advance the building of a global community of health for all,” said Ning.\nChinese spokesperson Mao Ning.\nWeak vaccines, lack of boosters\n“Although there is a high rate of vaccination, comparatively low effectiveness of the vaccines used in China against Omicron and the long duration since vaccination for many individuals mean that 80% of the population is susceptible to Omicron infection,” according to a briefing document from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.\nBased on modelling that includes the implementation of social distancing, the IHME “expect 323,000 total deaths from COVID-19 by 1 April 2023” but warns that one million Chinese people could die from COVID-19 next year.\nAlthough there is a perception that Omicron is mild and will not have a high death toll, “the experience in Hong Kong, however, where 10,000 died in the first months of the Omicron wave, would suggest otherwise”, according to the IHME. \nIt describes Hong Kong as a good indicator of what is likely to happen in China, as it has  “similar levels of vaccination with a comparatively poor vaccine and low levels of vaccination in the over-80 population, who are at the highest risk of death”. \n“Over 2022, the infection-fatality rate in Hong Kong was over 0.1% overall.”\nThe IHME predicts huge numbers of elderly people with severe disease, and hospitals being overwhelmed.\n“Strategies to greatly reduce the death toll have been available but not used: switching to the more effective mRNA vaccines and producing or acquiring Paxlovid to manage disease in the vulnerable populations.”\nHowever, Chinese importer Meheco signed an agreement last week with Pfizer to import its antiviral, Paxlovid,\naccording to Reuters\n. However, there has been no indication that the country will acquire mRNA vaccines although the US has announced that it will make these available to the country if asked.\nCurrently, Paxlovid is available in China – but often sold out, and with a hefty price, according to Professor John Ji from Tsinghua University in Beijing.\nAntiviral\n#paxlovid\nis now available in\n#China\n, but often sold out. Retail cost is RMB 2900 ($415 USD).\n#COVID\npic.twitter.com\/2DLbVzFxI7\n— John Ji (@ProfJohnJi)\nDecember 20, 2022\nMeanwhile, three Hong Kong-based scientists\npublished in a preprint\nlast week calling on China to implement “fourth-dose heterologous boosting” to 4-8% of the population per week, and ordering enough antiviral treatment to cover 60% of the population, as well as public health measures including social distancing and mask-wearing. \nThis would avoid “catastrophically overburdening health systems and\/or incurring unacceptably excessive morbidity and mortality” as the country exited its “zero COVID” strategy.\n“With fourth-dose vaccination coverage of 85% and antiviral coverage of 60%, the cumulative mortality burden would be reduced by 26-35% to 448-503 per million, compared with reopening without any of these interventions,” according to the researchers, who are based at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Control at the Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health.\nBack in May, WHO Secretary-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus\ntold a media briefing\nthat China’s strategy was no longer sustainable in the face of the more infectious but less lethal Omicron.\n“When we talk about the zero-COVID strategy, we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behaviour of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” said Tedros, prompting a rebuke from Chinese officials\nCombat the infodemic in health information and support health policy reporting from the global South.  Our  growing network of journalists in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York connect the dots between regional realities and the big global debates, with evidence-based, open access news and analysis. To make a personal or organisational contribution click here.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/#content)\n\n[![Health Policy Watch](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/HPW-Logo-Full.png?fit=1099%2C206&ssl=1)](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/)\n\n*menu*\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/ \"Home\")\n- [About Us](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/about\/ \"About Us\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/themes\/hpw2018\/images\/header-twitter.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/HealthPolicyW)\n\n[![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/themes\/hpw2018\/images\/header-facebook.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HealthPolicyWatch)\n\n- [Antimicrobial Resistance](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/anti-microbial-resistance\/ \"Antimicrobial Resistance\")\n- [Infectious Diseases](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/infectious-disease\/ \"Infectious Diseases\")\n- [Pandemics & Emergencies](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/pandemics\/ \"Pandemics & Emergencies\")\n- [Non-Communicable Diseases](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/noncommunicable-diseases\/ \"Non-Communicable Diseases\")\n- [Health, Climate & SDGs](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/health-in-sdgs\/ \"Health, Climate & SDGs\")\n\n[![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/themes\/hpw2018\/images\/header-twitter.svg)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/HealthPolicyW)   [![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/themes\/hpw2018\/images\/header-facebook.svg)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HealthPolicyWatch)\n\nWill China Allow mRNA Vaccines to Boost Vulnerable Population?\n\n[COVID-19](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/infectious-disease\/covid-19\/) 20\/12\/2022 • [Kerry Cullinan](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/author\/kerry-cullinan\/ \"Posts by Kerry Cullinan\")\n\n### Share this:\n- [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=twitter)\n- [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=linkedin)\n- [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=facebook)\n- [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/#print?share=print)\n- [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=bluesky)\n\n![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-11-28-at-16.12.24-1024x737.png)\n\nCOVID-19 is surging after China relaxed its lockdown measures after protests. Chinese protestors hold blank papers to signify censorship.\n\nSchools in Shanghai closed on Monday, as did the US Embassy in Beijing while the streets of major Chinese cities are reportedly deserted as residents retreated from a wave of COVID-19 cases.\n\nIn the past week, the country has officially reported over 148,000 new cases – but this is likely to be much higher as it recently relaxed testing requirements. Only two deaths have been officially reported but there are widespread reports on social media about funeral homes being overwhelmed by COVID-related deaths.