Government's response to registration of COVID-19 vaccines

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     The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) made a statement in response to an online media report about the FHB claiming that COVID-19 vaccines developed and approved for use in the Mainland cannot be used in the healthcare system of Hong Kong. The media report did not give an accurate account of the overall situation. The Government regrets that the report created a biased image that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's regulatory system for pharmaceutical products was prejudiced against Mainland vaccines.

     Hong Kong's regulatory framework and registration system for pharmaceutical products are long-established and have been effective. They were further strengthened and enhanced in 2015, so as to ensure that Hong Kong citizens are provided with effective and safe products that are of good quality. The relevant regulatory regime is generic in nature and is applicable to all pharmaceutical products provided and used in Hong Kong, including vaccines.

     The COVID-19 epidemic is a public health emergency. The Government is adopting a "two-pronged" strategy to procure vaccines that meet the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality for Hong Kong citizens. Depending on need, the Government will consider implementing necessary measures to enable the emergency use of vaccines with proven safety and efficacy. The Government would not rule out the possibility of introducing legislation on emergency basis if necessary.

Ends/Saturday, November 28, 2020
Issued at HKT 1:07

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