The Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, or CoronaVac has been approved for use in 54 countries as of 30 March 2022. Produced by Sinovac Biotech, a pharmaceutical company based in China, this vaccine has been tested in 36 trials in 9 countries globally.

How does the Sinovac vaccine work?

The Sinovac vaccine is a two-dose inactivated vaccine. It contains copies of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that are dead (inactivated). When injected in a person, the dead version of the virus triggers and trains our bodies’ immune system to recognise and create antibodies to protect us.

However, because an inactivate version of the virus is used in the vaccine, the virus cannot replicate. Therefore, you won’t actually become ill with it.

Once a person is vaccinated, their immune system is able to recognise it and immediately fight off the SARS-CoV-2 virus when they are exposed to it.

Sinovac vaccine efficacy

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 14 days after the second dose is taken, the Sinovac vaccine has shown to be

• 51% effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections, and
• 100% effective against severe Covid-19 and hospitalisation.

Side effects of Sinovac vaccine

Common side effects of the vaccine include:

• Injection-site pain and discomfort
• Feeling tired or fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhoea

These side effects are typically mild and should subside within a couple of days. Seek medical advice if side effects are severe of if they do not subside.

Where to get Sinovac vaccine in Malaysia?

The Sinovac vaccine is given free by the Malaysian government for individuals who are allergic to other Covid-19 vaccines. However, it is also available at private health facilities such as Gleneagles Hospitals.

References

World Health Organization (2 Sept 2021) The Sinovac-CoronaVac Covid-19 Vaccine: What you need to know, Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know [Accessed 30 March 2022]