\n\nWhile most of its citizens have been under strict lockdowns on and off for the past three years as part of its “zero COVID” strategy, the Chinese health authorities did not roll out sufficient vaccine boosters to its captive audience to ensure more protection against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.\n\nWhile 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of the local homologous vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac, only 55% are boosted, [according to the World Health Organization](https:\/\/covid19.who.int\/table) (WHO).\n\nOlder Chinese who are more vulnerable to serious illness have been particularly resistant to boosters.\n\nBut China’s vaccines are [only about 60% effective](https:\/\/www.ncid.sg\/News-Events\/News\/Pages\/Sinovac-jabs-not-as-effective-in-preventing-severe-disease-S%E2%80%99pore-study.aspx) against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts [recommend a third booster shot](https:\/\/cdn.who.int\/media\/docs\/default-source\/immunization\/sage\/2021\/october\/sage_oct2021_meetinghighlights.pdf) to raise their level of protection.\n\n### mRNA Vaccines only for non-Chinese\nLast month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen [told the New York Times](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/11\/14\/world\/asia\/yellen-china-covid-vaccinations.html) that China had not been interested in importing the US-produced mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna.\n\nSimilarly, Germany had also appealed to China recently to grant regulatory approval to the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine.\n\nHowever, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson [Mao Ning told a media briefing](https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/eng\/xwfw_665399\/s2510_665401\/2511_665403\/202212\/t20221209_10988054.html) earlier this month that “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China” – but not for the wider population. In exchange, Chinese nationals in Germany have been authorised to take the Chinese vaccines.\n\nAt her weekly briefing on Wednesday, Ning sought to allay fears of widespread COVID cases and deaths, [assuring the media briefing](https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/mfa_eng\/xwfw_665399\/s2510_665401\/202212\/t20221220_10992666.html) that the zero-COVID approach had “provided maximum protection to people’s lives and health” and the country was currently adapting its COVID response measures “to better coordinate epidemic response and socioeconomic development”.\n\n“China is ready to work with the international community to deepen solidarity and cooperation, jointly address the COVID challenge, make greater efforts to protect people’s life and health, promote sound recovery and growth of the world economy, and advance the building of a global community of health for all,” said Ning.\n\n![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Mao-Ning.jpeg)\n\nChinese spokesperson Mao Ning.\n### **Weak vaccines, lack of boosters**\n“Although there is a high rate of vaccination, comparatively low effectiveness of the vaccines used in China against Omicron and the long duration since vaccination for many individuals mean that 80% of the population is susceptible to Omicron infection,” according to a briefing document from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.\n\nBased on modelling that includes the implementation of social distancing, the IHME “expect 323,000 total deaths from COVID-19 by 1 April 2023” but warns that one million Chinese people could die from COVID-19 next year.\n\nAlthough there is a perception that Omicron is mild and will not have a high death toll, “the experience in Hong Kong, however, where 10,000 died in the first months of the Omicron wave, would suggest otherwise”, according to the IHME.\n\nIt describes Hong Kong as a good indicator of what is likely to happen in China, as it has “similar levels of vaccination with a comparatively poor vaccine and low levels of vaccination in the over-80 population, who are at the highest risk of death”.\n\n“Over 2022, the infection-fatality rate in Hong Kong was over 0.1% overall.”\n\nThe IHME predicts huge numbers of elderly people with severe disease, and hospitals being overwhelmed.\n\n“Strategies to greatly reduce the death toll have been available but not used: switching to the more effective mRNA vaccines and producing or acquiring Paxlovid to manage disease in the vulnerable populations.”\n\nHowever, Chinese importer Meheco signed an agreement last week with Pfizer to import its antiviral, Paxlovid, [according to Reuters](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/healthcare-pharmaceuticals\/china-meheco-distribute-pfizers-covid-treatment-product-china-2022-12-14\/). However, there has been no indication that the country will acquire mRNA vaccines although the US has announced that it will make these available to the country if asked.\n\nCurrently, Paxlovid is available in China – but often sold out, and with a hefty price, according to Professor John Ji from Tsinghua University in Beijing.\n\n> Antiviral [\\#paxlovid](https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/paxlovid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is now available in [\\#China](https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/China?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), but often sold out. Retail cost is RMB 2900 (\\$415 USD). [\\#COVID](https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/COVID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com\/2DLbVzFxI7](https:\/\/t.co\/2DLbVzFxI7)\n> \n> — John Ji (@ProfJohnJi) [December 20, 2022](https:\/\/twitter.com\/ProfJohnJi\/status\/1605143980269744129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)\n\nMeanwhile, three Hong Kong-based scientists [published in a preprint](https:\/\/www.medrxiv.org\/content\/10.1101\/2022.12.14.22283460v1.full.pdf) last week calling on China to implement “fourth-dose heterologous boosting” to 4-8% of the population per week, and ordering enough antiviral treatment to cover 60% of the population, as well as public health measures including social distancing and mask-wearing.\n\nThis would avoid “catastrophically overburdening health systems and\/or incurring unacceptably excessive morbidity and mortality” as the country exited its “zero COVID” strategy.\n\n“With fourth-dose vaccination coverage of 85% and antiviral coverage of 60%, the cumulative mortality burden would be reduced by 26-35% to 448-503 per million, compared with reopening without any of these interventions,” according to the researchers, who are based at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Control at the Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health.\n\nBack in May, WHO Secretary-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus [told a media briefing](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/chinas-zero-covid-strategy-is-unsustainable\/) that China’s strategy was no longer sustainable in the face of the more infectious but less lethal Omicron.