The World Health Organization has issued an emergency use listing for the COVID-19 vaccine made by Sinovac for adults 18 and over.
In a statement on Tuesday, the U.N. health agency said data showed that two doses prevented COVID-19 symptoms in about half of those who got the vaccine.
WHO said there were few older adults enrolled in the research, so it could not estimate how effective the vaccine was in people over 60. WHO is not recommending an upper age limit for the vaccine, the agency said.
Data collected from Sinovac use in other countries suggest it has a protective effect in older persons, it added.
WHO’s authorization means the vaccine can be bought by donors and other U.N. agencies for use in poorer countries, including in the U.N.-backed initiative to distribute COVID-19 vaccines globally known as COVAX.
To date, there is no confirmed deal for Sinovac doses with COVAX.
