China announced on Thursday that it had granted conditional marketing authorization for its first self-developed COVID-19 vaccine. Beijing says , "The Shinopharm vaccine meets WHO standards."

"The Administration has comprehensively analyzed the interim results of the Phase-III,large scale - double blind - placebo controlled - clinical trials for the vaccine, which shows it has a 79.34% efficacy against COVID-19." said Chen Shefei from National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

 National Health Commission (NHC), deputy head Zeng Yixin said that the vaccine will be provided free to the Chinese people.

Local media report, as many as 50 Million people from high priority group will be vaccinated before the lunar new year in February. According to health officials, the price of the vaccine will depend on the scale of use. NHC official says,"We are confident the price of the COVID vaccine will certainly be in the limits that the people can afford."

Authorities are urging to people to get vaccinated to protect themselves. UAE, was the first country to roll out this vey vaccine earlier this month.

China has other vaccines going on with late state trials as the part of 'emergency use program' targeting emergency workers, and potential high risk patients. At least 5 home grown vaccines are in late stage trials.