\n\n“When we talk about the zero-COVID strategy, we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behaviour of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” said Tedros, prompting a rebuke from Chinese officials\n\n### Share this:\n- [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=twitter)\n- [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=linkedin)\n- [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=facebook)\n- [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/#print?share=print)\n- [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/?share=bluesky)\n\nCombat the infodemic in health information and support health policy reporting from the global South. Our growing network of journalists in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York connect the dots between regional realities and the big global debates, with evidence-based, open access news and analysis. To make a personal or organisational contribution click here.\n\nPosted in [Content type](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/content-type\/), [COVID-19](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/infectious-disease\/covid-19\/), [COVID-19 Science](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/infectious-disease\/covid-19-science\/), [Infectious Diseases](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/infectious-disease\/), [News](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/content-type\/news\/)\n\nRelated\n\n[WHO Expert Group: Step up Typhoid Vaccination in High Risk Regions, Fewer Polio Doses in Low-Risk Areas](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/who-expert-group-advises-on-typhoid-covid-19-and-polio-vaccinations\/)\n\n[Medicines & Vaccines](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/drug-and-diagnostics-development\/medicines-and-vaccines\/)\n\n18\/03\/2026\n***\n[A Flag Recaptured: US Exit from WHO Highlights Anger Over COVID-19 Pandemic](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/a-flag-recaptured-us-exit-from-who-highlights-anger-over-covid-19-pandemic\/)\n\n[World Health Organization](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/institutions\/world-health-organization\/)\n\n27\/01\/2026\n***\n[Most Vaccine Hesitancy can be Successfully Overcome, New Lancet Study Finds](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/vaccine-hesitancy-temporary-for-majority\/)\n\n[Pandemic Preparedness](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/pandemics\/preparedness\/)\n\n14\/01\/2026\n***\nDo you really care about access and equity in global health? Your contributions are urgently needed to support our mission in open access global health journalism and our network of correspondents in Africa, Asia, New York and Geneva. Their reporting connects the dots between the regional realities and the big global debates. Every contribution - big or small - helps us sustain our reporting for the benefit of all.\n\nRelated\n\n[WHO Expert Group: Step up Typhoid Vaccination in High Risk Regions, Fewer Polio Doses in Low-Risk Areas](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/who-expert-group-advises-on-typhoid-covid-19-and-polio-vaccinations\/)\n\n[Medicines & Vaccines](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/drug-and-diagnostics-development\/medicines-and-vaccines\/)\n\n18\/03\/2026\n***\n[A Flag Recaptured: US Exit from WHO Highlights Anger Over COVID-19 Pandemic](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/a-flag-recaptured-us-exit-from-who-highlights-anger-over-covid-19-pandemic\/)\n\n[World Health Organization](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/institutions\/world-health-organization\/)\n\n27\/01\/2026\n***\n[Most Vaccine Hesitancy can be Successfully Overcome, New Lancet Study Finds](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/vaccine-hesitancy-temporary-for-majority\/)\n\n[Pandemic Preparedness](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/category\/pandemics\/preparedness\/)\n\n14\/01\/2026\n***\nDo you really care about access and equity in global health? Your contributions are urgently needed to support our mission in open access global health journalism and our network of correspondents in Africa, Asia, New York and Geneva. Their reporting connects the dots between the regional realities and the big global debates. Every contribution - big or small - helps us sustain our reporting for the benefit of all.\n\nThis site uses cookies to help give you the best experience on our website. Cookies enable us to collect information that helps us personalise your experience and improve the functionality and performance of our site. By continuing to read our website, we assume you agree to this, otherwise you can adjust your browser settings. Please read our cookie and Privacy Policy.  [Our Cookies and Privacy Policy](http:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.org\/privacy-policy\/)\n\nSign up for free news alerts\n\nSignup Link\n\nContact Us\n\ninfo@healthpolicy-watch.org\n\n1-5 Route des Morillions CP 2100\n\nGeneva 1211, Switzerland\n\n\\+41 22 791 67 28\n\n[About](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/about\/)\n\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/privacy-policy\/)\n\n[Archives](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/archive\/)\n\nStaff Access\n\n[Log in](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-login.php)\n\n[Entries RSS](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/post-feeds)\n\n[Comments RSS](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/comments-page)\n\n[Wordpress.org](https:\/\/wordpress.org\/)\n\nSupported by\n\nSponsors\n\n[![Wellcome](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wellcome_logo_Black.jpg)](https:\/\/wellcome.org\/)\n\n[![CeHDI](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CeHDI_Logo.jpg)](https:\/\/www.cehdi.org\/)\n\n[![Geneva](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/geneva.png)](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/about\/)\n\n[![Loro](https:\/\/www.loro.ch\/themes\/logo.svg)](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/about\/)\n\nCopyright c 2020 Global Policy Reporting\n\n##\n##\nLoading Comments...\n\nYou must be [logged in](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population\/) to post a comment.\n###","attrs_readable_markdown":"![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Screenshot-2022-11-28-at-16.12.24-1024x737.png)\n\nCOVID-19 is surging after China relaxed its lockdown measures after protests. Chinese protestors hold blank papers to signify censorship.\n\nSchools in Shanghai closed on Monday, as did the US Embassy in Beijing while the streets of major Chinese cities are reportedly deserted as residents retreated from a wave of COVID-19 cases.\n\nIn the past week, the country has officially reported over 148,000 new cases – but this is likely to be much higher as it recently relaxed testing requirements. Only two deaths have been officially reported but there are widespread reports on social media about funeral homes being overwhelmed by COVID-related deaths.\n\nWhile most of its citizens have been under strict lockdowns on and off for the past three years as part of its “zero COVID” strategy, the Chinese health authorities did not roll out sufficient vaccine boosters to its captive audience to ensure more protection against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.\n\nWhile 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of the local homologous vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac, only 55% are boosted, [according to the World Health Organization](https:\/\/covid19.who.int\/table) (WHO).\n\nOlder Chinese who are more vulnerable to serious illness have been particularly resistant to boosters.\n\nBut China’s vaccines are [only about 60% effective](https:\/\/www.ncid.sg\/News-Events\/News\/Pages\/Sinovac-jabs-not-as-effective-in-preventing-severe-disease-S%E2%80%99pore-study.aspx) against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts [recommend a third booster shot](https:\/\/cdn.who.int\/media\/docs\/default-source\/immunization\/sage\/2021\/october\/sage_oct2021_meetinghighlights.pdf) to raise their level of protection.\n\n### mRNA Vaccines only for non-Chinese\nLast month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen [told the New York Times](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/11\/14\/world\/asia\/yellen-china-covid-vaccinations.html) that China had not been interested in importing the US-produced mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna.\n\nSimilarly, Germany had also appealed to China recently to grant regulatory approval to the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine.\n\nHowever, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson [Mao Ning told a media briefing](https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/eng\/xwfw_665399\/s2510_665401\/2511_665403\/202212\/t20221209_10988054.html) earlier this month that “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China” – but not for the wider population. In exchange, Chinese nationals in Germany have been authorised to take the Chinese vaccines.\n\nAt her weekly briefing on Wednesday, Ning sought to allay fears of widespread COVID cases and deaths, [assuring the media briefing](https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/mfa_eng\/xwfw_665399\/s2510_665401\/202212\/t20221220_10992666.html) that the zero-COVID approach had “provided maximum protection to people’s lives and health” and the country was currently adapting its COVID response measures “to better coordinate epidemic response and socioeconomic development”.\n\n“China is ready to work with the international community to deepen solidarity and cooperation, jointly address the COVID challenge, make greater efforts to protect people’s life and health, promote sound recovery and growth of the world economy, and advance the building of a global community of health for all,” said Ning.\n\n![](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Mao-Ning.jpeg)\n\nChinese spokesperson Mao Ning.\n### **Weak vaccines, lack of boosters**\n“Although there is a high rate of vaccination, comparatively low effectiveness of the vaccines used in China against Omicron and the long duration since vaccination for many individuals mean that 80% of the population is susceptible to Omicron infection,” according to a briefing document from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.\n\nBased on modelling that includes the implementation of social distancing, the IHME “expect 323,000 total deaths from COVID-19 by 1 April 2023” but warns that one million Chinese people could die from COVID-19 next year.\n\nAlthough there is a perception that Omicron is mild and will not have a high death toll, “the experience in Hong Kong, however, where 10,000 died in the first months of the Omicron wave, would suggest otherwise”, according to the IHME.\n\nIt describes Hong Kong as a good indicator of what is likely to happen in China, as it has “similar levels of vaccination with a comparatively poor vaccine and low levels of vaccination in the over-80 population, who are at the highest risk of death”.\n\n“Over 2022, the infection-fatality rate in Hong Kong was over 0.1% overall.”\n\nThe IHME predicts huge numbers of elderly people with severe disease, and hospitals being overwhelmed.\n\n“Strategies to greatly reduce the death toll have been available but not used: switching to the more effective mRNA vaccines and producing or acquiring Paxlovid to manage disease in the vulnerable populations.”\n\nHowever, Chinese importer Meheco signed an agreement last week with Pfizer to import its antiviral, Paxlovid, [according to Reuters](https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/business\/healthcare-pharmaceuticals\/china-meheco-distribute-pfizers-covid-treatment-product-china-2022-12-14\/). However, there has been no indication that the country will acquire mRNA vaccines although the US has announced that it will make these available to the country if asked.\n\nCurrently, Paxlovid is available in China – but often sold out, and with a hefty price, according to Professor John Ji from Tsinghua University in Beijing.\n\n> Antiviral [\\#paxlovid](https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/paxlovid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is now available in [\\#China](https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/China?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), but often sold out. Retail cost is RMB 2900 (\\$415 USD). [\\#COVID](https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/COVID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com\/2DLbVzFxI7](https:\/\/t.co\/2DLbVzFxI7)\n> \n> — John Ji (@ProfJohnJi) [December 20, 2022](https:\/\/twitter.com\/ProfJohnJi\/status\/1605143980269744129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)\n\nMeanwhile, three Hong Kong-based scientists [published in a preprint](https:\/\/www.medrxiv.org\/content\/10.1101\/2022.12.14.22283460v1.full.pdf) last week calling on China to implement “fourth-dose heterologous boosting” to 4-8% of the population per week, and ordering enough antiviral treatment to cover 60% of the population, as well as public health measures including social distancing and mask-wearing.\n\nThis would avoid “catastrophically overburdening health systems and\/or incurring unacceptably excessive morbidity and mortality” as the country exited its “zero COVID” strategy.\n\n“With fourth-dose vaccination coverage of 85% and antiviral coverage of 60%, the cumulative mortality burden would be reduced by 26-35% to 448-503 per million, compared with reopening without any of these interventions,” according to the researchers, who are based at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Control at the Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health.\n\nBack in May, WHO Secretary-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus [told a media briefing](https:\/\/healthpolicy-watch.news\/chinas-zero-covid-strategy-is-unsustainable\/) that China’s strategy was no longer sustainable in the face of the more infectious but less lethal Omicron.\n\n“When we talk about the zero-COVID strategy, we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behaviour of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” said Tedros, prompting a rebuke from Chinese officials\n\nCombat the infodemic in health information and support health policy reporting from the global South. 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Meta Title	Will China Allow MRNA Vaccines To Boost Vulnerable Population? - Health Policy Watch
