The Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, also known as CoronaVac, is produced by the China-based pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech. As of February 2022, this vaccine has been approved for use in 53 countries.

The CoronaVac is a two-dose inactivated vaccine. A dead version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is used to trigger the body’s immune system to develop antibodies against the virus. However, because a dead version of the virus is used, it will not replicate and thus, you will not actually get sick from it. The antibodies your body creates will then be able to fight the live version of the virus if you were to catch it.

According to the World Health Organisation, vaccine trials have demonstrated that the Sinovac vaccine has a 51% efficacy in preventing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, and 100% efficacy against hospitalisation and severe COVID-19 14 days after the second dose is administered.

The most common side effect is injection-site pain. Other side effects include tiredness or fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhoea, and fever. Side effects are usually mild and will subside within a couple of days.

The Sinovac vaccine is free under the Malaysian government only for individuals who are allergic to other vaccines. However, you can get your Sinovac shots at private health facilities such as Pantai Hospitals. Refer to the list of Pantai Hospitals if you wish to purchase the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine.