Pfizer vaccine only for those with weak immunity

Islamabad: The government has changed its guidelines for the administration of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and said only those with weak immune systems would receive jabs made by the American pharmaceutical company.

The National Health Service ministry said the decision was made in view of the agreement with COVAX. The government had earlier reserved the Pfizer COVID-19 for intending Hajis, people with work visas, and students enrolled abroad.

Meanwhile, special assistant to the prime minister on health Dr Faisal Sultan said the Pfizer vaccine would be distributed in 15 cities nationwide for the people with low immunity. Pakistan has received 106,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine through COVAX. In the first phase, 51,000 doses will be divided among the provinces.

Punjab will receive 26,000 doses, Sindh 12,000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 8,000, Balochistan 2,000, Islamabad 1,000, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 100 and Gilgit-Baltistan 1,000.