Meta Description	But China’s vaccines are only about 60% effective against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts
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Boilerpipe Text	COVID-19 is surging after China relaxed its lockdown measures after protests. Chinese protestors hold blank papers to signify censorship. Schools in Shanghai closed on Monday, as did the US Embassy in Beijing while the streets of major Chinese cities are reportedly deserted as residents retreated from a wave of COVID-19 cases. In the past week, the country has officially reported over 148,000 new cases – but this is likely to be much higher as it recently relaxed testing requirements. Only two deaths have been officially reported but there are widespread reports on social media about funeral homes being overwhelmed by COVID-related deaths. While most of its citizens have been under strict lockdowns on and off for the past three years as part of its “zero COVID” strategy, the Chinese health authorities did not roll out sufficient vaccine boosters to its captive audience to ensure more protection against the fast-spreading Omicron variant. While 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of the local homologous vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac, only 55% are boosted, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Older Chinese who are more vulnerable to serious illness have been particularly resistant to boosters. But China’s vaccines are only about 60% effective against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts recommend a third booster shot to raise their level of protection. mRNA Vaccines only for non-Chinese Last month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told the New York Times that China had not been interested in importing the US-produced mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. Similarly, Germany had also appealed to China recently to grant regulatory approval to the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine. However, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing earlier this month that “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China” – but not for the wider population. In exchange, Chinese nationals in Germany have been authorised to take the Chinese vaccines. At her weekly briefing on Wednesday, Ning sought to allay fears of widespread COVID cases and deaths, assuring the media briefing that the zero-COVID approach had “provided maximum protection to people’s lives and health” and the country was currently adapting its COVID response measures “to better coordinate epidemic response and socioeconomic development”. “China is ready to work with the international community to deepen solidarity and cooperation, jointly address the COVID challenge, make greater efforts to protect people’s life and health, promote sound recovery and growth of the world economy, and advance the building of a global community of health for all,” said Ning. Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning. Weak vaccines, lack of boosters “Although there is a high rate of vaccination, comparatively low effectiveness of the vaccines used in China against Omicron and the long duration since vaccination for many individuals mean that 80% of the population is susceptible to Omicron infection,” according to a briefing document from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. Based on modelling that includes the implementation of social distancing, the IHME “expect 323,000 total deaths from COVID-19 by 1 April 2023” but warns that one million Chinese people could die from COVID-19 next year. Although there is a perception that Omicron is mild and will not have a high death toll, “the experience in Hong Kong, however, where 10,000 died in the first months of the Omicron wave, would suggest otherwise”, according to the IHME. It describes Hong Kong as a good indicator of what is likely to happen in China, as it has “similar levels of vaccination with a comparatively poor vaccine and low levels of vaccination in the over-80 population, who are at the highest risk of death”. “Over 2022, the infection-fatality rate in Hong Kong was over 0.1% overall.” The IHME predicts huge numbers of elderly people with severe disease, and hospitals being overwhelmed. “Strategies to greatly reduce the death toll have been available but not used: switching to the more effective mRNA vaccines and producing or acquiring Paxlovid to manage disease in the vulnerable populations.” However, Chinese importer Meheco signed an agreement last week with Pfizer to import its antiviral, Paxlovid, according to Reuters . However, there has been no indication that the country will acquire mRNA vaccines although the US has announced that it will make these available to the country if asked. Currently, Paxlovid is available in China – but often sold out, and with a hefty price, according to Professor John Ji from Tsinghua University in Beijing. Antiviral #paxlovid is now available in #China , but often sold out. Retail cost is RMB 2900 ($415 USD). #COVID pic.twitter.com/2DLbVzFxI7 — John Ji (@ProfJohnJi) December 20, 2022 Meanwhile, three Hong Kong-based scientists published in a preprint last week calling on China to implement “fourth-dose heterologous boosting” to 4-8% of the population per week, and ordering enough antiviral treatment to cover 60% of the population, as well as public health measures including social distancing and mask-wearing. This would avoid “catastrophically overburdening health systems and/or incurring unacceptably excessive morbidity and mortality” as the country exited its “zero COVID” strategy. “With fourth-dose vaccination coverage of 85% and antiviral coverage of 60%, the cumulative mortality burden would be reduced by 26-35% to 448-503 per million, compared with reopening without any of these interventions,” according to the researchers, who are based at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Control at the Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health. Back in May, WHO Secretary-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing that China’s strategy was no longer sustainable in the face of the more infectious but less lethal Omicron. “When we talk about the zero-COVID strategy, we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behaviour of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” said Tedros, prompting a rebuke from Chinese officials Combat the infodemic in health information and support health policy reporting from the global South. Our growing network of journalists in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York connect the dots between regional realities and the big global debates, with evidence-based, open access news and analysis. To make a personal or organisational contribution click here.
