The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) said China's Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines have been proven to be effective against the coronavirus.

They felt, however, that some additional data is needed, particularly with regard to "the elderly and people suffering from other illnesses" who face the virus. 

Vaccines from Chinese laboratories Sinopharm and Sinovac have shown to be safe and effective against Covid-19, but more data is needed, WHO experts said on Wednesday.

This assessment was made by the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization which met from March 22 to 25.

These experts are responsible in particular for formulating recommendations on vaccination.

Proven efficacy for symptomatic cases 

In a document summarizing the main points raised during the meeting, experts said that these two Chinese vaccines - which have submitted an application for approval to the WHO - have "demonstrated their safety and good efficacy against Covid-19 when the patient presents symptoms ".

"But there is a lack of data (...) with regard to the elderly and people suffering from other diseases", however, they qualified.

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Before adding: once they have been introduced, studies on the efficacy and safety of these two vaccines "will be necessary to assess their effects on these sub-populations".

WHO vaccine approval decision expected in early April

The WHO decisions on the registration applications filed by Sinopharm and Sinovac are not expected until at least early April.

The approval by the WHO under the Emergency Procedure (EUL) allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval procedures to import and administer the vaccine.

It also allows Unicef ​​to buy the vaccine for distribution to countries in need.