The first batch of 100,000 doses of the BioNTech mRNA vaccine arrived in Macau from Germany via Hong Kong today.
Health Bureau (SSM) Director Lei Chin Ion told reporters on the sidelines of the consignment's arrival at the public Conde de S. Januario Hospital Centre that in the first two weeks the BioNTech inoculations will only be administered at the public hospital, adding that depending on the situation the mRNA vaccination will also be available at public health centres later.
Lei pointed out that the BioNTech jabs must be stored under strict temperature controls and used within 5 days after defrosting.
The appointment registration process for the BioNTech jabs will start at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Lei said, adding that the mRNA vaccination programme will commence on Wednesday.
BioNTech is the second kind of COVID-19 vaccine to be delivered to Macau. A total of 100,000 Sinopharm jabs arrived here on February 6. The general population's vaccination drive started on February 22.
The government announced last night that those aged 60 or over can again register for Sinopharm jabs if their health condition is "good." Earlier this week, the government had temporarily stopped to accept appointments for Sinopharm vaccinations for senior citizens.
Lei stressed today that BioNTech is "suitable" for people aged 60 or over.
The jabs are free of charge. Each person requires two jabs. Macau's population stands at about 680,000.
The government has said that the free vaccination drive will include Macau's about 175,000 non-resident workers later this year.