Markdown	[Skip to content](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/#content) [![Health Policy Watch](https://i0.wp.com/healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/HPW-Logo-Full.png?fit=1099%2C206&ssl=1)](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/) menu - [Home](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/ "Home") - [About Us](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/about/ "About Us") [![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/themes/hpw2018/images/header-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/HealthPolicyW) [![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/themes/hpw2018/images/header-facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/HealthPolicyWatch) - [Antimicrobial Resistance](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/anti-microbial-resistance/ "Antimicrobial Resistance") - [Infectious Diseases](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/infectious-disease/ "Infectious Diseases") - [Pandemics & Emergencies](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/pandemics/ "Pandemics & Emergencies") - [Non-Communicable Diseases](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/noncommunicable-diseases/ "Non-Communicable Diseases") - [Health, Climate & SDGs](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/health-in-sdgs/ "Health, Climate & SDGs") [![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/themes/hpw2018/images/header-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/HealthPolicyW) [![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/themes/hpw2018/images/header-facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/HealthPolicyWatch) Will China Allow mRNA Vaccines to Boost Vulnerable Population? [COVID-19](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/infectious-disease/covid-19/) 20/12/2022 • [Kerry Cullinan](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/author/kerry-cullinan/ "Posts by Kerry Cullinan") ### Share this: - [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=twitter) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=linkedin) - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=facebook) - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/#print?share=print) - [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=bluesky) ![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-28-at-16.12.24-1024x737.png) COVID-19 is surging after China relaxed its lockdown measures after protests. Chinese protestors hold blank papers to signify censorship. Schools in Shanghai closed on Monday, as did the US Embassy in Beijing while the streets of major Chinese cities are reportedly deserted as residents retreated from a wave of COVID-19 cases. In the past week, the country has officially reported over 148,000 new cases – but this is likely to be much higher as it recently relaxed testing requirements. Only two deaths have been officially reported but there are widespread reports on social media about funeral homes being overwhelmed by COVID-related deaths. While most of its citizens have been under strict lockdowns on and off for the past three years as part of its “zero COVID” strategy, the Chinese health authorities did not roll out sufficient vaccine boosters to its captive audience to ensure more protection against the fast-spreading Omicron variant. While 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of the local homologous vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac, only 55% are boosted, [according to the World Health Organization](https://covid19.who.int/table) (WHO). Older Chinese who are more vulnerable to serious illness have been particularly resistant to boosters. But China’s vaccines are [only about 60% effective](https://www.ncid.sg/News-Events/News/Pages/Sinovac-jabs-not-as-effective-in-preventing-severe-disease-S%E2%80%99pore-study.aspx) against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts [recommend a third booster shot](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/immunization/sage/2021/october/sage_oct2021_meetinghighlights.pdf) to raise their level of protection. ### mRNA Vaccines only for non-Chinese Last month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen [told the New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/14/world/asia/yellen-china-covid-vaccinations.html) that China had not been interested in importing the US-produced mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. Similarly, Germany had also appealed to China recently to grant regulatory approval to the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine. However, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson [Mao Ning told a media briefing](https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202212/t20221209_10988054.html) earlier this month that “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China” – but not for the wider population. In exchange, Chinese nationals in Germany have been authorised to take the Chinese vaccines. At her weekly briefing on Wednesday, Ning sought to allay fears of widespread COVID cases and deaths, [assuring the media briefing](https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/202212/t20221220_10992666.html) that the zero-COVID approach had “provided maximum protection to people’s lives and health” and the country was currently adapting its COVID response measures “to better coordinate epidemic response and socioeconomic development”. “China is ready to work with the international community to deepen solidarity and cooperation, jointly address the COVID challenge, make greater efforts to protect people’s life and health, promote sound recovery and growth of the world economy, and advance the building of a global community of health for all,” said Ning. ![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mao-Ning.jpeg) Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning. ### Weak vaccines, lack of boosters “Although there is a high rate of vaccination, comparatively low effectiveness of the vaccines used in China against Omicron and the long duration since vaccination for many individuals mean that 80% of the population is susceptible to Omicron infection,” according to a briefing document from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. Based on modelling that includes the implementation of social distancing, the IHME “expect 323,000 total deaths from COVID-19 by 1 April 2023” but warns that one million Chinese people could die from COVID-19 next year. Although there is a perception that Omicron is mild and will not have a high death toll, “the experience in Hong Kong, however, where 10,000 died in the first months of the Omicron wave, would suggest otherwise”, according to the IHME. It describes Hong Kong as a good indicator of what is likely to happen in China, as it has “similar levels of vaccination with a comparatively poor vaccine and low levels of vaccination in the over-80 population, who are at the highest risk of death”. “Over 2022, the infection-fatality rate in Hong Kong was over 0.1% overall.” The IHME predicts huge numbers of elderly people with severe disease, and hospitals being overwhelmed. “Strategies to greatly reduce the death toll have been available but not used: switching to the more effective mRNA vaccines and producing or acquiring Paxlovid to manage disease in the vulnerable populations.” However, Chinese importer Meheco signed an agreement last week with Pfizer to import its antiviral, Paxlovid, [according to Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/china-meheco-distribute-pfizers-covid-treatment-product-china-2022-12-14/). However, there