Kazakhstan started Phase Three clinical trial of its domestic COVID-19 vaccine with the participation of 3,000 volunteers. The clinical sites are located in medical organizations of Almaty and Taraz. In addition, production of a Russian vaccine was launched at the Karaganda pharmaceutical complex. Two million doses of vaccine will be produced in stages. The country plans to start a mass vaccination campaign in February. It will be offered voluntarily first to medical workers, law enforcement officers and others. Kazakh Health Ministry explained who would be responsible if side effects of the coronavirus vaccine are reported.
“Our current legislation provides that if there are side effects, the suspension and revocation of the registration certificate will take place. As for Sputnik vaccine, such situation is prescribed in our legislation. The holder of the legislation permit or the manufacturer would therefore be liable for side effects,” said Nurlybek Asylbekov, acting Deputy Chairperson, Medical and Pharmaceutical Control Committee.