In the global race for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, China has taken a proactive yet controversial step by administering experimental shots to over 100,000 citizens—despite ongoing clinical trials.
Recent promising data on Russia's Sputnik V vaccine highlighted its ability to provoke an immune response without severe side effects. Yet China has surged ahead independently. According to a September 11, 2020, Vox report, Sinopharm announced it had begun vaccinating people even before completing clinical trials.
Specifically, three vaccines in phase III trials received emergency approval from Beijing in July 2020. Two are developed by China National Biotec Group (CNBG), a Sinopharm subsidiary, while the third comes from Sinovac. Sinovac reported vaccinating about 90% of its employees and their families—roughly 3,000 people.
These vaccinations, totaling around 100,000 doses for Chinese citizens, proceeded discreetly. The emergency program wasn't publicly announced until late August 2020, nearly two months after launch. Recipients included high-risk groups such as diplomats, healthcare workers, customs officials, and service industry employees.
Without finalized phase III data, risks remain significant. This crucial trial stage identifies rare side effects missed in earlier phases, weighs benefits against risks, and establishes usage guidelines.