has been no indication that the country will acquire mRNA vaccines although the US has announced that it will make these available to the country if asked. Currently, Paxlovid is available in China – but often sold out, and with a hefty price, according to Professor John Ji from Tsinghua University in Beijing. > Antiviral [\#paxlovid](https://twitter.com/hashtag/paxlovid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is now available in [\#China](https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), but often sold out. Retail cost is RMB 2900 (\$415 USD). [\#COVID](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/2DLbVzFxI7](https://t.co/2DLbVzFxI7) > > — John Ji (@ProfJohnJi) [December 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/ProfJohnJi/status/1605143980269744129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Meanwhile, three Hong Kong-based scientists [published in a preprint](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.14.22283460v1.full.pdf) last week calling on China to implement “fourth-dose heterologous boosting” to 4-8% of the population per week, and ordering enough antiviral treatment to cover 60% of the population, as well as public health measures including social distancing and mask-wearing. This would avoid “catastrophically overburdening health systems and/or incurring unacceptably excessive morbidity and mortality” as the country exited its “zero COVID” strategy. “With fourth-dose vaccination coverage of 85% and antiviral coverage of 60%, the cumulative mortality burden would be reduced by 26-35% to 448-503 per million, compared with reopening without any of these interventions,” according to the researchers, who are based at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Control at the Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health. Back in May, WHO Secretary-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus [told a media briefing](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/chinas-zero-covid-strategy-is-unsustainable/) that China’s strategy was no longer sustainable in the face of the more infectious but less lethal Omicron. “When we talk about the zero-COVID strategy, we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behaviour of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” said Tedros, prompting a rebuke from Chinese officials ### Share this: - [Share on X (Opens in new window) X](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=twitter) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=linkedin) - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=facebook) - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/#print?share=print) - [Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/will-china-allow-mrna-vaccines-to-boost-vulnerable-population/?share=bluesky) Combat the infodemic in health information and support health policy reporting from the global South. Our growing network of journalists in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York connect the dots between regional realities and the big global debates, with evidence-based, open access news and analysis. To make a personal or organisational contribution click here. Posted in [Content type](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/content-type/), [COVID-19](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/infectious-disease/covid-19/), [COVID-19 Science](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/infectious-disease/covid-19-science/), [Infectious Diseases](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/infectious-disease/), [News](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/content-type/news/) Related [WHO Expert Group: Step up Typhoid Vaccination in High Risk Regions, Fewer Polio Doses in Low-Risk Areas](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/who-expert-group-advises-on-typhoid-covid-19-and-polio-vaccinations/) [Medicines & Vaccines](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/drug-and-diagnostics-development/medicines-and-vaccines/) 18/03/2026 * [A Flag Recaptured: US Exit from WHO Highlights Anger Over COVID-19 Pandemic](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/a-flag-recaptured-us-exit-from-who-highlights-anger-over-covid-19-pandemic/) [World Health Organization](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/institutions/world-health-organization/) 27/01/2026 * [Most Vaccine Hesitancy can be Successfully Overcome, New Lancet Study Finds](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/vaccine-hesitancy-temporary-for-majority/) [Pandemic Preparedness](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/pandemics/preparedness/) 14/01/2026 * Do you really care about access and equity in global health? Your contributions are urgently needed to support our mission in open access global health journalism and our network of correspondents in Africa, Asia, New York and Geneva. Their reporting connects the dots between the regional realities and the big global debates. Every contribution - big or small - helps us sustain our reporting for the benefit of all. Related [WHO Expert Group: Step up Typhoid Vaccination in High Risk Regions, Fewer Polio Doses in Low-Risk Areas](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/who-expert-group-advises-on-typhoid-covid-19-and-polio-vaccinations/) [Medicines & Vaccines](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/drug-and-diagnostics-development/medicines-and-vaccines/) 18/03/2026 * [A Flag Recaptured: US Exit from WHO Highlights Anger Over COVID-19 Pandemic](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/a-flag-recaptured-us-exit-from-who-highlights-anger-over-covid-19-pandemic/) [World Health Organization](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/institutions/world-health-organization/) 27/01/2026 * [Most Vaccine Hesitancy can be Successfully Overcome, New Lancet Study Finds](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/vaccine-hesitancy-temporary-for-majority/) [Pandemic Preparedness](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/category/pandemics/preparedness/) 14/01/2026 * Do you really care about access and equity in global health? 