Health Ministry: volunteers for clinical trials exceed 5000

More than 5000 people have so far volunteered for the Phase III of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine clinical trials, being conducted to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

The Ministry of Health commended the large flux of candidates which reflects the community awareness and responsibility of volunteers who answered the call of national duty.

The Bahrain Public Health Directorate announced, last August, the initiation of Phase III Clinical Trial for a COVID-19 inactivated vaccine under the slogan “For Humanity”.

A number of senior officials, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad A;-Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, volunteered for the Phase III of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine clinical trials.

“HRH The Crown Prince’s initiative to volunteer for the clinical trials last week  had wide resonances locally, regionally and internationally, and  motivated many others to follow suit”, said the ministry.

Bahrain is currently on the verge of the last stages of the clinical trials after successfully implementing all the previous steps since the introduction of clinical trials of the third phase, which aimed to develop a safe and effective vaccine that protects society and humanity.

The National Taskforce for Combating COVID-19 followed up the  health status of all volunteers after undergoing the vaccination.

The candidates’ health assessment is conducted after joining the clinical trials of the inactivated vaccine in accordance with the accredited protocol.

The ministry has encouraged fit candidates to apply and volunteer for Phase III of the COVID-19 inactivated vaccine clinical trials at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) from 8 am until 8 pm.

The third phase of the vaccine’s clinical trial, conducted in partnership with the China-based pharmaceutical company, Sinopharm, has been approved by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA).

It involves administering the inactive vaccine to the selected volunteers, to study the effectiveness of antibody production and the acquired protection against the virus. 

The ministry revealed that the trial includes up to 6,000 volunteers, over the age of 18, and volunteers who have to undergo a health assessment prior to enlisting, as per the health requirements set by the approved protocols.