The Kingdom of Bahrain has received its first delivery of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India under the name Covishield, the Bahrain News Agency stated on Thursday.
REUTERS/DADO RUVIC
The Serum Institute of India is also registered as a manufacturer of medicines and vaccines in Bahrain, and currently produces other key vaccines authorised by the World Health Organization, such as BCG, hepatitis, measles, polio and influenza vaccines.
In early December 2020, Bahrain confirmed it would provide the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to all of its citizens and residents, with distribution taking place across 27 medical centres.
According to the report, the vaccine will be available to all citizens and residents and distributed equitably to support the national vaccination action efforts.
While, commenting on the arrival of the vaccine, Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian government for working with the kingdom to secure its delivery, the report noted.
The crown prince welcomed the strong partnership enjoyed between Bahrain and India.
He extended his gratitude to India for its continued cooperation, which has served the interests of both countries and their people.
Prince Salman once again urged all citizens and residents who have not yet received the vaccination to register for the benefit of themselves, their families and the community.
Bahrain to Provide COVID-19 Vaccine Free for All Citizens and Residents
According to Reuters, SII Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla on Monday said the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturer, would supply Saudi Arabia with 3 million AstraZeneca vaccine doses priced at $5.25 each in about a week.
There are currently five main vaccines circulating in the region aimed at protecting the population from the coronavirus that is causing COVID-19. They are: Pfizer/BioNTech; Moderna; Oxford/AstraZeneca; Sputnik V, and Sinopharm.
Covishield is the third vaccine to receive emergency authorisation in Bahrain following Sinopharm and Pfizer-BioNTech. Bahrain National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) reviewed the scientific data behind the manufacturing process and the stability of the product to verify vaccine quality.
Earlier this month, Bahraini officials confirmed that a January shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had been delayed due to production and supply processes on the manufacturers side.
