The COVID-19 vaccine BIBP, is an aluminium-hydroxide-adjuvanted, inactivated whole virus vaccine, which was granted WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) in May 2021. The WHO EUL process evaluates the quality of manufacturing along with all available safety and efficacy data. All of the vaccines that have achieved WHO EUL can be considered safe and highly effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Since receiving the WHO EUL, this vaccine has been administered to millions of people around the world, and data from the field have been assessed in WHO updates of its interim guidance published in October 2021 and March 2022.
For example, in Hungary, vaccine effectiveness in a large nationwide cohort (approx. 900 000 recepients of BIBP COVID-19 vaccine) was 69% against SARS-CoV-2 infection; and 88% (95% CI: 86–89%) against COVID-19-related mortality[^1].
Sinopharm BIBP is intended for persons aged 18 years and older. The recommended primary vaccine series is 2 doses (0.5 ml) given intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle. A booster dose is recommended for the highest and high priority-use groups (i.e. older adults, health workers, persons with comorbidities), administered 4–6 months after completion of the primary series.
Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) interim recommendations for use of COVID-19 vaccines:
https://www.who.int/groups/strategic-advisory-group-of-experts-on-immunization/covid-19-materials
References:
- Vokó Z, Kiss Z, Surján G, Surján O, Barcza Z, Pályi B et al. Nationwide effectiveness of five SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Hungary—the HUN-VE study. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2021.11.011
