Former UNC government minister Dr. Tim Gopeesingh has spoken out endorsing China’s Sinopharm vaccine, urging the population to take whichever vaccine is available at this time, as all have been approved by the World Health Organization.

T&T is due to receive an initial gift of 100,000 doses of the Chinese vaccine in short time.

“It is a fact that the efficacy among the various Covid-19 vaccines may differ—two jabs of some at least two months apart, will provide safety of about 90-92 per cent of persons, while others will provide up to 75 per cent. Nevertheless, this strongly outweighs the risks of severe disease or morbidity, whether short term or long term, from Covid-19 infections,” said Dr. Gopeesingh, who contracted the virus last August. 

His position on the Sinopharm vaccines is a stark contrast from the Opposition’s- earlier this month Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal chastised government after news that T&T would purchase thousands of Sinopharm vaccines after receiving an inital gift of 100,000 doses, saying government had been using the public as “guinea pigs”.

The statement was immediately condemned by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, who reaffirmed that the vaccine had received approval from the World Health Organization.

Nevertheless, the former Education Minister supported the Opposition’s call that the fight against the virus requires both sides of the political field joining forces.

“This war can, however, only be won with a national concerted effort, and I therefore endorse the renewed call by the Opposition Leader, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissesssar, to meet with the Government for a bipartisan approach to help in fighting this deadly pandemic. Please, let us all remember that we also have individual power and responsibility to ensure our safety during this time, by adhering to all public health regulations and staying at home to protect lives,” he said.

The initial arrival of 100,000 doses is expected arrive from China before the end of May.