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Readable Markdown	![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screenshot-2022-11-28-at-16.12.24-1024x737.png) COVID-19 is surging after China relaxed its lockdown measures after protests. Chinese protestors hold blank papers to signify censorship. Schools in Shanghai closed on Monday, as did the US Embassy in Beijing while the streets of major Chinese cities are reportedly deserted as residents retreated from a wave of COVID-19 cases. In the past week, the country has officially reported over 148,000 new cases – but this is likely to be much higher as it recently relaxed testing requirements. Only two deaths have been officially reported but there are widespread reports on social media about funeral homes being overwhelmed by COVID-related deaths. While most of its citizens have been under strict lockdowns on and off for the past three years as part of its “zero COVID” strategy, the Chinese health authorities did not roll out sufficient vaccine boosters to its captive audience to ensure more protection against the fast-spreading Omicron variant. While 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of the local homologous vaccines, Sinopharm and Sinovac-Coronavac, only 55% are boosted, [according to the World Health Organization](https://covid19.who.int/table) (WHO). Older Chinese who are more vulnerable to serious illness have been particularly resistant to boosters. But China’s vaccines are [only about 60% effective](https://www.ncid.sg/News-Events/News/Pages/Sinovac-jabs-not-as-effective-in-preventing-severe-disease-S%E2%80%99pore-study.aspx) against severe infection in comparison to the over 90% protection offered by mRNA vaccines, and experts [recommend a third booster shot](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/immunization/sage/2021/october/sage_oct2021_meetinghighlights.pdf) to raise their level of protection. ### mRNA Vaccines only for non-Chinese Last month, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen [told the New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/14/world/asia/yellen-china-covid-vaccinations.html) that China had not been interested in importing the US-produced mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. Similarly, Germany had also appealed to China recently to grant regulatory approval to the BioNTech-Pfizer COVID vaccine. However, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson [Mao Ning told a media briefing](https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202212/t20221209_10988054.html) earlier this month that “China and Germany have reached an agreement on providing German vaccines for German nationals in China” – but not for the wider population. In exchange, Chinese nationals in Germany have been authorised to take the Chinese vaccines. At her weekly briefing on Wednesday, Ning sought to allay fears of widespread COVID cases and deaths, [assuring the media briefing](https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/202212/t20221220_10992666.html) that the zero-COVID approach had “provided maximum protection to people’s lives and health” and the country was currently adapting its COVID response measures “to better coordinate epidemic response and socioeconomic development”. “China is ready to work with the international community to deepen solidarity and cooperation, jointly address the COVID challenge, make greater efforts to protect people’s life and health, promote sound recovery and growth of the world economy, and advance the building of a global community of health for all,” said Ning. ![](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Mao-Ning.jpeg) Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning. ### Weak vaccines, lack of boosters “Although there is a high rate of vaccination, comparatively low effectiveness of the vaccines used in China against Omicron and the long duration since vaccination for many individuals mean that 80% of the population is susceptible to Omicron infection,” according to a briefing document from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. Based on modelling that includes the implementation of social distancing, the IHME “expect 323,000 total deaths from COVID-19 by 1 April 2023” but warns that one million Chinese people could die from COVID-19 next year. Although there is a perception that Omicron is mild and will not have a high death toll, “the experience in Hong Kong, however, where 10,000 died in the first months of the Omicron wave, would suggest otherwise”, according to the IHME. It describes Hong Kong as a good indicator of what is likely to happen in China, as it has “similar levels of vaccination with a comparatively poor vaccine and low levels of vaccination in the over-80 population, who are at the highest risk of death”. “Over 2022, the infection-fatality rate in Hong Kong was over 0.1% overall.” The IHME predicts huge numbers of elderly people with severe disease, and hospitals being overwhelmed. “Strategies to greatly reduce the death toll have been available but not used: switching to the more effective mRNA vaccines and producing or acquiring Paxlovid to manage disease in the vulnerable populations.” However, Chinese importer Meheco signed an agreement last week with Pfizer to import its antiviral, Paxlovid, [according to Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/china-meheco-distribute-pfizers-covid-treatment-product-china-2022-12-14/). However, there has been no indication that the country will acquire mRNA vaccines although the US has announced that it will make these available to the country if asked. Currently, Paxlovid is available in China – but often sold out, and with a hefty price, according to Professor John Ji from Tsinghua University in Beijing. > Antiviral [\#paxlovid](https://twitter.com/hashtag/paxlovid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is now available in [\#China](https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), but often sold out. Retail cost is RMB 2900 (\$415 USD). [\#COVID](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/2DLbVzFxI7](https://t.co/2DLbVzFxI7) > > — John Ji (@ProfJohnJi) [December 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/ProfJohnJi/status/1605143980269744129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Meanwhile, three Hong Kong-based scientists [published in a preprint](https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.14.22283460v1.full.pdf) last week calling on China to implement “fourth-dose heterologous boosting” to 4-8% of the population per week, and ordering enough antiviral treatment to cover 60% of the population, as well as public health measures including social distancing and mask-wearing. This would avoid “catastrophically overburdening health systems and/or incurring unacceptably excessive morbidity and mortality” as the country exited its “zero COVID” strategy. “With fourth-dose vaccination coverage of 85% and antiviral coverage of 60%, the cumulative mortality burden would be reduced by 26-35% to 448-503 per million, compared with reopening without any of these interventions,” according to the researchers, who are based at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Control at the Hong Kong University’s School of Public Health. Back in May, WHO Secretary-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus [told a media briefing](https://healthpolicy-watch.news/chinas-zero-covid-strategy-is-unsustainable/) that China’s strategy was no longer sustainable in the face of the more infectious but less lethal Omicron. “When we talk about the zero-COVID strategy, we don’t think that it’s sustainable, considering the behaviour of the virus now and what we anticipate in the future,” said Tedros, prompting a rebuke from Chinese officials Combat the infodemic in health information and support health policy reporting from the global South. Our growing network of journalists in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York connect the dots between regional realities and the big global debates, with evidence-based, open access news and analysis. To make a personal or organisational contribution click here.
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